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Plant technician vs technician

The differences between plant technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a plant technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a plant technician has an average salary of $46,164, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for a plant technician include preventive maintenance, ladders and data collection. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Plant technician vs technician overview

Plant TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$46,164$38,045
Hourly rate$22.19$18.29
Growth rate5%1%
Number of jobs146,543596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4740
Years of experience42

What does a plant technician do?

A plant technician is in charge of overseeing plant operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities include installing and upgrading machines and equipment, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, implementing solutions to vulnerable or problem areas, and developing strategies to optimize plant operations. They must also perform regular maintenance checks, conducting corrective measures and adjustments as needed. Furthermore, a plant technician must provide technical support to employees, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a technician do?

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.

Plant technician vs technician salary

Plant technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Plant TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$46,164$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $67,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityKent, WASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companyBP America IncMicrosoft
Best paying industryUtilitiesTelecommunication

Differences between plant technician and technician education

There are a few differences between a plant technician and a technician in terms of educational background:

Plant TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Plant technician vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between plant technicians' and technicians' demographics:

Plant TechnicianTechnician
Average age4740
Gender ratioMale, 75.4% Female, 24.6%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between plant technician and technician duties and responsibilities

Plant technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage documentation on all USDA and HACCP forms.
  • Perform and manage routine building maintenance tasks, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Used spectrophotometers, pH meters, and centrifuges.
  • Experience working with extruders, film manufacturing and processing.
  • Follow all company safety rules and good manufacturing practices (GMP's )
  • Show more

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

Plant technician vs technician skills

Common plant technician skills
  • Preventive Maintenance, 9%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Data Collection, 8%
  • Electrical Troubleshooting, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Math, 6%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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