Valve technician vs generation technician

The differences between valve technicians and generation technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a valve technician, becoming a generation technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a valve technician has an average salary of $41,020, which is higher than the $40,580 average annual salary of a generation technician.

The top three skills for a valve technician include control valves, hand tools and actuators. The most important skills for a generation technician are preventive maintenance, customer service, and safety standards.

Valve technician vs generation technician overview

	Valve Technician	Generation Technician
Yearly salary	$41,020	$40,580
Hourly rate	$19.72	$19.51
Growth rate	6%	5%
Number of jobs	128,478	154,565
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	Associate Degree, 32%
Average age	45	47
Years of experience	6	4

What does a valve technician do?

Valve technicians install regulating devices such as valves. They are responsible for monitoring, testing, and troubleshooting valves. Valves are essential controlling devices for plumbing in residential houses. In commercial and industrial buildings, valves may be required for regulating chemicals.

What does a generation technician do?

A generation technician specializes in performing systems installations and maintenance, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include providing support to clients and fellow company employees, troubleshooting errors, performing repairs and replacements, and referring clients to other services when necessary. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, fixing or cleaning systems and components as needed. Furthermore, a generation technician typically works in a team setting, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Valve technician vs generation technician salary

Valve technicians and generation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Valve Technician	Generation Technician
Average salary	$41,020	$40,580
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $59,000	Between $28,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Westinghouse Appliances Australia
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between valve technician and generation technician education

There are a few differences between a valve technician and a generation technician in terms of educational background:

	Valve Technician	Generation Technician
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	Associate Degree, 32%
Most common major	General Studies	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Valve technician vs generation technician demographics

Here are the differences between valve technicians' and generation technicians' demographics:

	Valve Technician	Generation Technician
Average age	45	47
Gender ratio	Male, 91.5% Female, 8.5%	Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 2.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	9%	2%

Differences between valve technician and generation technician duties and responsibilities

Valve technician example responsibilities.

Preform PSV testing utilizing certify test equipment and complete all QA / QC documentation as required by the VR program.
Work using BOM while building product.
Work with AOV and MOV techs as necessary to support job task.
Utilize all require PPE to ensure the safety of each individual team member.
Assemble new valves with necessary parts and test to OHSA and API standards.
Work closely with government safety officials whom witness PSV testing during the annual safety inspection.

Generation technician example responsibilities.

Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
Refurbish, modify, and maintain living systems of recreational vehicles including plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical systems.
Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.
Climb up framework or ladders to position, fit or secure parts.
Maintain an accident-free safety record by ensuring all actions perform are in accordance with safety and OSHA standards.
Computerize electronic pneumatic devices relate to HVAC control.

Valve technician vs generation technician skills

Common valve technician skills

Control Valves, 13%
Hand Tools, 12%
Actuators, 8%
Teardown, 8%
Dexterity, 7%
Delta, 6%

Common generation technician skills

Preventive Maintenance, 10%
Customer Service, 9%
Safety Standards, 6%
Work Ethic, 5%
Diesel Engines, 4%
OSHA, 4%

Valve Technician vs. similar jobs

Valve Technician related careers

Valve Technician related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Valve Technician
Valve Technician vs Generation Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs