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

What is an electronic test technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

John Irwin EdD

As an electronic test technician, you will serve the purpose of laying out, building, testing, and modifying electronic components or the product itself, among other duties. If you have the required expertise and know how to test electronics properly, then this is the job for you.

Some of the duties and responsibilities that you will be performing in this capacity include conducting product tests, compiling product reports and results based on those tests, maintaining equipment, consulting with other departments regarding any faults that might occur and how to improve on them, and inspecting the final product for any discrepancies. You will also suggest improvements to the existing production line to eliminate any faults and make sure that the personnel is adhering to safety regulations. Essential skills required for this role include mathematics, communication, safety knowledge, understanding testing equipment, and scientific knowledge.

To qualify for this role, most employers require an associate's degree in engineering, although a bachelor's degree may be given preference. Moreover, prior work experience in a similar role is also advantageous. The average hourly pay for this role is $18.34, which amounts to $38,138 annually. The job maybe tough, but it compensates generously.

What general advice would you give to an electronic 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.

ScoreElectronic Test TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $43,020

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 8.99%

male 91.01%

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

5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an electronic test technician

Explore electronic test technician education requirements

Most common electronic test technician degrees

Associate

60.3 %

Bachelor's

21.7 %

Diploma

7.0 %

Start to develop specific electronic test technician skills

Skills	Percentages
RF	9.41%
Oscilloscopes	8.25%
Test Procedures	6.84%
Test Data	6.13%
Hand Tools	6.04%

Complete relevant electronic test technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New electronic 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 electronic test technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real electronic test technician resumes.

Research electronic test technician duties and 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.

Prepare your electronic test technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your electronic 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 electronic test technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable electronic test technician resume templates

Build a professional electronic test technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your electronic test technician resume.