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The differences between control electricians 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 a control electrician and a low voltage technician. Additionally, a control electrician has an average salary of $59,247, which is higher than the $39,605 average annual salary of a low voltage technician.
The top three skills for a control electrician include PLC, electrical equipment and hand tools. The most important skills for a low voltage technician are hand tools, CCTV, and patch panels.
A control electrician primarily installs, repairs, and maintains electrical equipment, fixtures, and wiring. Control electricians maintain serviced and programmed PLC machine and lighting systems. Their tasks may include installing or servicing intercom systems, electrical control systems, or street lights. They make sure that their work complies with the significant codes. Part of their job is to operate power hand tools as well as other electrical equipment. Also, they may work on the external and internal electrical systems including circuit breaker panels and emergency generator circuits.
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.
Control electricians and low voltage technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Control Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Average salary | $59,247 | $39,605 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $81,000 | Between $30,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a control electrician and a low voltage technician in terms of educational background:
| Control Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 43% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between control electricians' and low voltage technicians' demographics:
| Control Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 2.2% White, 66.0% 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% |