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Electrical technician vs service technician

The differences between electrical technicians and service technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an electrical technician has an average salary of $55,215, which is higher than the $40,379 average annual salary of a service technician.

The top three skills for an electrical technician include hand tools, PLC and electrical equipment. The most important skills for a service technician are plumbing, customer service, and preventative maintenance.

Electrical technician vs service technician overview

Electrical TechnicianService Technician
Yearly salary$55,215$40,379
Hourly rate$26.55$19.41
Growth rate-8%
Number of jobs127,792254,533
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 29%
Average age5044
Years of experience-12

What does an electrical technician do?

An electrical technician is responsible for managing the electrical systems of an establishment, ensuring the safety of the network and cables to support daily operations. Electrical technicians analyze schematics and specifications to construct electrical systems, run diagnostic tests, and perform repairs for any defects and inconsistencies. They assemble electrical equipment, replace malfunctioning components, upgrading systems, and advising management of high-quality electrical supplies. An electrical technician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical and mechanical industry, especially with supervising electricians on their duties, as well as responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns.

What does a service technician do?

Service technicians are assigned in the field to address the concerns of their clients. Service technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, or repair of different units or items related to their company's products or services. They should be familiar with their company's products so that they can properly install, maintain, or repair them. They conduct diagnostics and analysis to assess the condition of the unit they are servicing and properly address problems. They also do routine maintenance check-ups. Service technicians are expected to be trustworthy, have good analytical skills, and have good decision-making skills.

Electrical technician vs service technician salary

Electrical technicians and service technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electrical TechnicianService Technician
Average salary$55,215$40,379
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $80,000Between $28,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CARichmond, CA
Highest paying stateVirginiaHawaii
Best paying companyTexas InstrumentsIBM
Best paying industryEnergyTechnology

Differences between electrical technician and service technician education

There are a few differences between an electrical technician and a service technician in terms of educational background:

Electrical TechnicianService Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 29%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common college--

Electrical technician vs service technician demographics

Here are the differences between electrical technicians' and service technicians' demographics:

Electrical TechnicianService Technician
Average age5044
Gender ratioMale, 93.3% Female, 6.7%Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%1%

Differences between electrical technician and service technician duties and responsibilities

Electrical technician example responsibilities.

  • Test printed circuit boards to comply with military, ISO, and customer specifications.
  • Inspect, test and troubleshoot a variety of PLC and microprocessor control high voltage transformer systems.
  • Work in accordance with OSHA safety regulation, NEC, ANSI, ISO9001 compliance and with company safety policies.
  • Work with proximity sensors, ac & dc motors, VFDs, and controls on a daily basis here.
  • Install EMT risers in new buildings for communications.
  • Work on equipment using CNET, DNET, and Ethernet.
  • Show more

Service technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and perform the installation of HVAC equipment, air handlers, condensers, thermostats, ducts and piping.
  • Perform routine maintenance work on loaders, conveyors, trucks, and trailers.
  • Cable installation as a COMCAST subcontractor
  • Ensure ISO compliance and perform QC.
  • Service damaged smartphones, tablets, and peripherals.
  • Remove and launch boats from water using heavy equipment.
  • Show more

Electrical technician vs service technician skills

Common electrical technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • PLC, 7%
  • Electrical Equipment, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Electrical Schematics, 4%
  • Control Systems, 4%
Common service technician skills
  • Plumbing, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • CDL, 6%
  • Patients, 6%

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