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The differences between journeymen and master electricians 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 a master electrician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $52,154 average annual salary of a master electrician.
The top three skills for a journeyman include hand tools, work ethic and HVAC. The most important skills for a master electrician are electrical equipment, electrical systems, and switches.
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.
A Master Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in private homes or commercial properties. They also supervise the work performed by journeymen, ensure proper staffing, and monitor the quality, as well as prepare and submit work documentation.
Journeymen and master electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman | Master Electrician | |
| Average salary | $57,682 | $52,154 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $31,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Vermont |
| Best paying company | CVR Energy | Allegro MicroSystems |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Energy |
There are a few differences between a journeyman and a master electrician in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman | Master Electrician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 28% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeymen' and master electricians' demographics:
| Journeyman | Master Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 9.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 3% |