Optics test technician vs engineering technician

The differences between optics test technicians and engineering technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an optics test technician, becoming an engineering technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an engineering technician has an average salary of $60,273, which is higher than the $47,494 average annual salary of an optics test technician.

The top three skills for an optics test technician include optical test, test equipment and RF. The most important skills for an engineering technician are technical support, data collection, and test equipment.

Optics test technician vs engineering technician overview

	Optics Test Technician	Engineering Technician
Yearly salary	$47,494	$60,273
Hourly rate	$22.83	$28.98
Growth rate	-	3%
Number of jobs	35,869	111,343
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age	50	45
Years of experience	12	4

Optics test technician vs engineering technician salary

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

	Optics Test Technician	Engineering Technician
Average salary	$47,494	$60,273
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $68,000	Between $37,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Western Digital
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between optics test technician and engineering technician education

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

	Optics Test Technician	Engineering Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	Stanford University	Purdue University

Optics test technician vs engineering technician demographics

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

	Optics Test Technician	Engineering Technician
Average age	50	45
Gender ratio	Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0%	Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 9.2% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	8%	6%

Differences between optics test technician and engineering 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.

Engineering technician example responsibilities.

Used Microsoft SharePoint to manage projects, web base collaboration, alerts and for document management.
Achieve UL certification for thermal overload protection used in motor applications.
Manage equipment database and organize annual equipment calibration require by internal quality control and ISO standards.
Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
Maintain engineering lab equipment: troubleshoot and repair any faulty electronic or mechanical malfunctions, and calibrate test equipment.
Specialize in software and hardware engineering to military standards and project management of DoD contracts.

Optics test technician vs engineering technician skills

Common optics test technician skills

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

Common engineering technician skills

Technical Support, 5%
Data Collection, 4%
Test Equipment, 4%
Asphalt, 4%
Construction Projects, 4%
Construction Materials, 4%

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Optics Test Technician
Optics Test Technician vs Engineering Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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