Optics test technician vs electronic test technician

The differences between optics test technicians and electronic test technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an optics test technician and an electronic test technician. Additionally, an optics test technician has an average salary of $47,494, which is higher than the $43,020 average annual salary of an electronic test technician.

The top three skills for an optics test technician include optical test, test equipment and RF. The most important skills for an electronic test technician are RF, oscilloscopes, and test procedures.

Optics test technician vs electronic test technician overview

	Optics Test Technician	Electronic Test Technician
Yearly salary	$47,494	$43,020
Hourly rate	$22.83	$20.68
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	35,869	49,129
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 60%
Average age	50	50
Years of experience	12	12

Optics test technician vs electronic test technician salary

Optics test technicians and electronic test technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Optics Test Technician	Electronic Test Technician
Average salary	$47,494	$43,020
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $68,000	Between $32,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City	-	Bethesda, MD
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Sandia National Labs
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between optics test technician and electronic test technician education

There are a few differences between an optics test technician and an electronic test technician in terms of educational background:

	Optics Test Technician	Electronic Test Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 60%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	Stanford University	Northeastern University

Optics test technician vs electronic test technician demographics

Here are the differences between optics test technicians' and electronic test technicians' demographics:

	Optics Test Technician	Electronic Test Technician
Average age	50	50
Gender ratio	Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0%	Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0%
Race ratio	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%	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	8%	8%

Differences between optics test technician and electronic test technician duties and responsibilities

Optics test technician example responsibilities.

Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
Assemble bottom end and strip, cleaver, splicing fiber and modify PCB.
Record data, test incoming PCB and modules, rework, upgrade, and configure optic modules.
Maintain records for all testing and calibration in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP), and ISO standards.
Test, troubleshoot analog and digital microprocessor circuits to component level, update production to meet current revision requirements.
Test, troubleshoot analog and digital microprocessor circuits to component level, update production to meet current revision requirements.

Electronic test technician example responsibilities.

Manage work load for new equipment builds for PC refresh for end of lease equipment and new user setups.
Key interface for, DOD, NASA, FDA, IPC, and ISO inspections.
Perform software and hardware debugging.
Follow ESD procedures and written safety rules.
Test and troubleshoot complex wire harnesses and panel assemblies.
Test products to adhere to ISO 9000 and FDA regulations.

Optics test technician vs electronic test technician skills

Common optics test technician skills

Optical Test, 12%
Test Equipment, 10%
RF, 9%
Calipers, 8%
Test Procedures, 7%
Optical Components, 6%

Common electronic test technician skills

RF, 9%
Oscilloscopes, 8%
Test Procedures, 7%
Test Data, 6%
Hand Tools, 6%
Test Results, 4%

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Optics Test Technician vs Electronic Test Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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