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The differences between fingerprint technicians and recording technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a fingerprint technician, becoming a recording technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a fingerprint technician has an average salary of $39,867, which is higher than the $34,620 average annual salary of a recording technician.
The top three skills for a fingerprint technician include customer service, citizenship and USCIS. The most important skills for a recording technician are customer service, data entry, and database systems.
| Fingerprint Technician | Recording Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,867 | $34,620 |
| Hourly rate | $19.17 | $16.64 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 23,737 | 25,621 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Average age | 38 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A Fingerprint Technician specializes in reviewing and classifying fingerprints, processing them according to their purpose. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place or employment industry, it typically includes assisting clients in fingerprinting processes, facilitating fingerprint scanning methods, utilizing software to record and organize data, and maintaining an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow. When it comes to employment, a Fingerprint Technician may work for government agencies, law enforcement, and forensic laboratories.
A recording technician specializes in operating audio systems and equipment for various purposes such as recordings, broadcasts, and events. It is their responsibility to prepare equipment according to project or program requirements like microphones, audio lines, speakers, and amplifiers, ensuring everything is accounted for and is functioning efficiently. Aside from setting up equipment, they must also conduct regular maintenance checks and perform repairs as necessary. Moreover, as a recording technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Fingerprint technicians and recording technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fingerprint Technician | Recording Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,867 | $34,620 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $60,000 | Between $26,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Santa Cruz, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | National Grid plc |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a fingerprint technician and a recording technician in terms of educational background:
| Fingerprint Technician | Recording Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between fingerprint technicians' and recording technicians' demographics:
| Fingerprint Technician | Recording Technician | |
| Average age | 38 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3% | Male, 30.4% Female, 69.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 8.5% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |