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Electronic instrument technician vs electrical technician

The differences between electronic instrument technicians and electrical 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 $52,630 average annual salary of an electronic instrument technician.

The top three skills for an electronic instrument technician include computer system, transducers and PLC. The most important skills for an electrical technician are hand tools, PLC, and electrical equipment.

Electronic instrument technician vs electrical technician overview

Electronic Instrument TechnicianElectrical Technician
Yearly salary$52,630$55,215
Hourly rate$25.30$26.55
Growth rate--
Number of jobs40,520127,792
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 59%Associate Degree, 41%
Average age5050
Years of experience12-

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 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.

Electronic instrument technician vs electrical technician salary

Electronic instrument technicians and electrical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electronic Instrument TechnicianElectrical Technician
Average salary$52,630$55,215
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $72,000Between $37,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City-Palo Alto, CA
Highest paying state-Virginia
Best paying company-Texas Instruments
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between electronic instrument technician and electrical technician education

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

Electronic Instrument TechnicianElectrical Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 59%Associate Degree, 41%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern University-

Electronic instrument technician vs electrical technician demographics

Here are the differences between electronic instrument technicians' and electrical technicians' demographics:

Electronic Instrument TechnicianElectrical Technician
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 96.6% Female, 3.4%Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7%
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 electrical 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

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

Electronic instrument technician vs electrical technician skills

Common electronic instrument technician skills
  • Computer System, 9%
  • Transducers, 7%
  • PLC, 7%
  • Transmitters, 7%
  • Control Systems, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
Common electrical technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • PLC, 7%
  • Electrical Equipment, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Electrical Schematics, 4%
  • Control Systems, 4%

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