How To Become An Electrical Test Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is an electrical test technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

John Irwin EdD

As an electrical test technician, you have to perform several diagnostic tests on various instruments and equipment to improve optimization and assure effective operation. You need to evaluate system components and oversee calibration following clients' or the company's requirements.

Additionally, you will examine an electrical system's design methods and features to comprehend its intricacies and determine whether or not it requires updates. You will also retain a record of system concerns and resolutions. You're to perform in-circuit emulation and boundary-scan testing (JTAG) as well.

To complete jobs and reach the best level of customer satisfaction as an electrical test technician, you must have an extensive understanding of the technological and mechanical industries. You need an associate's degree in a discipline relevant to engineering technology with a typical curriculum comprising fundamental electronics and circuits to work as a test technician. Yearly payment for this role ranges from $26,000 to $70,000.

What general advice would you give to an electrical test technician?

John Irwin EdD

Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University

Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.

ScoreElectrical Test TechnicianUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $52,690

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

2.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 8.05%

Black or African American 6.26%

Hispanic or Latino 10.43%

Unknown 4.32%

White 70.79%

Gender

female 7.29%

male 92.71%

Age - 52

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52

Stress level

5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an electrical test technician

Explore electrical test technician education requirements

Most common electrical test technician degrees

Associate

45.3 %

Bachelor's

30.0 %

High School Diploma

9.4 %

Start to develop specific electrical test technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Troubleshoot	14.16%
Safety Procedures	9.86%
Electrical Systems	7.66%
OSHA	7.04%
PC	5.87%

Complete relevant electrical test technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New electrical test technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an electrical test technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real electrical test technician resumes.

Research electrical test technician duties and responsibilities

Remove and replace RF cards, baseband cards, and recalibrate to achieve calibration standards.
Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
Prove PLC programs and VFDs operate according to manufacture's specifications.
Test equipment and PLC programs, and troubleshot the units for optimum functionality.

Prepare your electrical test technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your electrical test technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an electrical test technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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