Electronic Technician vs. Fire Control Technician

Attribute	Electronic Technician	Fire Control Technician
Job Description	Responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electronic equipment and systems	Responsible for operating and maintaining weapons systems and fire control equipment
Training	Requires technical training in electronics and electrical systems	Requires training in weapons systems, fire control, and radar operation
Work Environment	May work in a variety of settings, including manufacturing plants, repair shops, or on-site at customer locations	Typically work on military ships or in military installations
Responsibilities	Focuses on electronic equipment and systems	Focuses on weapons systems and fire control equipment

Job Description

Electronic Technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electronic equipment. They work with a variety of devices such as computers, communication equipment, and navigation systems. On the other hand, Fire Control Technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining weapons systems on naval ships. They are in charge of ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the ship's weapons systems.

Education and Training

Electronic Technicians typically need an associate degree in electronics or a related field. They may also need to obtain certification in specific areas of electronics. Fire Control Technicians, on the other hand, receive their training through the Navy's technical training program. They learn how to operate and maintain the complex weapons systems found on naval ships.

Skills Required

Electronic Technicians need to have strong problem-solving skills and be able to troubleshoot and repair electronic equipment. They also need to have good communication skills in order to work with customers and colleagues. Fire Control Technicians need to have a strong attention to detail and be able to work well under pressure. They also need to have good mechanical skills in order to maintain and repair weapons systems.

Work Environment

Electronic Technicians typically work in a variety of settings, such as manufacturing plants, telecommunications companies, and government agencies. They may work in offices, labs, or on-site at customer locations. Fire Control Technicians work on naval ships, where they are responsible for operating and maintaining the ship's weapons systems. They may be stationed on a ship for extended periods of time.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Electronic Technicians is expected to decline slightly in the coming years, as more companies outsource their electronics work overseas. However, there will still be a need for Electronic Technicians in certain industries, such as healthcare and telecommunications. Fire Control Technicians, on the other hand, have a stable job outlook, as the Navy will continue to need skilled technicians to operate and maintain their weapons systems.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Electronic Technicians was $65,620 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $105,340. Fire Control Technicians, on the other hand, earn a median annual wage of $60,230, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $36,670 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $97,430.