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The differences between mechanical technicians and machines 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 machines technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a mechanical technician has an average salary of $51,367, which is higher than the $39,754 average annual salary of a machines technician.
The top three skills for a mechanical technician include preventive maintenance, hand tools and electro-mechanical. The most important skills for a machines technician are CNC, hand tools, and calipers.
| Mechanical Technician | Machines Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,367 | $39,754 |
| Hourly rate | $24.70 | $19.11 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 106,997 | 106,175 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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 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.
Mechanical technicians and machines technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Technician | Machines Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,367 | $39,754 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $68,000 | Between $30,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | ABB |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical technician and a machines technician in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Technician | Machines Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical technicians' and machines technicians' demographics:
| Mechanical Technician | Machines Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 85.1% Female, 14.9% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |