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The differences between orthopedic technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an orthopedic technician and a technician. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $37,658 average annual salary of an orthopedic technician.
The top three skills for an orthopedic technician include patients, traction and splints. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Orthopedic Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $37,658 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $18.10 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 26,316 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An Orthopedic Technician is a specialist in applying a cast to the limbs and other parts of the patient's body following an accident, orthopedic condition, or post-surgery. Duties include positioning limbs in ready positions for cast fitting, implementing appropriate casting for each case, applying braces, orthopedic splints, slings, and bandaging, and providing walking aids for patients. They are responsible for advising the patient on proper care for their casts and checking for infection signs after its removal. They are also responsible for ensuring the plaster room is neat and fully stocked with supplies and equipment. Orthopedic Technicians help in completing patient records and supervise the training of junior staff.
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.
Orthopedic technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Orthopedic Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $37,658 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $49,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Burlingame, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Nicklaus Children's Hospital | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an orthopedic technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Orthopedic Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Nursing | Business |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | - |
Here are the differences between orthopedic technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Orthopedic Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.2% Female, 43.8% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 9.3% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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 | 5% | 2% |