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The differences between mechanical technicians and generation technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a mechanical technician, becoming a generation technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mechanical technician has an average salary of $51,367, which is higher than the $40,580 average annual salary of a generation technician.
The top three skills for a mechanical technician include preventive maintenance, hand tools and electro-mechanical. The most important skills for a generation technician are preventive maintenance, customer service, and safety standards.
| Mechanical Technician | Generation Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,367 | $40,580 |
| Hourly rate | $24.70 | $19.51 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 106,997 | 154,565 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
A generation technician specializes in performing systems installations and maintenance, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include providing support to clients and fellow company employees, troubleshooting errors, performing repairs and replacements, and referring clients to other services when necessary. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, fixing or cleaning systems and components as needed. Furthermore, a generation technician typically works in a team setting, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Mechanical technicians and generation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Technician | Generation Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,367 | $40,580 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $68,000 | Between $28,000 And $56,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | Westinghouse Appliances Australia |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical technician and a generation technician in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Technician | Generation Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical technicians' and generation technicians' demographics:
| Mechanical Technician | Generation Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% |
| 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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |