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The differences between apprentices and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an apprentice, becoming a journeyman takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $37,107 average annual salary of an apprentice.
The top three skills for an apprentice include PET, customer service and basic math. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
| Apprentice | Journeyman | |
| Yearly salary | $37,107 | $57,682 |
| Hourly rate | $17.84 | $27.73 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 13,014 | 13,953 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
An apprentice is responsible for learning specialized tasks on their chosen field through actual job training under the supervision of tenured staff. An apprentice's duties include performing administrative tasks as needed, creating observation reports of daily operations, providing possible recommendations on improving productivity, and adhering to the business' safety standards and regulatory procedures. An apprentice must be detail-oriented, fast-learner, and enthusiastic. An apprentice should also know how to accept constructive criticisms and feedback to improve performance and skill development.
A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.
Apprentices and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Apprentice | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $37,107 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $51,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Worcester, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mid-South Management | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Construction |
There are a few differences between an apprentice and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Apprentice | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between apprentices' and journeymen' demographics:
| Apprentice | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 2% |