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The differences between service electricians and electrical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a service electrician has an average salary of $57,731, which is higher than the $55,215 average annual salary of an electrical technician.
The top three skills for a service electrician include customer service, ladders and electrical systems. The most important skills for an electrical technician are hand tools, PLC, and electrical equipment.
A service electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems and equipment in commercial and residential areas. They typically meet with clients to identify and understand their needs, perform installations and inspections, troubleshoot problems, replace or fix wirings, and perform regular maintenance checks to ensure efficiency and client safety. Most service electricians work as an independent contractor, although there are instances where they work with a team of other electricians and specialists. Moreover, they must build positive relationships with clients for a strong client base.
An electrical technician is responsible for managing the electrical systems of an establishment, ensuring the safety of the network and cables to support daily operations. Electrical technicians analyze schematics and specifications to construct electrical systems, run diagnostic tests, and perform repairs for any defects and inconsistencies. They assemble electrical equipment, replace malfunctioning components, upgrading systems, and advising management of high-quality electrical supplies. An electrical technician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical and mechanical industry, especially with supervising electricians on their duties, as well as responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns.
Service electricians and electrical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Electrician | Electrical Technician | |
| Average salary | $57,731 | $55,215 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $37,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Edison, NJ | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Tesla | Texas Instruments |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a service electrician and an electrical technician in terms of educational background:
| Service Electrician | Electrical Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service electricians' and electrical technicians' demographics:
| Service Electrician | Electrical Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4% | Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 8% |