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Electronic instrument technician vs assembly & test technician

The differences between electronic instrument technicians and assembly & test technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an electronic instrument technician and an assembly & test technician. Additionally, an electronic instrument technician has an average salary of $52,630, which is higher than the $38,774 average annual salary of an assembly & test technician.

The top three skills for an electronic instrument technician include computer system, transducers and PLC. The most important skills for an assembly & test technician are mechanical assembly, aerospace, and dexterity.

Electronic instrument technician vs assembly & test technician overview

Electronic Instrument TechnicianAssembly & Test Technician
Yearly salary$52,630$38,774
Hourly rate$25.30$18.64
Growth rate--
Number of jobs40,52064,354
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 59%Associate Degree, 47%
Average age5050
Years of experience1212

What does an electronic instrument technician do?

An electronic instrument technician is responsible for choosing the best electrical instruments. They are the first to test an electronic instrument to check for any damage and conduct repairs as needed. They are also responsible for evaluating electronic instruments using different assessing systems. Maintenance of the tools used and scheduled troubleshooting is also the technician's job. They can be working inside a factory, standing for long hours, so strong stamina is needed. They can also be seen inside a retail store, so good communication skills are necessary.

What does an assembly & test technician do?

An assembly & test technician works at manufacturing facilities where they are in charge of assembling product components and subjecting them to various tests, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their organization of employment, it usually includes understanding diagrams and project requirements, establishing and implementing test parameters, operating tools and equipment, maintaining records, and producing detailed reports. There are also times when they must coordinate with quality control teams, working together in a joint effort to improve production processes and results.

Electronic instrument technician vs assembly & test technician salary

Electronic instrument technicians and assembly & test technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electronic Instrument TechnicianAssembly & Test Technician
Average salary$52,630$38,774
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $72,000Between $30,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City-Beverly, MA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-BWX Technologies
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between electronic instrument technician and assembly & test technician education

There are a few differences between an electronic instrument technician and an assembly & test technician in terms of educational background:

Electronic Instrument TechnicianAssembly & Test Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 59%Associate Degree, 47%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityNortheastern University

Electronic instrument technician vs assembly & test technician demographics

Here are the differences between electronic instrument technicians' and assembly & test technicians' demographics:

Electronic Instrument TechnicianAssembly & Test Technician
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 96.6% Female, 3.4%Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between electronic instrument technician and assembly & test technician duties and responsibilities

Electronic instrument technician example responsibilities.

  • Supervise and manage several environmental ECAS annual, monthly and weekly reports in cooperation with regional CEMS manager for federal compliance.
  • Perform testing and calibration for fire and gas detection, transmitters, and all other process instrumentation.
  • Repair and calibrate (electronic and pneumatic) controllers and transducers.
  • Pull or push steel members into position while member are supported by hoisting device.
  • Assist with hoisting loads using slings, chains, shackles, hooks, cables and other rigging equipment.
  • Install PLC systems including uploading/downloading base software.
  • Show more

Assembly & test technician example responsibilities.

  • Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
  • Perform inspections on transformers, electrical motors, and switches.
  • Test transformers and adapters using ac power source and power resistors.
  • Help transition from PLC and hydraulic actuation to current computer control equipment.
  • Apply and practice QA processes to ensure products are within tolerances and safe to deliver to clients.
  • Assist the test labs in the writing and maintenance of ISO documentation relate to product test work instructions.
  • Show more

Electronic instrument technician vs assembly & test technician skills

Common electronic instrument technician skills
  • Computer System, 9%
  • Transducers, 7%
  • PLC, 7%
  • Transmitters, 7%
  • Control Systems, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
Common assembly & test technician skills
  • Mechanical Assembly, 8%
  • Aerospace, 7%
  • Dexterity, 6%
  • Calipers, 5%
  • Test Results, 5%
  • FAA, 4%

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