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The differences between fiber technologists 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 $51,824 average annual salary of a fiber technologist.
The top three skills for a fiber technologist include OTDR, OSP and fiber optic cables. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.
| Fiber Technologist | Communications Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,824 | $52,222 |
| Hourly rate | $24.92 | $25.11 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 128,496 | 125,698 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Fiber Technologists are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of fiber optic cables. Their duties include organizing maintenance schedules, conducting fiber optic system installation, replacing old fiber optics cables, troubleshoot fiber optic issues, and manage fiber splicing. They are responsible for undertaking fiber optic inspection, creating sensor indicators, fulfilling cable requirements, and implementing cabling for premises. Fiber Technologists also manage system records as well as track devices' signal strengths.
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.
Fiber technologists and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fiber Technologist | Communications Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,824 | $52,222 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $74,000 | Between $29,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rocklin, CA | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Pacifi |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a fiber technologist and a communications technician in terms of educational background:
| Fiber Technologist | Communications Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between fiber technologists' and communications technicians' demographics:
| Fiber Technologist | Communications Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 4.0% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 Percentage | 4% | 6% |