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The differences between licensed electricians and electrician technicians 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 technician. Additionally, an electrician technician has an average salary of $57,813, which is higher than the $56,328 average annual salary of a licensed electrician.
The top three skills for a licensed electrician include electrical equipment, ladders and NEC. The most important skills for an electrician technician are PLC, hand tools, and electrical systems.
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.
The main duties of an electrical technician involve the assembly, evaluation, testing, and maintenance of electronic or electrical wiring and equipment. Sometimes, electrical technicians can take the role of electrical engineers or electricians. They may perform the duties of residential, telecommunications, and inside electricians. They may also work on-site for the efficient functionality of specialty equipment and machinery. The technicians are expected to have mechanical aptitude, reading comprehension, problem-solving skills, and customer service skills.
Licensed electricians and electrician technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Electrician | Electrician Technician | |
| Average salary | $56,328 | $57,813 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $84,000 | Between $42,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kent, WA | Atwater, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Community Health Systems | Nabors Industries |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Energy |
There are a few differences between a licensed electrician and an electrician technician in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Electrician | Electrician Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Associate Degree, 42% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between licensed electricians' and electrician technicians' demographics:
| Licensed Electrician | Electrician Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| 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, 8.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |