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The differences between machines technicians and plant technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a machines technician, becoming a plant technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a plant technician has an average salary of $46,164, which is higher than the $39,754 average annual salary of a machines technician.
The top three skills for a machines technician include CNC, hand tools and calipers. The most important skills for a plant technician are preventive maintenance, ladders, and data collection.
| Machines Technician | Plant Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,754 | $46,164 |
| Hourly rate | $19.11 | $22.19 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 106,175 | 146,543 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 48 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A machine technician can often be seen in a manufacturing company, factories, processing centers, and machine shops. They typically work as the apprentice of machine engineers that are responsible for ensuring that all machinery and machine tools are working properly. A technician operates, installs, maintains, inspects, and repairs equipment depending on what industry they are working in, whether it may be an industrial or automotive setup. They must be keen on detail and keep the machines or equipment to the highest quality standard at all times.
A plant technician is in charge of overseeing plant operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities include installing and upgrading machines and equipment, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, implementing solutions to vulnerable or problem areas, and developing strategies to optimize plant operations. They must also perform regular maintenance checks, conducting corrective measures and adjustments as needed. Furthermore, a plant technician must provide technical support to employees, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Machines technicians and plant technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machines Technician | Plant Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,754 | $46,164 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $52,000 | Between $31,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Kent, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | ABB | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a machines technician and a plant technician in terms of educational background:
| Machines Technician | Plant Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machines technicians' and plant technicians' demographics:
| Machines Technician | Plant Technician | |
| Average age | 48 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.1% Female, 14.9% | Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |