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The differences between service electricians and electrician 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 service electrician and an electrician helper. Additionally, a service electrician has an average salary of $57,731, which is higher than the $36,733 average annual salary of an electrician helper.
The top three skills for a service electrician include customer service, ladders and electrical systems. The most important skills for an electrician helper are hand tools, run conduit, and receptacles.
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 electrician helper is responsible for performing electrical maintenance duties under the supervision of a senior electrician. Electrician helpers conduct electrical and system installations, following protocols for the safeness of the process and components. They also inspect electrical tools and equipment before use, request supplies, and ensure the adequacy of materials during electrical operations. An electrician helper must have comprehensive knowledge of the electrical industry, be a fast learner, and have excellent time-management skills, especially when following instructions from the senior electrician on making the project successful.
Service electricians and electrician helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average salary | $57,731 | $36,733 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $28,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Edison, NJ | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Tesla | Exelon |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between a service electrician and an electrician helper in terms of educational background:
| Service Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service electricians' and electrician helpers' demographics:
| Service Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4% | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% |
| 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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |