Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between measurement technicians and controls technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a measurement technician, becoming a controls technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a controls technician has an average salary of $53,345, which is higher than the $48,554 average annual salary of a measurement technician.
The top three skills for a measurement technician include CAD, professional customer service and API. The most important skills for a controls technician are PLC, control systems, and preventative maintenance.
| Measurement Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $48,554 | $53,345 |
| Hourly rate | $23.34 | $25.65 |
| Growth rate | - | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 46,894 | 53,158 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
A measurement technician is responsible for inspecting and operating technical lines and systems of an establishment, ensuring the safety and security of electric cables and networks to prevent potential hazards that may occur during operations. Measurement technicians conduct maintenance repairs for inconsistencies and glitches using various tools and equipment, following strict safety protocols and guidelines. They also recommend cost-friendly materials with high-quality facilities and assist in replacing machinery components as needed. A measurement technician should have excellent technical and mechanical skills, as well as time-management skills to handle mechanical concerns immediately.
A controls technician is in charge of operating various systems within a building or facility. Although the responsibilities will vary upon the line of work or employment, the duties still revolve around using software to control types of machinery and systems such as manufacturing devices and equipment, even lighting and ventilation. It is crucial to coordinate with department managers and supervisors to avoid any technical problems and ensure a safe work environment for everyone.
Measurement technicians and controls technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Measurement Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Average salary | $48,554 | $53,345 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $69,000 | Between $37,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Buffalo Grove, IL |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Marathon Oil | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a measurement technician and a controls technician in terms of educational background:
| Measurement Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 32% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between measurement technicians' and controls technicians' demographics:
| Measurement Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |