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The differences between low voltage technicians 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 low voltage technician and a journeyman electrician. Additionally, a journeyman electrician has an average salary of $54,526, which is higher than the $39,605 average annual salary of a low voltage technician.
The top three skills for a low voltage technician include hand tools, CCTV and patch panels. The most important skills for a journeyman electrician are hand tools, electrical systems, and EMT.
| Low Voltage Technician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,605 | $54,526 |
| Hourly rate | $19.04 | $26.21 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 40,465 | 18,411 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| 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.
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.
Low voltage technicians and journeyman electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Low Voltage Technician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Average salary | $39,605 | $54,526 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $35,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | MDU Resources |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a low voltage technician and a journeyman electrician in terms of educational background:
| Low Voltage Technician | 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 low voltage technicians' and journeyman electricians' demographics:
| Low Voltage Technician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% |
| 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, 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% |