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The differences between licensed electricians and journeyman electricians 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 a journeyman electrician. Additionally, a licensed electrician has an average salary of $56,328, which is higher than the $54,526 average annual salary of a journeyman electrician.
The top three skills for a licensed electrician include electrical equipment, ladders and NEC. The most important skills for a journeyman electrician are hand tools, electrical systems, 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.
A journeyman electrician is responsible for performing various electrical tasks such as installation, repair, and maintenance. They have the freedom to provide services as part of a company or as an independent worker. Unlike an apprentice, a journeyman can work without any supervision from a master electrician. Furthermore, a journeyman electrician also has the responsibility to discuss the extent of repairs and explain to clients how to take better care of their appliances and electrical systems. A journeyman will also obtain the necessary supplies for a task and even train apprentices.
Licensed electricians and journeyman electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Average salary | $56,328 | $54,526 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $84,000 | Between $35,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kent, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Community Health Systems | MDU Resources |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Construction |
There are a few differences between a licensed electrician and a journeyman electrician in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between licensed electricians' and journeyman electricians' demographics:
| Licensed Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% |
| 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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |