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The differences between licensed electricians and apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a licensed electrician and an apprentice. Additionally, a licensed electrician has an average salary of $56,328, which is higher than the $37,107 average annual salary of an apprentice.
The top three skills for a licensed electrician include electrical equipment, ladders and NEC. The most important skills for an apprentice are PET, customer service, and basic math.
A licensed electrician is responsible for operating electrical equipment and installing power systems to establishments, private households, and other industrial and commercial areas. Licensed electricians assemble complex wiring and electrical cables, requiring them to have an excellent analysis of mechanical schematics and blueprints. They conduct regular maintenance and inspection to ensure the safety and stability of the systems to prevent potential hazards and operational delays. A licensed electrician must have excellent mechanical and organizational skills, especially in following strict protocols and safety procedures during operations.
An apprentice is responsible for learning specialized tasks on their chosen field through actual job training under the supervision of tenured staff. An apprentice's duties include performing administrative tasks as needed, creating observation reports of daily operations, providing possible recommendations on improving productivity, and adhering to the business' safety standards and regulatory procedures. An apprentice must be detail-oriented, fast-learner, and enthusiastic. An apprentice should also know how to accept constructive criticisms and feedback to improve performance and skill development.
Licensed electricians and apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Electrician | Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $56,328 | $37,107 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $84,000 | Between $26,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kent, WA | Worcester, MA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Community Health Systems | Mid-South Management |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a licensed electrician and an apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Electrician | Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between licensed electricians' and apprentices' demographics:
| Licensed Electrician | Apprentice | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |