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Electrical technician vs industrial electrician

The differences between electrical technicians and industrial electricians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an industrial electrician has an average salary of $62,533, which is higher than the $55,215 average annual salary of an electrical technician.

The top three skills for an electrical technician include hand tools, PLC and electrical equipment. The most important skills for an industrial electrician are electrical equipment, hand tools, and ac.

Electrical technician vs industrial electrician overview

Electrical TechnicianIndustrial Electrician
Yearly salary$55,215$62,533
Hourly rate$26.55$30.06
Growth rate-7%
Number of jobs127,79223,963
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 42%
Average age5042
Years of experience-12

What does an electrical technician do?

An electrical technician is responsible for managing the electrical systems of an establishment, ensuring the safety of the network and cables to support daily operations. Electrical technicians analyze schematics and specifications to construct electrical systems, run diagnostic tests, and perform repairs for any defects and inconsistencies. They assemble electrical equipment, replace malfunctioning components, upgrading systems, and advising management of high-quality electrical supplies. An electrical technician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical and mechanical industry, especially with supervising electricians on their duties, as well as responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns.

What does an industrial electrician do?

An Industrial Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in industrial facilities. They are usually part of a construction team to put in and check new equipment and systems.

Electrical technician vs industrial electrician salary

Electrical technicians and industrial electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electrical TechnicianIndustrial Electrician
Average salary$55,215$62,533
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $80,000Between $47,000 And $82,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CASaint Paul, MN
Highest paying stateVirginiaVermont
Best paying companyTexas InstrumentsThe Washington Post
Best paying industryEnergyAutomotive

Differences between electrical technician and industrial electrician education

There are a few differences between an electrical technician and an industrial electrician in terms of educational background:

Electrical TechnicianIndustrial Electrician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 42%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Electrical technician vs industrial electrician demographics

Here are the differences between electrical technicians' and industrial electricians' demographics:

Electrical TechnicianIndustrial Electrician
Average age5042
Gender ratioMale, 93.3% Female, 6.7%Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 2.2% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%3%

Differences between electrical technician and industrial electrician duties and responsibilities

Electrical technician example responsibilities.

  • Test printed circuit boards to comply with military, ISO, and customer specifications.
  • Inspect, test and troubleshoot a variety of PLC and microprocessor control high voltage transformer systems.
  • Work in accordance with OSHA safety regulation, NEC, ANSI, ISO9001 compliance and with company safety policies.
  • Work with proximity sensors, ac & dc motors, VFDs, and controls on a daily basis here.
  • Install EMT risers in new buildings for communications.
  • Work on equipment using CNET, DNET, and Ethernet.
  • Show more

Industrial electrician example responsibilities.

  • Lead team to retrofit outdate piece of CNC machinery to allow usage for production personnel on a new design part.
  • Install electrical services ranging from 480 volts ac to 24 volts dc.
  • Include the installation of EMT and rigid conduit for branch circuits, fire alarm systems and motor control circuits.
  • Job responsibilities include running conduit wiring transformers and terminating PLC cabinets.
  • Work with voltages ranging from 24 vdc to 2300 vac.
  • Maintain both A/C and D/C main power generation systems.
  • Show more

Electrical technician vs industrial electrician skills

Common electrical technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • PLC, 7%
  • Electrical Equipment, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Electrical Schematics, 4%
  • Control Systems, 4%
Common industrial electrician skills
  • Electrical Equipment, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Ac, 4%
  • Dc, 4%
  • Test Equipment, 4%
  • Industrial Maintenance, 4%

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