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The differences between substation 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 substation electrician and a journeyman electrician. Additionally, a substation electrician has an average salary of $67,906, which is higher than the $54,526 average annual salary of a journeyman electrician.
The top three skills for a substation electrician include CDL, transformers and circuit breakers. The most important skills for a journeyman electrician are hand tools, electrical systems, and EMT.
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.
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.
Substation electricians and journeyman electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Substation Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Average salary | $67,906 | $54,526 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $98,000 | Between $35,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | - | Vermont |
| Best paying company | - | MDU Resources |
| Best paying industry | - | Construction |
There are a few differences between a substation electrician and a journeyman electrician in terms of educational background:
| Substation Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between substation electricians' and journeyman electricians' demographics:
| Substation Electrician | Journeyman Electrician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% |
| 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, 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% |