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The differences between electrical test technicians and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 8-10 years to become an electrical test technician, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, which is higher than the $52,690 average annual salary of an electrical test technician.
The top three skills for an electrical test technician include troubleshoot, safety procedures and electrical systems. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Electrical Test Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,690 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $25.33 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | - | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 86,608 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 2 |
An electrical test technician is an individual who assures the proper functioning of electrical power systems. Electrical test technicians execute tests on manufactured products. The technicians manipulate and monitor the processes and instruments used in testing the products. They perform periodic tests on equipment in service to extend service life and indicate the necessity of corrective maintenance or replacement. Also, they investigate issues associated with production.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Electrical test technicians and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Test Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $52,690 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $77,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | City of Los Angeles | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electrical test technician and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Test Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between electrical test technicians' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Electrical Test Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |