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The differences between process 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 process technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a process technician has an average salary of $39,462, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a process technician include basic math, patients and OSHA. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Process Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,462 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $18.97 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 74,367 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| 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.
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.
Process technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,462 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $51,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | HP | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a process technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Process Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between process technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Process Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 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 | 6% | 2% |