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Electrical technician vs journeyman

The differences between electrical technicians and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, 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 a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.

Electrical technician vs journeyman overview

Electrical TechnicianJourneyman
Yearly salary$55,215$57,682
Hourly rate$26.55$27.73
Growth rate-2%
Number of jobs127,79213,953
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age5042
Years of experience-4

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 a journeyman do?

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 technician vs journeyman salary

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

Electrical TechnicianJourneyman
Average salary$55,215$57,682
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $80,000Between $39,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateVirginiaWashington
Best paying companyTexas InstrumentsCVR Energy
Best paying industryEnergyConstruction

Differences between electrical technician and journeyman education

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

Electrical TechnicianJourneyman
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common college--

Electrical technician vs journeyman demographics

Here are the differences between electrical technicians' and journeymen' demographics:

Electrical TechnicianJourneyman
Average age5042
Gender ratioMale, 93.3% Female, 6.7%Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8%
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, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%2%

Differences between electrical technician and journeyman 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

Journeyman example responsibilities.

  • Manage 22 active duty hydraulic technicians in support of 32 of USAF's 59 KC-10A aircraft.
  • Serve as the hoisting specialist for critical glass lifts in order to achieve proper install while mitigating any risk for loss.
  • Implement and manage training program for incoming and/or replacement facility managers enhancing overall knowledge of CE maintenance and repair operations.
  • Install EMT to rigid including PVC.
  • Perform arc welding of steel clips for curtain wall installation.
  • Repair the electrical systems of various engineering equipment utilizing soldering irons, resistors, relays, switches, and hand tools.
  • Show more

Electrical technician vs journeyman skills

Common electrical technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • PLC, 7%
  • Electrical Equipment, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Electrical Schematics, 4%
  • Control Systems, 4%
Common journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%

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