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The differences between test technicians and electronics engineering 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 an electronics engineering technician. Additionally, an electronics engineering technician has an average salary of $67,801, which is higher than the $43,171 average annual salary of a test technician.
The top three skills for a test technician include test procedures, test results and hand tools. The most important skills for an electronics engineering technician are troubleshoot, RF, and hand tools.
| Test Technician | Electronics Engineering Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $43,171 | $67,801 |
| Hourly rate | $20.76 | $32.60 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 71,414 | 73,798 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 57% |
| 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.
Electronics Engineering Technician helps engineers design and advance electronic devices and components, install electrical equipment, and maintain electronic systems. They usually work in product evaluation and testing. They use diagnostic and measuring devices to test, adjust, and repair equipment. They ensure customer satisfaction by minimizing downtime, correcting and troubleshooting errors. Further duties include training new technicians in troubleshooting various equipment or product, giving management performance recommendations, testing the system by setting up equipment under simulated conditions, and documenting the troubleshooting process.
Test technicians and electronics engineering technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Technician | Electronics Engineering Technician | |
| Average salary | $43,171 | $67,801 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $49,000 And $93,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Carlos, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Nokia | Texas Instruments |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a test technician and an electronics engineering technician in terms of educational background:
| Test Technician | Electronics Engineering Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between test technicians' and electronics engineering technicians' demographics:
| Test Technician | Electronics Engineering Technician | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4% | Male, 93.4% Female, 6.6% |
| 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% |