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The differences between substation electricians and low voltage technicians 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 low voltage technician. Additionally, a substation electrician has an average salary of $67,906, which is higher than the $39,605 average annual salary of a low voltage technician.
The top three skills for a substation electrician include CDL, transformers and circuit breakers. The most important skills for a low voltage technician are hand tools, CCTV, and patch panels.
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 low voltage technician is responsible for monitoring and installing low-voltage cables and systems for electronic equipment and communication devices. Low voltage technicians analyze blueprints and schematics to connect the cables safely and accurately. They also conduct repairs for defective components and faulty wirings, recommending solutions and low-cost materials with high quality according to the customers' needs and budget limitations. A low voltage technician must have excellent electrical and organizational skills, especially in performing duties with utmost adherence to safety guidelines and procedures to prevent hazards and operational delays.
Substation electricians and low voltage technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Substation Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Average salary | $67,906 | $39,605 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $98,000 | Between $30,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a substation electrician and a low voltage technician in terms of educational background:
| Substation Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between substation electricians' and low voltage technicians' demographics:
| Substation Electrician | Low Voltage Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |