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The differences between electrical technicians and residential electricians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a residential electrician has an average salary of $60,514, 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 residential electrician are work ethic, hand tools, and electrical equipment.
| Electrical Technician | Residential Electrician | |
| Yearly salary | $55,215 | $60,514 |
| Hourly rate | $26.55 | $29.09 |
| Growth rate | - | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 127,792 | 22,406 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
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.
Residential Electricians are skilled tradespersons responsible for inspecting, repairing, installing, and maintaining wiring and electrical systems in residential buildings. Their duties include interpreting blueprints and technical drawings, examining electrical components, diagnosing electrical systems and wiring problems as well as installing new wiring and electrical components. Besides that, they also ensure that electrical systems are installed to adhere to local and national directives. They must know about utilizing devices to detect electrical problems. Residential electricians assist in training workers in inspection, repairing, and installation work.
Electrical technicians and residential electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Technician | Residential Electrician | |
| Average salary | $55,215 | $60,514 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $80,000 | Between $40,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Washington |
| Best paying company | Texas Instruments | Constellation Energy Partners |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an electrical technician and a residential electrician in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Technician | Residential Electrician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between electrical technicians' and residential electricians' demographics:
| Electrical Technician | Residential Electrician | |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7% | Male, 96.7% Female, 3.3% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.3% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 3% |