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The differences between test operators and technical inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a technical inspector has an average salary of $38,939, which is higher than the $35,591 average annual salary of a test operator.
The top three skills for a test operator include test equipment, hand tools and test procedures. The most important skills for a technical inspector are safety procedures, quality standards, and maintenance procedures.
| Test Operator | Technical Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $35,591 | $38,939 |
| Hourly rate | $17.11 | $18.72 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 63,674 | 83,675 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.
The technical inspector is responsible for monitoring and ensuring operation meets standard. Skills required for this position include dexterity, math skills, and good physical strength. Education is a prerequisite for this post, and one must be cunning to deal with the public during an inspection.
Test operators and technical inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Operator | Technical Inspector | |
| Average salary | $35,591 | $38,939 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $48,000 | Between $25,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Stratford, CT | San Diego, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Louisiana |
| Best paying company | Qorvo | RS&H |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a test operator and a technical inspector in terms of educational background:
| Test Operator | Technical Inspector | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between test operators' and technical inspectors' demographics:
| Test Operator | Technical Inspector | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 10.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 8.2% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |