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The differences between licensed electricians and apprentices electrician 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 electrician. Additionally, a licensed electrician has an average salary of $56,328, which is higher than the $38,799 average annual salary of an apprentice electrician.
The top three skills for a licensed electrician include electrical equipment, ladders and NEC. The most important skills for an apprentice electrician are hand tools, run conduit, and EMT.
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 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.
Licensed electricians and apprentices electrician have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Electrician | Apprentice Electrician | |
| Average salary | $56,328 | $38,799 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $84,000 | Between $28,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kent, WA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Community Health Systems | Dell |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Construction |
There are a few differences between a licensed electrician and an apprentice electrician in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Electrician | Apprentice Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between licensed electricians' and apprentices electrician' demographics:
| Licensed Electrician | Apprentice Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% |
| 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, 6.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |