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The differences between test technicians and bench technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a test technician and a bench technician. Additionally, a test technician has an average salary of $43,171, which is higher than the $41,317 average annual salary of a bench technician.
The top three skills for a test technician include test procedures, test results and hand tools. The most important skills for a bench technician are troubleshoot, PC, and windows.
| Test Technician | Bench Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $43,171 | $41,317 |
| Hourly rate | $20.76 | $19.86 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 71,414 | 79,375 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A test technician is responsible for running multiple diagnostic tests on various tools and equipment to boost optimization and ensure its efficient performance on operations. Test technicians inspect system components and manage calibration, following clients' specifications or the business' needs. A test technician also analyzes the system's design processes and features to understand its complexities and identify necessary upgrades. Test technicians keep a record of system issues and resolutions for reference. A test technician must have excellent knowledge of the technical and mechanical industry to perform tasks and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.
A Bench Technician specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing electronic equipment and machinery. Although the extent of their responsibilities primarily depends on their place or employment industry, it typically includes conducting inspections and assessments, programming and troubleshooting systems, replacing and fixing components, and producing progress reports as needed. Moreover, a Bench Technician must maintain an active communication line with co-workers while adhering to its safety standards and regulations for a safe and efficient work environment.
Test technicians and bench technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Technician | Bench Technician | |
| Average salary | $43,171 | $41,317 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $29,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | - |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | - |
| Best paying company | Nokia | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a test technician and a bench technician in terms of educational background:
| Test Technician | Bench Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between test technicians' and bench technicians' demographics:
| Test Technician | Bench Technician | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4% | Male, 89.4% Female, 10.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 8% | 8% |