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The differences between low voltage technicians and electrician helpers 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 electrician helper. Additionally, a low voltage technician has an average salary of $39,605, which is higher than the $36,733 average annual salary of an electrician helper.
The top three skills for a low voltage technician include hand tools, CCTV and patch panels. The most important skills for an electrician helper are hand tools, run conduit, and receptacles.
| Low Voltage Technician | Electrician Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $39,605 | $36,733 |
| Hourly rate | $19.04 | $17.66 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 40,465 | 27,886 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| 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 electrician helper is responsible for performing electrical maintenance duties under the supervision of a senior electrician. Electrician helpers conduct electrical and system installations, following protocols for the safeness of the process and components. They also inspect electrical tools and equipment before use, request supplies, and ensure the adequacy of materials during electrical operations. An electrician helper must have comprehensive knowledge of the electrical industry, be a fast learner, and have excellent time-management skills, especially when following instructions from the senior electrician on making the project successful.
Low voltage technicians and electrician helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Low Voltage Technician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average salary | $39,605 | $36,733 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $28,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | Exelon |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a low voltage technician and an electrician helper in terms of educational background:
| Low Voltage Technician | Electrician Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between low voltage technicians' and electrician helpers' demographics:
| Low Voltage Technician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% |
| 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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |