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Residential electrician vs plumber helper

The differences between residential electricians and plumber helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a residential electrician, becoming a plumber helper takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a residential electrician has an average salary of $60,514, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.

The top three skills for a residential electrician include work ethic, hand tools and electrical equipment. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.

Residential electrician vs plumber helper overview

Residential ElectricianPlumber Helper
Yearly salary$60,514$43,893
Hourly rate$29.09$21.10
Growth rate7%2%
Number of jobs22,40621,963
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 58%
Average age4242
Years of experience124

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 plumber helper do?

A plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations. They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations. A plumber helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform services under minimal supervision and strict timetables.

Residential electrician vs plumber helper salary

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

Residential ElectricianPlumber Helper
Average salary$60,514$43,893
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $90,000Between $28,000 And $66,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonMassachusetts
Best paying companyConstellation Energy PartnersENCON Heating
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between residential electrician and plumber helper education

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

Residential ElectricianPlumber Helper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 58%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Residential electrician vs plumber helper demographics

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

Residential ElectricianPlumber Helper
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.7% Female, 3.3%Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage3%2%

Differences between residential electrician and plumber 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

Plumber helper example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Install lavatories, help install urinals and commodes, roof drains and hose-bibs.
  • Assist journeyman plumber with measuring, cutting, brazing and sweating copper and copper fittings.
  • Perform solder brazing, some rough work with acetylene torch and grinders and various cutting implements.
  • Used tools of the trade; pipe cutters, cutting torches, pipe threading and pipe bending machines
  • Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinders, beveling machines and round up clamps.
  • Show more

Residential electrician vs plumber helper skills

Common residential electrician skills
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Electrical Equipment, 9%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Circuit Breakers, 6%
  • Switches, 6%
Common plumber helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 36%
  • Plumbing, 18%
  • Cast Iron, 18%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • PEX, 5%
  • Sewer Lines, 2%

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