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The differences between electrical inspectors and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an electrical inspector, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, which is higher than the $43,943 average annual salary of an electrical inspector.
The top three skills for an electrical inspector include inspection reports, electrical equipment and electrical code. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Electrical Inspector | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $43,943 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $21.13 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | -4% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 42,321 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
An electrical inspector ensures that an establishment's wiring and other electrical components are working properly and hazard free for those who will occupy the space. The tasks of being an electrical inspector include determining electrical hazards and checking if there are any uncovered permanent or if there are any outdated wiring. They test the safety switches and examine the power box, and test the place's lighting and source of power. Their responsibilities may involve the evaluation of the electrical service's level especially the DIY wiring and noting and testing of smoke alarm location. Also, they make sure that all electrical items in the area comply with government regulations.
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.
Electrical inspectors and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Inspector | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $43,943 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $67,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hollister, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Washington |
| Best paying company | City of Detroit | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electrical inspector and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Inspector | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between electrical inspectors' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Electrical Inspector | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |