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The differences between senior 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 senior test technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior test technician has an average salary of $56,825, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a senior test technician include test equipment, test procedures and test results. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Senior Test Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $56,825 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $27.32 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | - | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 37,276 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 50 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
A senior test technician inspects product functions and monitors tests. They ensure their company's products meet quality standards. They may test software with the use of a Vector Network Analyzer. They are also responsible for the preventative maintenance of equipment and systems.
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.
Senior test technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Test Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $56,825 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $82,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Germantown, MD | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Apple | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a senior test technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Senior Test Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | - |
Here are the differences between senior test technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Senior Test Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 50 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% | 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% |