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The differences between telecom technicians and communications technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a telecom technician has an average salary of $54,352, which is higher than the $52,222 average annual salary of a communications technician.
The top three skills for a telecom technician include fiber optic cables, voip and switches. The most important skills for a communications technician are customer service, rehabilitation, and hand tools.
| Telecom Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,352 | $52,222 |
| Hourly rate | $26.13 | $25.11 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 111,865 | 125,698 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 40% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A telecom technician is responsible for overseeing and maintaining telecommunication systems. They are usually in charge of planning and conceptualizing systems, performing installations and adjustments, troubleshooting problems, and conducting repairs. Through extensive research and analysis, they also develop and implement test structures that ensure the safety and efficiency of systems, create strategies to optimize workflow, and implement solutions against areas needing improvement. Moreover, aside from providing technical support, a telecom technician may also establish guidelines and recommend technical practices.
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.
Telecom technicians and communications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Telecom Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,352 | $52,222 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $89,000 | Between $29,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | - | Washington |
| Best paying company | - | Pacifi |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a telecom technician and a communications technician in terms of educational background:
| Telecom Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 40% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between telecom technicians' and communications technicians' demographics:
| Telecom Technician | Communications Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 6% | 6% |