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The differences between electrical apprentices and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 8-10 years to become an electrical 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 $37,081 average annual salary of an electrical apprentice.
The top three skills for an electrical apprentice include run conduit, hand tools and electrical systems. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
| Electrical Apprentice | Journeyman | |
| Yearly salary | $37,081 | $57,682 |
| Hourly rate | $17.83 | $27.73 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 39,967 | 13,953 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 4 |
Sometimes called electrician apprentices, electrical apprentices assist the electricians in maintaining, repairing, and operating the electrical systems. Typically, they work in huge construction sites and facilities on their power distribution, lighting systems, and cables. These apprentices assist electricians in the installation of electrical systems. They have to be equipped with skills and knowledge in electrical equipment, installation, and safety regulations. It is also expected from them to become motivated team players and be well-organized.
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.
Electrical apprentices and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Apprentice | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $37,081 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $50,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Springfield, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mortenson | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between an electrical apprentice and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Apprentice | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between electrical apprentices' and journeymen' demographics:
| Electrical Apprentice | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 8% | 2% |