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The differences between information technology technicians and mechanical engineering technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an information technology technician, becoming a mechanical engineering technologist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineering technologist has an average salary of $57,409, which is higher than the $49,031 average annual salary of an information technology technician.
The top three skills for an information technology technician include customer service, troubleshoot and technical support. The most important skills for a mechanical engineering technologist are CAD, solidworks, and prototype.
| Information Technology Technician | Mechanical Engineering Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $49,031 | $57,409 |
| Hourly rate | $23.57 | $27.60 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 118,881 | 120,125 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.
A Mechanical Engineering Technologist is responsible for developing and assembling mechanical parts and components, following the head engineer's design specifications. They identify resources for manufacturing, ensuring that the deliverables follow the high-quality standards and requirements. They also analyze the design and recommend adjustments for outputs, if there are any. A Mechanical Engineering Technologist operates various mechanical tools and equipment to perform tasks efficiently, requiring strict adherence to the safety protocols and regulations within the operational premises.
Information technology technicians and mechanical engineering technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Technician | Mechanical Engineering Technologist | |
| Average salary | $49,031 | $57,409 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $83,000 | Between $43,000 And $76,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Santa Clara, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Cravath | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an information technology technician and a mechanical engineering technologist in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Technician | Mechanical Engineering Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between information technology technicians' and mechanical engineering technologists' demographics:
| Information Technology Technician | Mechanical Engineering Technologist | |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.8% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 9.2% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 6% |