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The differences between licensed electricians and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a licensed electrician, becoming a journeyman takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, 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 a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
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.
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.
Licensed electricians and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Electrician | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $56,328 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $84,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kent, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Washington |
| Best paying company | Community Health Systems | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Construction |
There are a few differences between a licensed electrician and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Electrician | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between licensed electricians' and journeymen' demographics:
| Licensed Electrician | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| 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, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 2% |