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Orthodontic laboratory technician vs technician

The differences between orthodontic laboratory technicians and 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 orthodontic laboratory technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $33,152 average annual salary of an orthodontic laboratory technician.

The top three skills for an orthodontic laboratory technician include study models, splints and front desk. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Orthodontic laboratory technician vs technician overview

Orthodontic Laboratory TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$33,152$38,045
Hourly rate$15.94$18.29
Growth rate2%1%
Number of jobs41,955596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4440
Years of experience122

Orthodontic laboratory technician vs technician salary

Orthodontic laboratory technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Orthodontic Laboratory TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$33,152$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $47,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Microsoft
Best paying industry-Telecommunication

Differences between orthodontic laboratory technician and technician education

There are a few differences between an orthodontic laboratory technician and a technician in terms of educational background:

Orthodontic Laboratory TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorGeneral StudiesBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College Park-

Orthodontic laboratory technician vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between orthodontic laboratory technicians' and technicians' demographics:

Orthodontic Laboratory TechnicianTechnician
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 38.4% Female, 61.6%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 11.4% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage8%2%

Differences between orthodontic laboratory technician and technician duties and responsibilities

Orthodontic laboratory technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Place wires, mods, orms, assist with productions (bands, brackets, headgear).
  • Perform immunological, chemical, microbiological, and hematological tests, critically examine results for accuracy, troubleshoot discrepancies.
  • Prepare PowerPoint presentations of quality chromosome spread images, used to determine variability in count and morphology.

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Orthodontic laboratory technician vs technician skills

Common orthodontic laboratory technician skills
  • Study Models, 25%
  • Splints, 19%
  • Front Desk, 12%
  • Orthodontic Appliances, 11%
  • Chair Side, 9%
  • RPE, 9%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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