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The differences between low voltage technicians and lead 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 lead electrician. Additionally, a lead electrician has an average salary of $56,709, 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 lead electrician are electrical equipment, hand tools, and electrical systems.
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 Lead Electrician is the one who does the maintenance, inspection, and repair, and installation of needed equipment and other electric-related things. They are the one who supervises and monitors the job of the Electrician, plans and takes action to every happening and problem that they can encounter. They also do the planning of schedule and the process of conducting an equipment check-up and maintenance. Also, they need to be knowledgeable when it comes to repairing and installing needed material and equipment.
Low voltage technicians and lead electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Low Voltage Technician | Lead Electrician | |
| Average salary | $39,605 | $56,709 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $38,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | Ameresco |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a low voltage technician and a lead electrician in terms of educational background:
| Low Voltage Technician | Lead Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Associate Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between low voltage technicians' and lead electricians' demographics:
| Low Voltage Technician | Lead Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.2% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |