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Journeyman vs apprentice electrician

The differences between journeymen and apprentices electrician can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a journeyman, becoming an apprentice electrician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $38,799 average annual salary of an apprentice electrician.

The top three skills for a journeyman include hand tools, work ethic and HVAC. The most important skills for an apprentice electrician are hand tools, run conduit, and EMT.

Journeyman vs apprentice electrician overview

JourneymanApprentice Electrician
Yearly salary$57,682$38,799
Hourly rate$27.73$18.65
Growth rate2%7%
Number of jobs13,95321,335
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4242
Years of experience412

What does a journeyman do?

A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.

What does an apprentice electrician do?

An Apprentice Electrician is responsible for conducting electrical repairs and faults under the supervision and guidelines of a Master Electrician. The duties of an Apprentice will vary while still under training; however, it will mostly revolve around assisting the Master Electrician or carrying out given tasks. Furthermore, an Apprentice Electrician may be responsible for clearing out sites, carrying or loading materials, procuring required supplies, understanding and interpreting various types of blueprints, handling wiring systems, and coordinating with multiple workers, even including the clients.

Journeyman vs apprentice electrician salary

Journeymen and apprentices electrician have different pay scales, as shown below.

JourneymanApprentice Electrician
Average salary$57,682$38,799
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $83,000Between $28,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CALos Angeles, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonHawaii
Best paying companyCVR EnergyDell
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman and apprentice electrician education

There are a few differences between a journeyman and an apprentice electrician in terms of educational background:

JourneymanApprentice Electrician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Journeyman vs apprentice electrician demographics

Here are the differences between journeymen' and apprentices electrician' demographics:

JourneymanApprentice Electrician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.2% Female, 12.8%Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%3%

Differences between journeyman and apprentice electrician duties and responsibilities

Journeyman example responsibilities.

  • Manage 22 active duty hydraulic technicians in support of 32 of USAF's 59 KC-10A aircraft.
  • Serve as the hoisting specialist for critical glass lifts in order to achieve proper install while mitigating any risk for loss.
  • Implement and manage training program for incoming and/or replacement facility managers enhancing overall knowledge of CE maintenance and repair operations.
  • Install EMT to rigid including PVC.
  • Perform arc welding of steel clips for curtain wall installation.
  • Repair the electrical systems of various engineering equipment utilizing soldering irons, resistors, relays, switches, and hand tools.
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Apprentice electrician example responsibilities.

  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Experience with underground installations and installing PVC, EMT, MC, wire pulling, trimming, device and panel makeup.
  • Pull cables on main tray from PLC to junction boxes, including motor control center to motors and on/off switches.
  • Perform grind up industrial electrical construction, running above grind EMT and rigid conduit, underground PVC conduit and pulling wire.
  • Copper & brass fitting & brazing.
  • Weather seal and caulking, around glass panes interior and exterior of buildings.
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Journeyman vs apprentice electrician skills

Common journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common apprentice electrician skills
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • RUN Conduit, 12%
  • EMT, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Electrical Components, 5%

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