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The differences between licensed electricians and electrician helpers 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 electrician helper. Additionally, a licensed electrician has an average salary of $56,328, which is higher than the $36,733 average annual salary of an electrician helper.
The top three skills for a licensed electrician include electrical equipment, ladders and NEC. The most important skills for an electrician helper are hand tools, run conduit, and receptacles.
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 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.
Licensed electricians and electrician helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average salary | $56,328 | $36,733 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $84,000 | Between $28,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kent, WA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Community Health Systems | Exelon |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Construction |
There are a few differences between a licensed electrician and an electrician helper in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between licensed electricians' and electrician helpers' demographics:
| Licensed Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% |
| 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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |