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The differences between installation technicians and communications technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications technician has an average salary of $52,222, which is higher than the $38,043 average annual salary of an installation technician.
The top three skills for an installation technician include customer service, ladders and hand tools. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.
| Installation Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $38,043 | $52,222 |
| Hourly rate | $18.29 | $25.11 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 129,534 | 125,698 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Installation technicians are responsible for handling and installing all types of electronic systems and equipment. An installation technician should be well-knowledgeable about the equipment complexity to conduct troubleshooting for system malfunction or provide necessary instructions for the customers. In some cases, installation technicians are required to conduct regular checks and maintenance to ensure that the system functions properly, upgrading, or replacing equipment for improvement. Installation technicians usually handle customer queries for the system and are expected to resolve issues through remote work or area visit.
A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.
Installation technicians and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Installation Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Average salary | $38,043 | $52,222 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $49,000 | Between $29,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Pella | Pacifi |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Government |
There are a few differences between an installation technician and a communications technician in terms of educational background:
| Installation Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 32% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between installation technicians' and communications technicians' demographics:
| Installation Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |