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The differences between generation technicians and instrument technician apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a generation technician, becoming an instrument technician apprentice takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a generation technician has an average salary of $40,580, which is higher than the $39,849 average annual salary of an instrument technician apprentice.
The top three skills for a generation technician include preventive maintenance, customer service and safety standards. The most important skills for an instrument technician apprentice are hand tools, customer satisfaction, and diagnosis.
| Generation Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $40,580 | $39,849 |
| Hourly rate | $19.51 | $19.16 |
| Growth rate | 5% | - |
| Number of jobs | 154,565 | 130,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A generation technician specializes in performing systems installations and maintenance, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include providing support to clients and fellow company employees, troubleshooting errors, performing repairs and replacements, and referring clients to other services when necessary. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, fixing or cleaning systems and components as needed. Furthermore, a generation technician typically works in a team setting, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
An instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles. Furthermore, there are also instances where one may liaise with clients to discuss the extent of damage or repairs, building positive relationships in the process to secure a client base.
Generation technicians and instrument technician apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Generation Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $40,580 | $39,849 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $56,000 | Between $27,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Westinghouse Appliances Australia | Accenture |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a generation technician and an instrument technician apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Generation Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between generation technicians' and instrument technician apprentices' demographics:
| Generation Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average age | 47 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | 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 | 2% | 8% |