Q: How long does it take to become an IT technician?

It takes as little as 6 months to become an IT technician. While many IT technicians have 4-year degrees and some have associate degrees in computer science or networking, a large majority report being "self-taught." Almost half of IT technicians have gotten to be where they are through certifications and online courses.

Q: How much do techs make a year?

Techs make $44,588 a year, on average. However, there is a lot of variability in how much tech makes depending on the industry or type of tech (e.g., maintenance, IT) and location. The range in a tech's yearly salary, for instance, can range from $28,000 to $70,000 a year. A more senior-level position as a technician can earn you upwards of $60,000 a year.

Q: Is a technician an engineer?

No, a technician is not an engineer. An engineer relies more on theories and science, while a technician has a more practical understanding. Engineers are the problem-solvers, while technicians are doers who resolve problems and keep things working.

Question 1

Technician vs. Engineer

Accepted Answer

A technician works with complex systems and is responsible for performing technical diagnostic or mechanical testing, while an engineer is responsible for analyzing, developing, and implementing complex systems.

Question 2

How long does it take to become an IT technician?

Accepted Answer

It takes as little as 6 months to become an IT technician. While many IT technicians have 4-year degrees and some have associate degrees in computer science or networking, a large majority report being "self-taught." Almost half of IT technicians have gotten to be where they are through certifications and online courses.

Question 3

How much do techs make a year?

Accepted Answer

Techs make $44,588 a year, on average. However, there is a lot of variability in how much tech makes depending on the industry or type of tech (e.g., maintenance, IT) and location.

The range in a tech's yearly salary, for instance, can range from $28,000 to $70,000 a year. A more senior-level position as a technician can earn you upwards of $60,000 a year.

Question 4

Is a technician an engineer?

Accepted Answer

No, a technician is not an engineer. An engineer relies more on theories and science, while a technician has a more practical understanding. Engineers are the problem-solvers, while technicians are doers who resolve problems and keep things working.

Question 5

What are the duties of a technician?

Accepted Answer

The main duties of a technician are to provide skilled labor on complex systems or highly technical mechanical or diagnostic testing. That is the basic description of the duties of a technician. However, there are so many different types of technicians that each has their own specialties that they must learn.

Question 6

What is a technologist vs technician?

Accepted Answer

A technologist vs. technician has several differences, but the main one is that a technologist has a greater role than a technician.

A technician usually suggests that a person has a practical understanding of technology and a good knowledge of the general principles of the field they are in, whereas a technologist is a person who is completely aware of various technologies.

Question 7

What qualifications do I need to become a technician?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications needed to become a technician are a high school diploma or GED and a willingness to learn.

A technician specializes in or works in a given field. This specialty is commonly related to a profession, and most automotive companies have a standard list of jobs for technicians, such as calibrations, diagnostics, and repairs.

Question 8

Radiology Technician vs. Technologist

Accepted Answer

A radiology technician operates and works on radiology equipment, while a technologist uses radiology equipment to perform diagnostic tests.

A radiology technician uses radiology equipment to take scans but they have no involvement in analyzing or interpreting the scans. They are responsible for shielding patients from unnecessary exposure during a procedure, explaining the process to patients, and moving the equipment for best exposure.

Question 9

Technician vs. Mechanic

Accepted Answer

A technician uses computers and technology to perform a diagnosis on a vehicle and extract data to identify issues, while a mechanic takes a more hands-on approach and usually takes things apart and looks for signs of a problem.

Question 10

Technologist vs. Technician

Accepted Answer

A technologist is an engineering professional who uses technology to determine what can be improved in their industry and how to incorporate new technology, while a technician applies those ideas and completes the actual tasks.

Question 11

What is a good starting salary for a Technician?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a technician is $23,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a technician in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for technicians is $37,303, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a technician can vary by state.

Question 12

What is a good tech salary?

Accepted Answer

A good tech salary is $20 an hour ($41,600 a year) or more. Much of what is considered a good tech salary depends on the type of tech they are and the industry that they work in. Beyond that, factors such as the state that you live also play a role.

Question 13

What is the highest-paid technician job?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid technician job is an air traffic controller. Air traffic controllers earn an average annual salary of $129,750.

Other top technician jobs include:

Nuclear power reactor operators (average annual salary of $111,220)
Petroleum engineer technician (average annual salary of $80,563)
Computer system technician (average annual salary of $72,655)

Question 14

What technicians get paid the most?

Accepted Answer

The technicians that get paid most are in technology, with an average of $45,500 a year. The industry and location impact the earning potential of a technician.

The hourly wage of a technician can be as high as $27.16 and as low as $8.65. Currently, most technician wages range between $13.22 (25th percentile) to $19.23 (75th percentile).

Question 15

Can a technician make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a technician. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as a technician because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $59,000 per year. The average annual salary for a technician is $37,303.

Question 16

What percentage of Technicians are female?

Accepted Answer

26.8% of technicians are female in the United States. This is 5.4 percentage points higher than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female technicians has increased by 11.1 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 193,906 female technicians in the U.S. and 529,625 male technicians in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 723,531 people with the specific job title of technician and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 17

How do I write a resume for a technician job?

Accepted Answer

You write a resume for a technician job by highlighting your skills and employment history to prove that you have the qualifications for a technical position. The entries found on most resumes are a good place to start.

Question 18

What are technical skills in a resume?

Accepted Answer

Technical skills in a resume are the understanding, aptitude, and expertise to complete the tasks of the position. Jobs in engineering, manufacturing, or finance all require technical skills.

Question 19

What is a technical resume?

Accepted Answer

A technical resume is a piece of formatted information about employment history and skills that prove your qualifications for a technical position.

The technology industry has many areas of specialization, and through your resume, you can highlight the abilities that prove your ability to fill that role. You will want to describe your experience and previous achievements that are relevant to the field you are applying to.

Question 20

What skills do you need to be a technician?

Accepted Answer

You need strong problem-solving skills to be a technician. Technicians should be able to complete work in an efficient manner and remain self-directed and motivated individuals. They also need to be able to work well in a team setting, as collaborating on projects requires clear communication skills.

Question 21

What is the demand for technicians?

Accepted Answer

The demand for technicians is projected to reflect a 2% decline from 2021-2031. This growth rate is much slower than the average for other professions. This means that the demand for technicians is low, and will likely continue to be low in the coming years.

Frequently asked questions about technicians

Questions about becoming a technician