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The differences between electrical helpers and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an electrical helper, becoming a journeyman takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $31,465 average annual salary of an electrical helper.
The top three skills for an electrical helper include hand tools, ladders and EMT. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
| Electrical Helper | Journeyman | |
| Yearly salary | $31,465 | $57,682 |
| Hourly rate | $15.13 | $27.73 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 47,283 | 13,953 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 34 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
An Electrical Helper is responsible for assisting head electricians in conducting electrical repairs and installments for private households or commercial establishments. Electrical Helpers operate various electrical tools and equipment, requiring them to inspect the materials before and after every use to avoid potential hazards and operational failures. They also support the senior electricians in performing troubleshooting procedures, component replacements, and upgrading systems for optimization. An Electrical Helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills, especially in fixing broken cables and strictly following safety protocols and regulations.
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 helpers and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Helper | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $31,465 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $36,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Buffalo, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Washington |
| Best paying company | Xcel Energy | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between an electrical helper and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Helper | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between electrical helpers' and journeymen' demographics:
| Electrical Helper | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 34 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 14.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5% | 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 | 2% | 2% |