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The differences between relay technicians and electrical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a relay technician has an average salary of $68,823, which is higher than the $55,215 average annual salary of an electrical technician.
The top three skills for a relay technician include transformers, SCADA and test equipment. The most important skills for an electrical technician are hand tools, PLC, and electrical equipment.
| Relay Technician | Electrical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $68,823 | $55,215 |
| Hourly rate | $33.09 | $26.55 |
| Growth rate | -1% | - |
| Number of jobs | 57,914 | 127,792 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 43% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 37 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
Relay technicians do relay maintenance and repairs in electrical power stations. The technicians repair circuit breakers, test various components, calibrate generators, and replace wires. They make sure that electricity is routed through the electrical station towards commercial or residential areas at the right voltage. They read electrical schematics and diagrams to learn the issues and utilize the information for the installation of new components. Skills needed for this job include communication, attention to detail, and electrical knowledge.
An electrical technician is responsible for managing the electrical systems of an establishment, ensuring the safety of the network and cables to support daily operations. Electrical technicians analyze schematics and specifications to construct electrical systems, run diagnostic tests, and perform repairs for any defects and inconsistencies. They assemble electrical equipment, replace malfunctioning components, upgrading systems, and advising management of high-quality electrical supplies. An electrical technician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical and mechanical industry, especially with supervising electricians on their duties, as well as responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns.
Relay technicians and electrical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Relay Technician | Electrical Technician | |
| Average salary | $68,823 | $55,215 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $120,000 | Between $37,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Virginia |
| Best paying company | - | Texas Instruments |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a relay technician and an electrical technician in terms of educational background:
| Relay Technician | Electrical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 43% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | New Mexico State University | - |
Here are the differences between relay technicians' and electrical technicians' demographics:
| Relay Technician | Electrical Technician | |
| Average age | 37 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% | Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 3.9% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 8% |