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Electrical technician vs master electrician

The differences between electrical technicians and master electricians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an electrical technician has an average salary of $55,215, which is higher than the $52,154 average annual salary of a master electrician.

The top three skills for an electrical technician include hand tools, PLC and electrical equipment. The most important skills for a master electrician are electrical equipment, electrical systems, and switches.

Electrical technician vs master electrician overview

Electrical TechnicianMaster Electrician
Yearly salary$55,215$52,154
Hourly rate$26.55$25.07
Growth rate-7%
Number of jobs127,79226,377
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
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 a master electrician do?

A Master Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in private homes or commercial properties. They also supervise the work performed by journeymen, ensure proper staffing, and monitor the quality, as well as prepare and submit work documentation.

Electrical technician vs master electrician salary

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

Electrical TechnicianMaster Electrician
Average salary$55,215$52,154
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $80,000Between $31,000 And $86,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CAMinneapolis, MN
Highest paying stateVirginiaVermont
Best paying companyTexas InstrumentsAllegro MicroSystems
Best paying industryEnergyEnergy

Differences between electrical technician and master electrician education

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

Electrical TechnicianMaster Electrician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Electrical technician vs master electrician demographics

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

Electrical TechnicianMaster Electrician
Average age5042
Gender ratioMale, 93.3% Female, 6.7%Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%
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, 9.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%3%

Differences between electrical technician and master 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

Master electrician example responsibilities.

  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Experience with PLC (e.g., industrial maintenance, computer control systems, etc .).
  • Experience in installing and maintaining motors, welding equipment, lighting fixtures, generators, circuit breakers, and transformers.
  • Snake wires through PVC, conduits, walls.
  • Work under company safety policies and maintain OSHA safe facilities.
  • Repair failures of substation breakers, transformers, and other equipment.
  • Show more

Electrical technician vs master electrician skills

Common electrical technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • PLC, 7%
  • Electrical Equipment, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Electrical Schematics, 4%
  • Control Systems, 4%
Common master electrician skills
  • Electrical Equipment, 8%
  • Electrical Systems, 8%
  • Switches, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Transformers, 5%
  • NEC, 5%

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