Optics test technician vs electronics technician

The differences between optics test technicians and electronics 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 electronics technician. Additionally, an optics test technician has an average salary of $47,494, which is higher than the $46,660 average annual salary of an electronics technician.

The top three skills for an optics test technician include optical test, test equipment and RF. The most important skills for an electronics technician are hand tools, RF, and ladders.

Optics test technician vs electronics technician overview

	Optics Test Technician	Electronics Technician
Yearly salary	$47,494	$46,660
Hourly rate	$22.83	$22.43
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	35,869	83,284
Job satisfaction	-	4.5
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 52%
Average age	50	50
Years of experience	12	12

Optics test technician vs electronics technician salary

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

	Optics Test Technician	Electronics Technician
Average salary	$47,494	$46,660
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $68,000	Between $32,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	-	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	-	Montana
Best paying company	-	Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between optics test technician and electronics technician education

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

	Optics Test Technician	Electronics Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 52%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	Stanford University	Northeastern University

Optics test technician vs electronics technician demographics

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

	Optics Test Technician	Electronics Technician
Average age	50	50
Gender ratio	Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0%	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%
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 electronics 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.

Electronics technician example responsibilities.

Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions in electrical and electronic components.
Calibrate, troubleshoot and repair professional electronic test equipment: oscilloscopes, oscillators and pulse generators.
Utilize a wide array of test equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and communications monitors.
Assemble electronic components onto print circuit boards with aid of PCB component location prints and engineer assembly documentation.
Help tutor other students in writing, math and electronics.

Optics test technician vs electronics technician skills

Common optics test technician skills

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

Common electronics technician skills

Hand Tools, 6%
RF, 5%
Ladders, 4%
Preventive Maintenance, 4%
Oscilloscopes, 4%
PLC, 4%

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Optics Test Technician vs Electronics Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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