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The differences between mechanical technicians and 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 technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a mechanical technician has an average salary of $51,367, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a mechanical technician include preventive maintenance, hand tools and electro-mechanical. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Mechanical Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,367 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $24.70 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 106,997 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| 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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Mechanical technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,367 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $68,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Meta | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a mechanical technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Mechanical Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |