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The differences between service electricians and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a service electrician, becoming a journeyman takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a service electrician has an average salary of $57,731, which is higher than the $57,682 average annual salary of a journeyman.
The top three skills for a service electrician include customer service, ladders and electrical systems. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
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.
A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.
Service electricians and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Electrician | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $57,731 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Edison, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Washington |
| Best paying company | Tesla | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between a service electrician and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Service Electrician | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service electricians' and journeymen' demographics:
| Service Electrician | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| 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, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 2% |