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The differences between journeyman electricians and electrician 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 electrician helper. Additionally, a journeyman electrician has an average salary of $54,526, which is higher than the $36,733 average annual salary of an electrician helper.
The top three skills for a journeyman electrician include hand tools, electrical systems and EMT. The most important skills for an electrician helper are hand tools, run conduit, and receptacles.
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $54,526 | $36,733 |
| Hourly rate | $26.21 | $17.66 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 18,411 | 27,886 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| 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 electrician helper is responsible for performing electrical maintenance duties under the supervision of a senior electrician. Electrician helpers conduct electrical and system installations, following protocols for the safeness of the process and components. They also inspect electrical tools and equipment before use, request supplies, and ensure the adequacy of materials during electrical operations. An electrician helper must have comprehensive knowledge of the electrical industry, be a fast learner, and have excellent time-management skills, especially when following instructions from the senior electrician on making the project successful.
Journeyman electricians and electrician helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average salary | $54,526 | $36,733 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $83,000 | Between $28,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Vermont |
| Best paying company | MDU Resources | Exelon |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a journeyman electrician and an electrician helper in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman electricians' and electrician helpers' demographics:
| Journeyman Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% |
| 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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |