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Technical testing engineer vs electronics technician

The differences between technical testing engineers and electronics 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 technical testing engineer, becoming an electronics technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a technical testing engineer has an average salary of $88,367, which is higher than the $46,660 average annual salary of an electronics technician.

The top three skills for a technical testing engineer include test results, schematics and test procedures. The most important skills for an electronics technician are hand tools, RF, and ladders.

Technical testing engineer vs electronics technician overview

Technical Testing EngineerElectronics Technician
Yearly salary$88,367$46,660
Hourly rate$42.48$22.43
Growth rate10%-
Number of jobs100,81583,284
Job satisfaction-4.5
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 47%Associate Degree, 52%
Average age4250
Years of experience412

What does a technical testing engineer do?

A technical testing engineer is responsible for inspecting and reporting the quality of products across the production cycle. You will thoroughly check procedures, materials, and electrical and mechanical systems to produce high-quality products for customers. Your main job is to test various components and features of the product to identify and resolve technical issues. Other duties include organizing and conducting training for junior team members, creating test environments, and identifying the root cause of technical issues.

What does an electronics technician do?

An electronics technician is responsible for the maintenance of the technology and electrical equipment to ensure its performance with the highest quality standards. Electronics technicians' duties include troubleshooting, replacing malfunction equipment components, upgrading technology and software systems, operating machines, diagnosing defects, analyzing blueprints, conducting system installations, and creating reports for technological procedures. An electronics technician must have excellent attention to detail and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to multi-task in performing tasks accurately and efficiently to deliver the best services to clients.

Technical testing engineer vs electronics technician salary

Technical testing engineers and electronics technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Technical Testing EngineerElectronics Technician
Average salary$88,367$46,660
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $125,000Between $32,000 And $66,000
Highest paying CityIssaquah, WAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonMontana
Best paying companyWestern DigitalJacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industryAutomotiveEnergy

Differences between technical testing engineer and electronics technician education

There are a few differences between a technical testing engineer and an electronics technician in terms of educational background:

Technical Testing EngineerElectronics Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 47%Associate Degree, 52%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityNortheastern University

Technical testing engineer vs electronics technician demographics

Here are the differences between technical testing engineers' and electronics technicians' demographics:

Technical Testing EngineerElectronics Technician
Average age4250
Gender ratioMale, 89.7% Female, 10.3%Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 11.8% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%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 Percentage4%8%

Differences between technical testing engineer and electronics technician duties and responsibilities

Technical testing engineer example responsibilities.

  • Design circuitry and write software to automate the testing of microwave data transmitters.
  • Lead project team to design and FDA validate 10-up extreme accuracy vial dosing system and CIP/SIP automate cleaning equipment.
  • Use of digital storage oscilloscopes to trace digital and analog signals during component level troubleshooting and system level integration and test.
  • Assist engineers with CE, and UL certifications.
  • Study and learn assembly, test and debug techniques.
  • Analyze software failures utilizing software base on Linux and Unix kernels.
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Electronics technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions in electrical and electronic components.
  • Calibrate, troubleshoot and repair professional electronic test equipment: oscilloscopes, oscillators and pulse generators.
  • Utilize a wide array of test equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and communications monitors.
  • Assemble electronic components onto print circuit boards with aid of PCB component location prints and engineer assembly documentation.
  • Help tutor other students in writing, math and electronics.
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Technical testing engineer vs electronics technician skills

Common technical testing engineer skills
  • Test Results, 7%
  • Schematics, 7%
  • Test Procedures, 6%
  • Test Data, 4%
  • Test Fixtures, 4%
  • RF, 4%
Common electronics technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • RF, 5%
  • Ladders, 4%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 4%
  • Oscilloscopes, 4%
  • PLC, 4%

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