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The differences between mechanical technicians and instrument technician apprentices 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 an instrument technician apprentice takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a mechanical technician has an average salary of $51,367, which is higher than the $39,849 average annual salary of an instrument technician apprentice.
The top three skills for a mechanical technician include preventive maintenance, hand tools and electro-mechanical. The most important skills for an instrument technician apprentice are hand tools, customer satisfaction, and diagnosis.
| Mechanical Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Yearly Salary | $51,367 | $39,849 |
| Hourly rate | $24.70 | $19.16 |
| Growth Rate | 2% | - |
| Number Of Jobs | 106,997 | 130,235 |
| Job Satisfaction | - | - |
| Most Common Degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Average Age | 45 | 50 |
| Years Of Experience | 6 | 12 |
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 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.
Mechanical technicians and instrument technician apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average Salary | $51,367 | $39,849 |
| Salary Range | Between $38,000 And $68,000 | Between $27,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest Paying City | Oakland, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest Paying State | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best Paying Company | Meta | Accenture |
| Best Paying Industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical technician and an instrument technician apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Most Common Degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Most Common Major | Electrical Engineering | Automotive Technology |
| Most Common College | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical technicians' and instrument technician apprentices' demographics:
| Mechanical Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average Age | 45 | 50 |
| Gender Ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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% |