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The differences between service electricians and plumbers 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 plumber takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a service electrician has an average salary of $57,731, which is higher than the $55,337 average annual salary of a plumber.
The top three skills for a service electrician include customer service, ladders and electrical systems. The most important skills for a plumber are plumbing, hand tools, and plumbers.
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.
Plumbers specialize in assembling, detecting issues, maintaining, and repairing pipes and systems that can either involve water or gas distribution in a home or establishment, ensuring that they function efficiently. Additionally, Plumbers can also install various materials such as kitchen or bathroom sinks, toilets, appliances, and more. Among the tasks may revolve around training other plumbers or coordinating with other workers involved on a project, clearing obstructions and handling waste disposal, informing clients about the costs and process of repairs, and building rapport with them.
Service electricians and plumbers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Electrician | Plumber | |
| Average salary | $57,731 | $55,337 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $36,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Edison, NJ | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Tesla | Kern Community College District |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Finance |
There are a few differences between a service electrician and a plumber in terms of educational background:
| Service Electrician | Plumber | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service electricians' and plumbers' demographics:
| Service Electrician | Plumber | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4% | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 2% |