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The differences between relay technicians and satellite 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 relay technician, becoming a satellite technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a relay technician has an average salary of $68,823, which is higher than the $36,473 average annual salary of a satellite technician.
The top three skills for a relay technician include transformers, SCADA and test equipment. The most important skills for a satellite technician are work ethic, broadband, and strong customer service.
| Relay Technician | Satellite Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $68,823 | $36,473 |
| Hourly rate | $33.09 | $17.54 |
| Growth rate | -1% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 57,914 | 91,117 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 43% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 37 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Satellite technicians are responsible for giving installation and repair solutions for satellite dishes, which generally deliver TV or internet signals. Primary tasks include installing, upgrading, and maintaining residential satellite products and optimizing the service they give. The technicians' duties may also include placing the dish, routing the cable where it needs to go, and making sure that the service is online and attached to the customer's devices. Additionally, they may engage in remote troubleshooting when a customer calls with a problem. These technicians can work as an independent contractor or directly for a company.
Relay technicians and satellite technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Relay Technician | Satellite Technician | |
| Average salary | $68,823 | $36,473 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $120,000 | Between $29,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Concord, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | GLOBALTECH HOLDINGS |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a relay technician and a satellite technician in terms of educational background:
| Relay Technician | Satellite Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 43% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | New Mexico State University | New York University |
Here are the differences between relay technicians' and satellite technicians' demographics:
| Relay Technician | Satellite Technician | |
| Average age | 37 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 10.8% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% Asian, 5.0% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 5% |