Q: How long does it take to become an IT technician?

It takes as little as 6 months to become an IT technician. While many IT technicians have 4-year degrees and some have associate degrees in computer science or networking, a large majority report being "self-taught." Almost half of IT technicians have gotten to be where they are through certifications and online courses.

Q: How much do techs make a year?

Techs make $44,588 a year, on average. However, there is a lot of variability in how much tech makes depending on the industry or type of tech (e.g., maintenance, IT) and location. The range in a tech's yearly salary, for instance, can range from $28,000 to $70,000 a year. A more senior-level position as a technician can earn you upwards of $60,000 a year.

Q: Is a technician an engineer?

No, a technician is not an engineer. An engineer relies more on theories and science, while a technician has a more practical understanding. Engineers are the problem-solvers, while technicians are doers who resolve problems and keep things working.

Question 1

Technician vs. Engineer

Accepted Answer

A technician works with complex systems and is responsible for performing technical diagnostic or mechanical testing, while an engineer is responsible for analyzing, developing, and implementing complex systems.

Question 2

How long does it take to become an IT technician?

Accepted Answer

It takes as little as 6 months to become an IT technician. While many IT technicians have 4-year degrees and some have associate degrees in computer science or networking, a large majority report being "self-taught." Almost half of IT technicians have gotten to be where they are through certifications and online courses.

Question 3

How much do techs make a year?

Accepted Answer

Techs make $44,588 a year, on average. However, there is a lot of variability in how much tech makes depending on the industry or type of tech (e.g., maintenance, IT) and location.

The range in a tech's yearly salary, for instance, can range from $28,000 to $70,000 a year. A more senior-level position as a technician can earn you upwards of $60,000 a year.

Question 4

Is a technician an engineer?

Accepted Answer

No, a technician is not an engineer. An engineer relies more on theories and science, while a technician has a more practical understanding. Engineers are the problem-solvers, while technicians are doers who resolve problems and keep things working.

Question 5

What are the duties of a technician?

Accepted Answer

The main duties of a technician are to provide skilled labor on complex systems or highly technical mechanical or diagnostic testing. That is the basic description of the duties of a technician. However, there are so many different types of technicians that each has their own specialties that they must learn.

Question 6

What is a technologist vs technician?

Accepted Answer

A technologist vs. technician has several differences, but the main one is that a technologist has a greater role than a technician.

A technician usually suggests that a person has a practical understanding of technology and a good knowledge of the general principles of the field they are in, whereas a technologist is a person who is completely aware of various technologies.

Question 7

What qualifications do I need to become a technician?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications needed to become a technician are a high school diploma or GED and a willingness to learn.

A technician specializes in or works in a given field. This specialty is commonly related to a profession, and most automotive companies have a standard list of jobs for technicians, such as calibrations, diagnostics, and repairs.

Question 8

Radiology Technician vs. Technologist

Accepted Answer

A radiology technician operates and works on radiology equipment, while a technologist uses radiology equipment to perform diagnostic tests.

A radiology technician uses radiology equipment to take scans but they have no involvement in analyzing or interpreting the scans. They are responsible for shielding patients from unnecessary exposure during a procedure, explaining the process to patients, and moving the equipment for best exposure.

Question 9

Technician vs. Mechanic

Accepted Answer

A technician uses computers and technology to perform a diagnosis on a vehicle and extract data to identify issues, while a mechanic takes a more hands-on approach and usually takes things apart and looks for signs of a problem.

Question 10

Technologist vs. Technician

Accepted Answer

A technologist is an engineering professional who uses technology to determine what can be improved in their industry and how to incorporate new technology, while a technician applies those ideas and completes the actual tasks.

Skills	Percentages
Patients	16.15%
Customer Service	14.13%
Patient Care	7.80%
Hand Tools	5.82%
Diagnosis	5.44%

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