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Electronic test technician vs technician

The differences between electronic test technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an electronic test technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an electronic test technician has an average salary of $43,020, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for an electronic test technician include RF, oscilloscopes and test procedures. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Electronic test technician vs technician overview

Electronic Test TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$43,020$38,045
Hourly rate$20.68$18.29
Growth rate-1%
Number of jobs49,129596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age5040
Years of experience122

What does an electronic test technician do?

An Electronics Test Technician is responsible for testing and troubleshooting electronic equipment, components, and parts. As an Electronics Test Technician, you will investigate issues related to process control, SCADA systems, and instrumentation and suggest effective solutions. You will be responsible for analyzing and repairing broken printed circuit boards (PCB) and creating documentation for the testing of PCB assemblies. Other duties include compiling product reports and presenting these to the company heads, ensuring to maintain testing equipment, and performing multipoint safety inspections of products.

What does a technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Electronic test technician vs technician salary

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

Electronic Test TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$43,020$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $57,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityBethesda, MDSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiHawaii
Best paying companySandia National LabsMicrosoft
Best paying industryEnergyTelecommunication

Differences between electronic test technician and technician education

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

Electronic Test TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeNortheastern University-

Electronic test technician vs technician demographics

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

Electronic Test TechnicianTechnician
Average age5040
Gender ratioMale, 91.0% Female, 9.0%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%2%

Differences between electronic test technician and technician duties and responsibilities

Electronic test technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage work load for new equipment builds for PC refresh for end of lease equipment and new user setups.
  • Key interface for, DOD, NASA, FDA, IPC, and ISO inspections.
  • Perform software and hardware debugging.
  • Follow ESD procedures and written safety rules.
  • Test and troubleshoot complex wire harnesses and panel assemblies.
  • Test products to adhere to ISO 9000 and FDA regulations.
  • Show more

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Electronic test technician vs technician skills

Common electronic test technician skills
  • RF, 9%
  • Oscilloscopes, 8%
  • Test Procedures, 7%
  • Test Data, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Test Results, 4%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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