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The differences between relay 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 relay technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a relay technician has an average salary of $68,823, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a relay technician include transformers, SCADA and test equipment. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Relay Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $68,823 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $33.09 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | -1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 57,914 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 37 | 40 |
| 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.
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.
Relay technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Relay Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $68,823 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $120,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a relay technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Relay Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | New Mexico State University | - |
Here are the differences between relay technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Relay Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 37 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 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 | 3% | 2% |