Post job

Journeyman vs electrician helper

The differences between journeymen and electrician helpers 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 electrician helper takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $36,733 average annual salary of an electrician helper.

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

Journeyman vs electrician helper overview

JourneymanElectrician Helper
Yearly salary$57,682$36,733
Hourly rate$27.73$17.66
Growth rate2%7%
Number of jobs13,95327,886
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 47%
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 electrician helper do?

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 vs electrician helper salary

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

JourneymanElectrician Helper
Average salary$57,682$36,733
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $83,000Between $28,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASacramento, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonVermont
Best paying companyCVR EnergyExelon
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman and electrician helper education

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

JourneymanElectrician Helper
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Journeyman vs electrician helper demographics

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

JourneymanElectrician Helper
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.2% Female, 12.8%Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6%
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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%3%

Differences between journeyman and electrician helper 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.
  • Show more

Electrician helper example responsibilities.

  • Manage a team of outside contractors in installing and commissioning a 300HP VFD to environmental equipment to reduce downtime.
  • Terminate primary and secondary leads of transformers.
  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Install, bend and cut PVC and EMT pipe for underground service and fire/alarm systems.
  • Perform and upgrade electrical installation such as transformers and electric panels and disconnects.
  • Wire breaker boxes, make taps in junction boxes and install fire alarms
  • Show more

Journeyman vs electrician helper skills

Common journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common electrician helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 33%
  • RUN Conduit, 16%
  • Receptacles, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • EMT, 9%
  • Switches, 4%

Browse construction and extraction jobs