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The differences between process technicians and machines 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 process technician, becoming a machines technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a machines technician has an average salary of $39,754, which is higher than the $39,462 average annual salary of a process technician.
The top three skills for a process technician include basic math, patients and OSHA. The most important skills for a machines technician are CNC, hand tools, and calipers.
| Process Technician | Machines Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,462 | $39,754 |
| Hourly rate | $18.97 | $19.11 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 74,367 | 106,175 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A process technician is responsible for managing the equipment and machinery used for various industries, such as manufacturing and engineering. Process technicians must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical industry, especially on operating certain equipment types and making adjustments on its features as needed, depending on the needs of the operation. They also run diagnostic tests to check a machine's working condition to ensure that it's free of any inconsistencies. A process technician also helps develop structure methods by communicating with the technical team and escalating all defective findings to the supervisor.
A machine technician can often be seen in a manufacturing company, factories, processing centers, and machine shops. They typically work as the apprentice of machine engineers that are responsible for ensuring that all machinery and machine tools are working properly. A technician operates, installs, maintains, inspects, and repairs equipment depending on what industry they are working in, whether it may be an industrial or automotive setup. They must be keen on detail and keep the machines or equipment to the highest quality standard at all times.
Process technicians and machines technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Technician | Machines Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,462 | $39,754 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $51,000 | Between $30,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Alaska |
| Best paying company | HP | ABB |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a process technician and a machines technician in terms of educational background:
| Process Technician | Machines Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between process technicians' and machines technicians' demographics:
| Process Technician | Machines Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8% | Male, 85.1% Female, 14.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 7.6% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |