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The differences between instrument technician apprentices and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an instrument technician apprentice, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an instrument technician apprentice has an average salary of $39,849, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an instrument technician apprentice include hand tools, customer satisfaction and diagnosis. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Instrument Technician Apprentice | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,849 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $19.16 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | - | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 130,235 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 50 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
An instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles. Furthermore, there are also instances where one may liaise with clients to discuss the extent of damage or repairs, building positive relationships in the process to secure a client base.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Instrument technician apprentices and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Instrument Technician Apprentice | Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,849 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $57,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hayward, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Accenture | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an instrument technician apprentice and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Instrument Technician Apprentice | Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between instrument technician apprentices' and technicians' demographics:
| Instrument Technician Apprentice | Technician | |
| Average age | 50 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 2% |