Introduction
When it comes to choosing a career in the electrical field, the two most common options are becoming an electrical engineer or an electrician. While both careers involve working with electricity, they have different job roles and responsibilities. One of the most important factors that people consider when choosing a career is the salary. In this article, we will be discussing the salary differences between an electrical engineer and an electrician.
What is an Electrical Engineer?
An electrical engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment and systems. They work on a wide range of projects, including power generation, communications, and control systems. Electrical engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and are required to have a license to practice their profession.
What is an Electrician?
An electrician is a skilled tradesperson who installs, repairs, and maintains electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They work with a variety of electrical equipment, including wiring, circuit breakers, and transformers. Electricians typically complete an apprenticeship program or vocational training to become licensed in their profession.
Salary Comparison
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for electrical engineers as of May 2022 was $105,670, while the median annual salary for electricians was $57,330. This means that electrical engineers earn almost twice as much as electricians on average.
Factors Affecting Salary
There are several factors that can affect the salary of an electrical engineer or electrician. These include:
Education and Training
Electrical engineers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, which can take four years to complete. Electricians, on the other hand, typically complete an apprenticeship program or vocational training that can take anywhere from one to four years.
Experience
The more experience an electrical engineer or electrician has, the higher their salary is likely to be. Experienced professionals are often sought after and can command higher salaries.
Industry
The industry in which an electrical engineer or electrician works can also affect their salary. For example, electrical engineers who work in the telecommunications industry tend to earn more than those who work in the manufacturing industry.
Location
The location of an electrical engineer or electrician can also impact their salary. Some areas have higher costs of living, which can result in higher salaries. Additionally, some areas have a higher demand for electrical professionals, which can drive up salaries.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for both electrical engineers and electricians is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, while employment of electricians is projected to grow 8 percent during the same time period.
Conclusion
While both electrical engineers and electricians play important roles in the electrical field, electrical engineers tend to earn more on average. However, there are several factors that can affect salary, including education, experience, industry, and location. The job outlook for both professions is positive, making them both excellent career choices for those interested in the electrical field.
