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The differences between journeyman electricians and electrical apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a journeyman electrician, becoming an electrical apprentice takes usually requires 8-10 years. Additionally, a journeyman electrician has an average salary of $54,526, which is higher than the $37,081 average annual salary of an electrical apprentice.
The top three skills for a journeyman electrician include hand tools, electrical systems and EMT. The most important skills for an electrical apprentice are run conduit, hand tools, and electrical systems.
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $54,526 | $37,081 |
| Hourly rate | $26.21 | $17.83 |
| Growth rate | 7% | - |
| Number of jobs | 18,411 | 39,967 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Average age | 42 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 10 |
A journeyman electrician is responsible for performing various electrical tasks such as installation, repair, and maintenance. They have the freedom to provide services as part of a company or as an independent worker. Unlike an apprentice, a journeyman can work without any supervision from a master electrician. Furthermore, a journeyman electrician also has the responsibility to discuss the extent of repairs and explain to clients how to take better care of their appliances and electrical systems. A journeyman will also obtain the necessary supplies for a task and even train apprentices.
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.
Journeyman electricians and electrical apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $54,526 | $37,081 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $83,000 | Between $27,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Springfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Alaska |
| Best paying company | MDU Resources | Mortenson |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a journeyman electrician and an electrical apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman electricians' and electrical apprentices' demographics:
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrical Apprentice | |
| Average age | 42 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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 | 3% | 8% |