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The differences between service electricians and journeyman electricians 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 a journeyman electrician. Additionally, a service electrician has an average salary of $57,731, which is higher than the $54,526 average annual salary of a journeyman electrician.
The top three skills for a service electrician include customer service, ladders and electrical systems. The most important skills for a journeyman electrician are hand tools, electrical systems, and EMT.
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 electrician is responsible for performing various electrical tasks such as installation, repair, and maintenance. They have the freedom to provide services as part of a company or as an independent worker. Unlike an apprentice, a journeyman can work without any supervision from a master electrician. Furthermore, a journeyman electrician also has the responsibility to discuss the extent of repairs and explain to clients how to take better care of their appliances and electrical systems. A journeyman will also obtain the necessary supplies for a task and even train apprentices.
Service electricians and journeyman electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Average salary | $57,731 | $54,526 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $35,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Edison, NJ | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Tesla | MDU Resources |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between a service electrician and a journeyman electrician in terms of educational background:
| Service Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service electricians' and journeyman electricians' demographics:
| Service Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4% | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% |
| 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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |