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The differences between substation 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 substation electrician and an electrician helper. Additionally, a substation electrician has an average salary of $67,906, which is higher than the $36,733 average annual salary of an electrician helper.
The top three skills for a substation electrician include CDL, transformers and circuit breakers. The most important skills for an electrician helper are hand tools, run conduit, and receptacles.
A Substation Electrician installs control panels and wiring systems, performs emergency repairs and regular maintenance on electrical substations delivering energy to the surrounding buildings and houses. The professionals work hand-in-hand with engineers and architects to create the substation's plan and layout. After completing the blueprints, the Substation Electricians can construct and install electrical equipment and wiring cabinets. Other duties performed may include testing, calibrating, and maintaining relays. They also operate various devices and troubleshoot transformers' issues and provide the right solutions.
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.
Substation electricians and electrician helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Substation Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average salary | $67,906 | $36,733 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $98,000 | Between $28,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Vermont |
| Best paying company | - | Exelon |
| Best paying industry | - | Construction |
There are a few differences between a substation electrician and an electrician helper in terms of educational background:
| Substation Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between substation electricians' and electrician helpers' demographics:
| Substation Electrician | Electrician Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.2% 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% |