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The differences between electrical test engineers and test technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an electrical test engineer, becoming a test technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an electrical test engineer has an average salary of $74,723, which is higher than the $43,171 average annual salary of a test technician.
The top three skills for an electrical test engineer include data analysis, labview and C++. The most important skills for a test technician are test procedures, test results, and hand tools.
| Electrical Test Engineer | Test Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $74,723 | $43,171 |
| Hourly rate | $35.92 | $20.76 |
| Growth rate | 3% | - |
| Number of jobs | 69,793 | 71,414 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
An electrical test engineer specializes in developing test structures to ensure the quality and efficiency of electrical systems and equipment. Among their responsibilities include understanding and identifying the needs of electrical projects, troubleshooting errors, gathering and analyzing materials to find defects and inconsistencies, conducting tests and examinations, and analyzing test results. Moreover, an electrical test engineer must also study and identify the root of problems, recommending and implementing solutions while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
A test technician is responsible for running multiple diagnostic tests on various tools and equipment to boost optimization and ensure its efficient performance on operations. Test technicians inspect system components and manage calibration, following clients' specifications or the business' needs. A test technician also analyzes the system's design processes and features to understand its complexities and identify necessary upgrades. Test technicians keep a record of system issues and resolutions for reference. A test technician must have excellent knowledge of the technical and mechanical industry to perform tasks and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.
Electrical test engineers and test technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Test Engineer | Test Technician | |
| Average salary | $74,723 | $43,171 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $98,000 | Between $30,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Meta | Nokia |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electrical test engineer and a test technician in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Test Engineer | Test Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between electrical test engineers' and test technicians' demographics:
| Electrical Test Engineer | Test Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% | Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |