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Field operations technician vs communications technician

The differences between field operations 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 $38,663 average annual salary of a field operations technician.

The top three skills for a field operations technician include OSHA, CDL and DOT. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.

Field operations technician vs communications technician overview

Field Operations TechnicianCommunications Technician
Yearly salary$38,663$52,222
Hourly rate$18.59$25.11
Growth rate6%8%
Number of jobs122,864125,698
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4545
Years of experience2-

What does a field operations technician do?

Field operations technicians handle all on-site activities of services or operations provided or done by a company. The field operations technician is responsible for accomplishing daily tasks set by the company or requested by a client or customer. Companies that provide field operations technicians are telecommunication services, where cables are required, plumbing, electricians, and the like. The field operation technician is essential personnel in a service-oriented company. This person is directly engaging with the customer and, in the end, develop trust.

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.

Field operations technician vs communications technician salary

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

Field Operations TechnicianCommunications Technician
Average salary$38,663$52,222
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $29,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityLakewood, COTualatin, OR
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyBasin Electric Power CooperativePacifi
Best paying industryEnergyGovernment

Differences between field operations technician and communications technician education

There are a few differences between a field operations technician and a communications technician in terms of educational background:

Field Operations TechnicianCommunications Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegePurdue UniversityStanford University

Field operations technician vs communications technician demographics

Here are the differences between field operations technicians' and communications technicians' demographics:

Field Operations TechnicianCommunications Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 92.2% Female, 7.8%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between field operations technician and communications technician duties and responsibilities

Field operations technician example responsibilities.

  • Attain in-depth GMP experience supporting biological manufacturing and maintenance & engineering activities.
  • Clean all equipment according to GMP procedures.
  • Decommission old servers, and build new Linux VM's.
  • Create several customize PC base utilities to augment the Unix billing system.
  • Complete documentation that are controlled and monitor by the FDA and DEA.
  • Conduct clinical trials of APC (Xirgris) and PTH (Forteo) and work with FDA during inspections.
  • 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

Field operations technician vs communications technician skills

Common field operations technician skills
  • OSHA, 10%
  • CDL, 8%
  • DOT, 6%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • HVAC, 5%
  • Test Equipment, 5%
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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