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The differences between journeyman electricians and electrical helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a journeyman electrician and an electrical helper. Additionally, a journeyman electrician has an average salary of $54,526, which is higher than the $31,465 average annual salary of an electrical helper.
The top three skills for a journeyman electrician include hand tools, electrical systems and EMT. The most important skills for an electrical helper are hand tools, ladders, and EMT.
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrical Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $54,526 | $31,465 |
| Hourly rate | $26.21 | $15.13 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 18,411 | 47,283 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Average age | 42 | 34 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
An Electrical Helper is responsible for assisting head electricians in conducting electrical repairs and installments for private households or commercial establishments. Electrical Helpers operate various electrical tools and equipment, requiring them to inspect the materials before and after every use to avoid potential hazards and operational failures. They also support the senior electricians in performing troubleshooting procedures, component replacements, and upgrading systems for optimization. An Electrical Helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills, especially in fixing broken cables and strictly following safety protocols and regulations.
Journeyman electricians and electrical helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrical Helper | |
| Average salary | $54,526 | $31,465 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $83,000 | Between $26,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Buffalo, NY |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Maine |
| Best paying company | MDU Resources | Xcel Energy |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a journeyman electrician and an electrical helper in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrical Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman electricians' and electrical helpers' demographics:
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrical Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 34 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4% |
| 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, 14.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 2% |