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The differences between electronics test engineers and test technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an electronics test engineer, becoming a test technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an electronics test engineer has an average salary of $80,610, which is higher than the $43,171 average annual salary of a test technician.
The top three skills for an electronics test engineer include RF, labview and C++. The most important skills for a test technician are test procedures, test results, and hand tools.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Test Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $80,610 | $43,171 |
| Hourly rate | $38.75 | $20.76 |
| Growth rate | 3% | - |
| Number of jobs | 70,182 | 71,414 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 12 |
An electronics test engineer tests plans for use on electronic products, components, and systems. As an electronics test engineer, you will be responsible for evaluating and testing these products to ensure their quality. This role will require you to perform other tasks that include developing digital test patterns for mix signal testing and ASIC, developing procedures and test plans for electronic components and systems, and writing instructions for system assembly. You will also be responsible for evaluating the performance of electronic systems and providing recommendations for improvements.
A test technician is responsible for running multiple diagnostic tests on various tools and equipment to boost optimization and ensure its efficient performance on operations. Test technicians inspect system components and manage calibration, following clients' specifications or the business' needs. A test technician also analyzes the system's design processes and features to understand its complexities and identify necessary upgrades. Test technicians keep a record of system issues and resolutions for reference. A test technician must have excellent knowledge of the technical and mechanical industry to perform tasks and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.
Electronics test engineers and test technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Test Technician | |
| Average salary | $80,610 | $43,171 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $107,000 | Between $30,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Synaptics | Nokia |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electronics test engineer and a test technician in terms of educational background:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Test Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and test technicians' demographics:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Test Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 Percentage | 6% | 8% |