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Heating technician vs instrument technician apprentice

The differences between heating 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 heating technician, becoming an instrument technician apprentice takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a heating technician has an average salary of $51,453, which is higher than the $39,849 average annual salary of an instrument technician apprentice.

The top three skills for a heating technician include plumbing, ventilation and safety procedures. The most important skills for an instrument technician apprentice are hand tools, customer satisfaction, and diagnosis.

Heating technician vs instrument technician apprentice overview

Heating TechnicianInstrument Technician Apprentice
Yearly salary$51,453$39,849
Hourly rate$24.74$19.16
Growth rate5%-
Number of jobs61,302130,235
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 28%
Average age4050
Years of experience412

Heating technician vs instrument technician apprentice salary

Heating technicians and instrument technician apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.

Heating TechnicianInstrument Technician Apprentice
Average salary$51,453$39,849
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $75,000Between $27,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityBaltimore, MDHayward, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companyCity of JacksonvilleAccenture
Best paying industryConstructionAutomotive

Differences between heating technician and instrument technician apprentice education

There are a few differences between a heating technician and an instrument technician apprentice in terms of educational background:

Heating TechnicianInstrument Technician Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 28%
Most common majorEnvironmental Control Technologies/TechniciansAutomotive Technology
Most common collegeDuke University-

Heating technician vs instrument technician apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between heating technicians' and instrument technician apprentices' demographics:

Heating TechnicianInstrument Technician Apprentice
Average age4050
Gender ratioMale, 96.1% Female, 3.9%Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.7% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage2%8%

Differences between heating technician and instrument technician apprentice duties and responsibilities

Heating technician example responsibilities.

  • Assemble and apply insulation material to plumbing, heating, cooling and refrigeration systems in new construction and remodel homes.
  • Change out compressor, condensers, evaporators, blower motors, condenser motor, troubleshot and replace all electrical components.
  • Assist in the installation of heating ventilation and air conditioning parts and units.
  • Repair refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, condensers, and furnaces.
  • Maintain and repair heating, ventilation, and cooling units for both commercial and residential customers.
  • Work with the owner to plan plumbing necessities for new buildings, including studying blueprint and developing logical plan for installation.
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Instrument technician apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the shop.
  • Train, working under ASE certification standards.
  • Wire low volt and high volt generators for caterpillar.
  • Unload vehicles by driving and by the use of cranes.
  • Install HD brand and aftermarket, chrome and billet, parts and accessories.
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Heating technician vs instrument technician apprentice skills

Common heating technician skills
  • Plumbing, 9%
  • Ventilation, 8%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Water Heaters, 7%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 5%
  • HVAC/R, 5%
Common instrument technician apprentice skills
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 8%
  • Diagnosis, 7%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Customer Vehicles, 6%

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