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The differences between service electricians and master 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 master electrician. Additionally, a service electrician has an average salary of $57,731, which is higher than the $52,154 average annual salary of a master electrician.
The top three skills for a service electrician include customer service, ladders and electrical systems. The most important skills for a master electrician are electrical equipment, electrical systems, and switches.
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 Master Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in private homes or commercial properties. They also supervise the work performed by journeymen, ensure proper staffing, and monitor the quality, as well as prepare and submit work documentation.
Service electricians and master electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Electrician | Master Electrician | |
| Average salary | $57,731 | $52,154 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $31,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Edison, NJ | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Tesla | Allegro MicroSystems |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a service electrician and a master electrician in terms of educational background:
| Service Electrician | Master Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 28% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service electricians' and master electricians' demographics:
| Service Electrician | Master Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4% | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% |
| 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, 9.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |