Post job

Residential electrician vs helper

The differences between residential electricians and 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 residential electrician and a helper. Additionally, a residential electrician has an average salary of $60,514, which is higher than the $31,331 average annual salary of a helper.

The top three skills for a residential electrician include work ethic, hand tools and electrical equipment. The most important skills for a helper are food handling, safety procedures, and safety rules.

Residential electrician vs helper overview

Residential ElectricianHelper
Yearly salary$60,514$31,331
Hourly rate$29.09$15.06
Growth rate7%4%
Number of jobs22,40629,873
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 52%
Average age4234
Years of experience1212

What does a residential electrician do?

Residential Electricians are skilled tradespersons responsible for inspecting, repairing, installing, and maintaining wiring and electrical systems in residential buildings. Their duties include interpreting blueprints and technical drawings, examining electrical components, diagnosing electrical systems and wiring problems as well as installing new wiring and electrical components. Besides that, they also ensure that electrical systems are installed to adhere to local and national directives. They must know about utilizing devices to detect electrical problems. Residential electricians assist in training workers in inspection, repairing, and installation work.

What does a helper do?

Helpers are employed by families or homeowners to provide overall assistance in the house. They are usually assigned to do household chores such as cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking meals, and tending the garden. They may also be assigned to do groceries or even drive the family around. They take care of children at home and assist them with their schoolwork should it be needed. They also address any other needs that the family may require assistance with. Helpers are expected to be patient and trustworthy since they will be working closely with the family members.

Residential electrician vs helper salary

Residential electricians and helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Residential ElectricianHelper
Average salary$60,514$31,331
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $90,000Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonAlaska
Best paying companyConstellation Energy PartnersNational Grid plc
Best paying industryManufacturingUtilities

Differences between residential electrician and helper education

There are a few differences between a residential electrician and a helper in terms of educational background:

Residential ElectricianHelper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 52%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Residential electrician vs helper demographics

Here are the differences between residential electricians' and helpers' demographics:

Residential ElectricianHelper
Average age4234
Gender ratioMale, 96.7% Female, 3.3%Male, 77.1% Female, 22.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.3% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 24.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage3%2%

Differences between residential electrician and helper duties and responsibilities

Residential electrician example responsibilities.

  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Install all electrical components according to the NEC and local codes.
  • Experience working with Romex, ENT, MC, and EMT.
  • Used electrical troubleshooting skills to solve technical discrepancies in residential and commercial properties, including HVAC systems.
  • Finish all electrical trim for both the interior and exterior circuitry such as light fixtures, outlets, switches and appliances.
  • Plan and follow blueprint layout and installation of residential wiring per NEC codes.
  • Show more

Helper example responsibilities.

  • Attach pulleys and blocks to fix overhead structures such as beams, etc.
  • Operate power nail guns, paint sprayers, ladders, power washers, drive company truck.
  • Clean areas that harbore pests, using rakes, brooms, shovels and mops, preparatory to fumigating.
  • Operate winches and hoisting devices.
  • Perform tack welding as necessary.
  • Install EMT and new wire throughout structure.
  • Show more

Residential electrician vs helper skills

Common residential electrician skills
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Electrical Equipment, 9%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Circuit Breakers, 6%
  • Switches, 6%
Common helper skills
  • Food Handling, 24%
  • Safety Procedures, 12%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Construction Sites, 7%
  • Physical Labor, 5%
  • Windows, 3%

Browse construction and extraction jobs