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The differences between low voltage technicians and master 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 master electrician. Additionally, a master electrician has an average salary of $52,154, 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 master electrician are electrical equipment, electrical systems, and switches.
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 Master Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in private homes or commercial properties. They also supervise the work performed by journeymen, ensure proper staffing, and monitor the quality, as well as prepare and submit work documentation.
Low voltage technicians and master electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Low Voltage Technician | Master Electrician | |
| Average salary | $39,605 | $52,154 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $50,000 | Between $31,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | Allegro MicroSystems |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a low voltage technician and a master electrician in terms of educational background:
| Low Voltage Technician | Master Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 28% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between low voltage technicians' and master electricians' demographics:
| Low Voltage Technician | Master Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% |
| 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, 9.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |