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The differences between system technicians and communications technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications technician has an average salary of $52,222, which is higher than the $43,410 average annual salary of a system technician.
The top three skills for a system technician include customer service, hand tools and preventative maintenance. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.
| System Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $43,410 | $52,222 |
| Hourly rate | $20.87 | $25.11 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 137,121 | 125,698 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 40% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.
A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.
System technicians and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| System Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Average salary | $43,410 | $52,222 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $67,000 | Between $29,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Pacifi |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between a system technician and a communications technician in terms of educational background:
| System Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 40% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between system technicians' and communications technicians' demographics:
| System Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 6% |