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Electronics technician vs communications technician

The differences between electronics technicians and communications technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications technician has an average salary of $52,222, which is higher than the $46,660 average annual salary of an electronics technician.

The top three skills for an electronics technician include hand tools, RF and ladders. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.

Electronics technician vs communications technician overview

Electronics TechnicianCommunications Technician
Yearly salary$46,660$52,222
Hourly rate$22.43$25.11
Growth rate-8%
Number of jobs83,284125,698
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 52%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age5045
Years of experience12-

What does an electronics technician do?

An electronics technician is responsible for the maintenance of the technology and electrical equipment to ensure its performance with the highest quality standards. Electronics technicians' duties include troubleshooting, replacing malfunction equipment components, upgrading technology and software systems, operating machines, diagnosing defects, analyzing blueprints, conducting system installations, and creating reports for technological procedures. An electronics technician must have excellent attention to detail and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to multi-task in performing tasks accurately and efficiently to deliver the best services to clients.

What does a communications technician do?

A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.

Electronics technician vs communications technician salary

Electronics technicians and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electronics TechnicianCommunications Technician
Average salary$46,660$52,222
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $66,000Between $29,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCTualatin, OR
Highest paying stateMontanaWashington
Best paying companyJacobs Engineering GroupPacifi
Best paying industryEnergyGovernment

Differences between electronics technician and communications technician education

There are a few differences between an electronics technician and a communications technician in terms of educational background:

Electronics TechnicianCommunications Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 52%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityStanford University

Electronics technician vs communications technician demographics

Here are the differences between electronics technicians' and communications technicians' demographics:

Electronics TechnicianCommunications Technician
Average age5045
Gender ratioMale, 91.4% Female, 8.6%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
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, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between electronics technician and communications technician duties and responsibilities

Electronics technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions in electrical and electronic components.
  • Calibrate, troubleshoot and repair professional electronic test equipment: oscilloscopes, oscillators and pulse generators.
  • Utilize a wide array of test equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and communications monitors.
  • Assemble electronic components onto print circuit boards with aid of PCB component location prints and engineer assembly documentation.
  • Help tutor other students in writing, math and electronics.
  • Show more

Communications technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain communications for users on FMC's IBM SNA network.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Complete installs and ensure that they are up to code base on current NEC, NESC, and OSHA regulations.
  • Install and configure Cisco routers.
  • Perform installations of Safeway POS systems.
  • Test cable lines and equipment to NEC standards.
  • Show more

Electronics technician vs communications technician skills

Common electronics technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • RF, 5%
  • Ladders, 4%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 4%
  • Oscilloscopes, 4%
  • PLC, 4%
Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%

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