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Printed circuit boards inspector vs test operator

The differences between printed circuit boards inspectors and test operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a test operator has an average salary of $35,591, which is higher than the $29,078 average annual salary of a printed circuit boards inspector.

The top three skills for a printed circuit boards inspector include electronic components, IPC-A-610 and electronic circuit boards. The most important skills for a test operator are test equipment, hand tools, and test procedures.

Printed circuit boards inspector vs test operator overview

Printed Circuit Boards InspectorTest Operator
Yearly salary$29,078$35,591
Hourly rate$13.98$17.11
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs17,09563,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Printed circuit boards inspector vs test operator salary

Printed circuit boards inspectors and test operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Printed Circuit Boards InspectorTest Operator
Average salary$29,078$35,591
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $39,000Between $25,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City-Stratford, CT
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Qorvo
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between printed circuit boards inspector and test operator education

There are a few differences between a printed circuit boards inspector and a test operator in terms of educational background:

Printed Circuit Boards InspectorTest Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorGraphic DesignElectrical Engineering
Most common college--

Printed circuit boards inspector vs test operator demographics

Here are the differences between printed circuit boards inspectors' and test operators' demographics:

Printed Circuit Boards InspectorTest Operator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 21.9% Female, 78.1%Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 22.0% Asian, 11.2% White, 52.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 10.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between printed circuit boards inspector and test operator duties and responsibilities

Printed circuit boards inspector example responsibilities.

  • Inventory and manage all stock products within a retail warehousing environment utilizing RF scanner and barcode readers to document material.
  • Perform PCBA visual inspection to IPC-A-610 (latest revision) Class3 workmanship criteria.
  • Inventory and manage all stock products within a retail warehousing environment utilizing RF scanner and barcode readers to document material.
  • Select to work in prototype/pilot program manufacturing and inspecting angioplasty catheters.

Test operator example responsibilities.

  • Box build sub-assembly level by solder wire into connector, lead, and fan according to MPI and visuals aid.
  • Experience following procedures and managing GMP documentation.
  • Work include new lay, tie-ins, repairs, CTS stations, ETS stations.
  • Install the new version software operation windows.
  • Complete NDT inspections using multiple inspection methods.
  • Trouble shoots and repair ICT failures to component level.
  • Show more

Printed circuit boards inspector vs test operator skills

Common printed circuit boards inspector skills
  • Electronic Components, 36%
  • IPC-A-610, 17%
  • Electronic Circuit Boards, 16%
  • Dial Indicators, 12%
  • Calipers, 9%
  • AOI, 6%
Common test operator skills
  • Test Equipment, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • Test Procedures, 6%
  • Test Results, 5%
  • Safety Rules, 4%
  • Circuit Boards, 4%

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