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The differences between electrical engineers and master electricians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an electrical engineer, becoming a master electrician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, which is higher than the $52,154 average annual salary of a master electrician.
The top three skills for an electrical engineer include autocad, electrical systems and UL. The most important skills for a master electrician are electrical equipment, electrical systems, and switches.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
A Master Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in private homes or commercial properties. They also supervise the work performed by journeymen, ensure proper staffing, and monitor the quality, as well as prepare and submit work documentation.
Electrical engineers and master electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Engineer | Master Electrician | |
| Average salary | $81,026 | $52,154 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $109,000 | Between $31,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Apple | Allegro MicroSystems |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between an electrical engineer and a master electrician in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Engineer | Master Electrician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 28% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | - |
Here are the differences between electrical engineers' and master electricians' demographics:
| Electrical Engineer | Master Electrician | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 3% |