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The differences between mechanical technicians and electrical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an electrical technician has an average salary of $55,215, which is higher than the $51,367 average annual salary of a mechanical technician.
The top three skills for a mechanical technician include preventive maintenance, hand tools and electro-mechanical. The most important skills for an electrical technician are hand tools, PLC, and electrical equipment.
| Mechanical Technician | Electrical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,367 | $55,215 |
| Hourly rate | $24.70 | $26.55 |
| Growth rate | 2% | - |
| Number of jobs | 106,997 | 127,792 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 45 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
The primary job of mechanical technicians is to help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices such as machines and engines. They typically do varied tasks, including evaluating design sketches for new and changing tools, discussing changes with colleagues, and reviewing blueprints and instructions for projects. As a mechanical technician, you are also responsible for estimating equipment life, plant space, and labor costs. To become successful in this role, you need to have an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology, excellent communication skills, and mechanical skills.
An electrical technician is responsible for managing the electrical systems of an establishment, ensuring the safety of the network and cables to support daily operations. Electrical technicians analyze schematics and specifications to construct electrical systems, run diagnostic tests, and perform repairs for any defects and inconsistencies. They assemble electrical equipment, replace malfunctioning components, upgrading systems, and advising management of high-quality electrical supplies. An electrical technician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical and mechanical industry, especially with supervising electricians on their duties, as well as responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns.
Mechanical technicians and electrical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Technician | Electrical Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,367 | $55,215 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $68,000 | Between $37,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Meta | Texas Instruments |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a mechanical technician and an electrical technician in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Technician | Electrical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical technicians' and electrical technicians' demographics:
| Mechanical Technician | Electrical Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.8% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |