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Telecommunicator vs information technology technician

The differences between telecommunicators and information technology technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an information technology technician has an average salary of $49,031, which is higher than the $39,327 average annual salary of a telecommunicator.

The top three skills for a telecommunicator include computer aided dispatch, CAD and EMS. The most important skills for an information technology technician are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Telecommunicator vs information technology technician overview

TelecommunicatorInformation Technology Technician
Yearly salary$39,327$49,031
Hourly rate$18.91$23.57
Growth rate4%10%
Number of jobs4,083118,881
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age3942
Years of experience-2

What does a telecommunicator do?

A telecommunicator receives calls and obtains information from people in need of assistance. Telecommunicators, also called 911 or public safety dispatchers, use a two-way radio in dispatching the right services to police officers, first responders, and firefighters. The telecommunicators coordinate communications between emergency personnel, police, and the public. They keep detailed records as well as trace drivers and their automobiles. The skills and knowledge necessary for this job include a dispatch system, public safety, and stressful situation management.

What does an information technology technician do?

An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.

Telecommunicator vs information technology technician salary

Telecommunicators and information technology technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

TelecommunicatorInformation Technology Technician
Average salary$39,327$49,031
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $53,000Between $28,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CityStockton, CAUrban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyCity of DetroitCravath
Best paying industryGovernmentFinance

Differences between telecommunicator and information technology technician education

There are a few differences between a telecommunicator and an information technology technician in terms of educational background:

TelecommunicatorInformation Technology Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeComputer Science
Most common college-Stanford University

Telecommunicator vs information technology technician demographics

Here are the differences between telecommunicators' and information technology technicians' demographics:

TelecommunicatorInformation Technology Technician
Average age3942
Gender ratioMale, 29.0% Female, 71.0%Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 0.9% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.8% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage17%11%

Differences between telecommunicator and information technology technician duties and responsibilities

Telecommunicator example responsibilities.

  • Help organize telecommunication PSAP and back-up PSAP weekly.
  • Use NCIC and FCIC and provide accurate information for search.
  • Provide CPR instructions over the phone until emergency personnel arrive at location.
  • Monitor radio communications at the same time and update cad throughout emergency.
  • Monitor activities of officers on patrol and makes radio contact to ensure safety.
  • Maintain licenses to NCIC, FCIC, NLETS and other law enforcement information network.
  • Show more

Information technology technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and execute project to remotely upgrade VPN clients
  • Manage incoming tickets and incidents in remedy and troubleshooting.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Analyze and maintain OS and domain account information across systems to ensure efficient and security workstations and virtual computing environments.
  • Provide implementation coordination, vendor management, and training for voice over IP project (VOIP).
  • Work on multiple projects dealing with VMware, server installation, computer repair, web design, and networking.
  • Show more

Telecommunicator vs information technology technician skills

Common telecommunicator skills
  • Computer Aided Dispatch, 14%
  • CAD, 7%
  • EMS, 6%
  • NCIC, 6%
  • Patrol, 4%
  • Dispatch System, 4%
Common information technology technician skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Desk Support, 4%
  • Computer System, 3%
  • Network Printers, 3%

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