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The differences between licensed electricians and low voltage 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 a low voltage technician. Additionally, a licensed electrician has an average salary of $56,328, which is higher than the $39,605 average annual salary of a low voltage technician.
The top three skills for a licensed electrician include electrical equipment, ladders and NEC. The most important skills for a low voltage technician are hand tools, CCTV, and patch panels.
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 low voltage technician is responsible for monitoring and installing low-voltage cables and systems for electronic equipment and communication devices. Low voltage technicians analyze blueprints and schematics to connect the cables safely and accurately. They also conduct repairs for defective components and faulty wirings, recommending solutions and low-cost materials with high quality according to the customers' needs and budget limitations. A low voltage technician must have excellent electrical and organizational skills, especially in performing duties with utmost adherence to safety guidelines and procedures to prevent hazards and operational delays.
Licensed electricians and low voltage technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Average salary | $56,328 | $39,605 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $84,000 | Between $30,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kent, WA | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Community Health Systems | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Technology |
There are a few differences between a licensed electrician and a low voltage technician in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between licensed electricians' and low voltage technicians' demographics:
| Licensed Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |