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The differences between electrical specialists 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 specialist and an electrical apprentice. Additionally, an electrical specialist has an average salary of $75,131, which is higher than the $37,081 average annual salary of an electrical apprentice.
The top three skills for an electrical specialist include electrical equipment, PLC and electrical systems. The most important skills for an electrical apprentice are run conduit, hand tools, and electrical systems.
| Electrical Specialist | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $75,131 | $37,081 |
| Hourly rate | $36.12 | $17.83 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 25,948 | 39,967 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 10 |
Electrical specialists use tools and construction documents to install spaces and pathways for installing low voltage wiring. They test, terminate, and install fiber optic and wire cables using special tools and procedures. Besides maintaining, troubleshooting, testing, and installing cable systems using special tools and construction documents, electrical specialists also use construction documents and unique blueprints to install data systems. Also, they install voice systems, video systems, sound distribution systems, and communication systems. Moreover, electrical specialists perform other assigned building maintenance tasks.
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 specialists and electrical apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Specialist | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $75,131 | $37,081 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $104,000 | Between $27,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Springfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Occidental Petroleum | Mortenson |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Construction |
There are a few differences between an electrical specialist and an electrical apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Specialist | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between electrical specialists' and electrical apprentices' demographics:
| Electrical Specialist | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | 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% |