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Ic technician vs test technician

The differences between ic technicians and test technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an ic technician and a test technician. Additionally, an ic technician has an average salary of $68,302, which is higher than the $43,171 average annual salary of a test technician.

The top three skills for an ic technician include control systems, electrical equipment and PLC. The most important skills for a test technician are test procedures, test results, and hand tools.

Ic technician vs test technician overview

IC TechnicianTest Technician
Yearly salary$68,302$43,171
Hourly rate$32.84$20.76
Growth rate--
Number of jobs47,02371,414
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 58%Associate Degree, 45%
Average age5050
Years of experience1212

What does an ic technician do?

An IC Technician is responsible for the management, maintenance, and development of all information and communications technology. They also perform basic diagnostic routines.

What does a test technician do?

A test technician is responsible for running multiple diagnostic tests on various tools and equipment to boost optimization and ensure its efficient performance on operations. Test technicians inspect system components and manage calibration, following clients' specifications or the business' needs. A test technician also analyzes the system's design processes and features to understand its complexities and identify necessary upgrades. Test technicians keep a record of system issues and resolutions for reference. A test technician must have excellent knowledge of the technical and mechanical industry to perform tasks and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.

Ic technician vs test technician salary

Ic technicians and test technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

IC TechnicianTest Technician
Average salary$68,302$43,171
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $98,000Between $30,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Nokia
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between ic technician and test technician education

There are a few differences between an ic technician and a test technician in terms of educational background:

IC TechnicianTest Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 58%Associate Degree, 45%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityNortheastern University

Ic technician vs test technician demographics

Here are the differences between ic technicians' and test technicians' demographics:

IC TechnicianTest Technician
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 95.1% Female, 4.9%Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between ic technician and test technician duties and responsibilities

Ic technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead a team of 10 engineers to develop an infrare telescope that are launched on the NASA high-altitude balloonproject BRRISON/BOPPS.
  • Repair and installation of all HVAC systems.
  • Turn on all devices and power up SCADA Pak.
  • Perform loop checks to ensure proper operation and communication of field instrumentation and PLC's.
  • Calibrate and rebuild: AOV's, solenoids, pressure switches and level safety switches.
  • Coordinate with other disciplines to prepare and execute a plan to complete testing and start-up activities.
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Test technician example responsibilities.

  • Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
  • Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
  • Perform in-circuit emulation and boundary scan testing (JTAG).
  • Perform extensive testing on CVD, PVD, display and solar tooling.
  • Configure bios to better suit the operating system, motherboard and CPU's needs and requirements.
  • Use of micrometers, calipers, torque wrenches, rivet and crimping tools, electrical test equipment, drill presses.
  • Show more

Ic technician vs test technician skills

Common ic technician skills
  • Control Systems, 13%
  • Electrical Equipment, 11%
  • PLC, 6%
  • Transmitters, 6%
  • Plant Equipment, 5%
  • Test Equipment, 5%
Common test technician skills
  • Test Procedures, 8%
  • Test Results, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • Test Data, 5%
  • RF, 5%
  • Engineering Drawings, 4%

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