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The differences between electrical controls technicians and electrical apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 8-10 years to become both an electrical controls technician and an electrical apprentice. Additionally, an electrical controls technician has an average salary of $61,087, which is higher than the $37,081 average annual salary of an electrical apprentice.
The top three skills for an electrical controls technician include PLC, allen-bradley and electrical equipment. The most important skills for an electrical apprentice are run conduit, hand tools, and electrical systems.
| Electrical Controls Technician | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $61,087 | $37,081 |
| Hourly rate | $29.37 | $17.83 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 42,521 | 39,967 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 59% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 10 |
Electrical control technicians usually assist with running equipment such as those in amusement parks and carnivals. They can also repair equipment and are responsible for maintaining robotic machinery used by factories and plants for continuity of work and production. They can also install electrical wirings, troubleshoot minor glitches, and maintain good machine performance. With enough skills, they can shut down faulty wiring without interrupting other operations. They keep records of previous malfunctions and advise on the replacement of equipment.
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.
Electrical controls technicians and electrical apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Controls Technician | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $61,087 | $37,081 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $81,000 | Between $27,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Springfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Bunge | Mortenson |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between an electrical controls technician and an electrical apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Controls Technician | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 59% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | - |
Here are the differences between electrical controls technicians' and electrical apprentices' demographics:
| Electrical Controls Technician | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| 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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |