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The differences between traffic signal technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a traffic signal technician, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a traffic signal technician has an average salary of $45,817, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a traffic signal technician include CDL, IMSA and traffic control devices. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Traffic Signal Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $45,817 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $22.03 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 8,006 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Traffic Signal Technicians are responsible for the repair, maintenance, and installation of traffic signals as well as highway lighting systems. Their duties include maintaining and assembling traffic signals and highway lightings, administering concrete for control equipment and pole installation, utilizing traffic signal software, and carrying out annual inspections. They are responsible for conducting diagnostic testing for repairs, locating utilities, and installing traffic control for work zones. Traffic Signal Technicians also manage maintenance records, operate equipment that is motorized, and reports project progress to the supervisor.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Traffic signal technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Traffic Signal Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $45,817 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $83,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Monica, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Jacobs Engineering Group | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a traffic signal technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Traffic Signal Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pittsburgh | - |
Here are the differences between traffic signal technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Traffic Signal Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 6.7% White, 49.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.8% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 2% |