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The differences between low voltage technicians and apprentices electrician can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a low voltage technician and an apprentice electrician. Additionally, a low voltage technician has an average salary of $39,605, which is higher than the $38,799 average annual salary of an apprentice electrician.
The top three skills for a low voltage technician include hand tools, CCTV and patch panels. The most important skills for an apprentice electrician are hand tools, run conduit, and EMT.
| Low Voltage Technician | Apprentice Electrician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,605 | $38,799 |
| Hourly rate | $19.04 | $18.65 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 40,465 | 21,335 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
An Apprentice Electrician is responsible for conducting electrical repairs and faults under the supervision and guidelines of a Master Electrician. The duties of an Apprentice will vary while still under training; however, it will mostly revolve around assisting the Master Electrician or carrying out given tasks. Furthermore, an Apprentice Electrician may be responsible for clearing out sites, carrying or loading materials, procuring required supplies, understanding and interpreting various types of blueprints, handling wiring systems, and coordinating with multiple workers, even including the clients.
Low voltage technicians and apprentices electrician have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Low Voltage Technician | Apprentice Electrician | |
| Average salary | $39,605 | $38,799 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $28,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | Dell |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a low voltage technician and an apprentice electrician in terms of educational background:
| Low Voltage Technician | Apprentice Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between low voltage technicians' and apprentices electrician' demographics:
| Low Voltage Technician | Apprentice Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |