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The differences between industrial mechanics and valve technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an industrial mechanic, becoming a valve technician takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an industrial mechanic has an average salary of $53,333, which is higher than the $41,020 average annual salary of a valve technician.
The top three skills for an industrial mechanic include industrial maintenance, hand tools and PLC. The most important skills for a valve technician are control valves, hand tools, and actuators.
An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.
Valve technicians install regulating devices such as valves. They are responsible for monitoring, testing, and troubleshooting valves. Valves are essential controlling devices for plumbing in residential houses. In commercial and industrial buildings, valves may be required for regulating chemicals.
Industrial mechanics and valve technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Mechanic | Valve Technician | |
| Average salary | $53,333 | $41,020 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $72,000 | Between $28,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | - |
| Best paying company | California Resources | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between an industrial mechanic and a valve technician in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Mechanic | Valve Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Industrial Technology | General Studies |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between industrial mechanics' and valve technicians' demographics:
| Industrial Mechanic | Valve Technician | |
| Average age | 48 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% | Male, 91.5% Female, 8.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 2.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 9% |