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The differences between apprentices and low voltage technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an apprentice and a low voltage technician. Additionally, a low voltage technician has an average salary of $39,605, 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 low voltage technician are hand tools, CCTV, and patch panels.
| Apprentice | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $37,107 | $39,605 |
| Hourly rate | $17.84 | $19.04 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 13,014 | 40,465 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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 low voltage technician is responsible for monitoring and installing low-voltage cables and systems for electronic equipment and communication devices. Low voltage technicians analyze blueprints and schematics to connect the cables safely and accurately. They also conduct repairs for defective components and faulty wirings, recommending solutions and low-cost materials with high quality according to the customers' needs and budget limitations. A low voltage technician must have excellent electrical and organizational skills, especially in performing duties with utmost adherence to safety guidelines and procedures to prevent hazards and operational delays.
Apprentices and low voltage technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Apprentice | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Average salary | $37,107 | $39,605 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $51,000 | Between $30,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Worcester, MA | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Mid-South Management | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Technology |
There are a few differences between an apprentice and a low voltage technician in terms of educational background:
| Apprentice | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between apprentices' and low voltage technicians' demographics:
| Apprentice | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |