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The differences between production test technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a production test technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a production test technician has an average salary of $41,059, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a production test technician include production test, hand tools and RF. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Production Test Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,059 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $19.74 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | - | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 91,524 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 50 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
Production Test Technicians are responsible for the testing and assembly of manufactured goods before releasing them internally or to the general public. They are involved in running tests in equipment and assemblies, performing instrument calibrations, examining finish products conform with specifications, using statistical methods to identify problems, and providing reports on defects. They work with investors, product developers, and other stakeholders in fixing defects and improving the quality of a product. In testing, they will perform inspections for achieving multipoint safety and efficiency.
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.
Production test technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Production Test Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,059 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $53,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Beverly, MA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Sanmina | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a production test technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Production Test Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | - |
Here are the differences between production test technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Production Test Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 50 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.5% Female, 8.5% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 8% | 2% |