Do Engineers Make More Than Electricians?
Comparison Table
| Electricians | Electrical Engineers | |
|---|---|---|
| Median Pay | $56,900 per year ($27.36 per hour) in May 2020 | $105,990 per year |
| Top 10% of earners | Upwards of $98,720 annually | N/A |
FAQ
What is the average salary of an electrician?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians earned median pay of $56,900 per year or about $27.36 per hour in May 2020. This figure can differ depending on the state, level of education and experience of the electrician.
What is the average salary of an electrical engineer?
During the same period, electrical engineers made an average of $105,990 per year. However, similarly to electricians, this figure may vary based on various factors with education and experience being among the top.
What factors influence the salary of electricians?
The salary earned by electricians can depend on a variety of factors including their level of experience and expertise, the region or state they work in, the company they work for and their level of education. For example, electricians who work in urban regions are expected to earn more than those who work in rural regions.
What factors influence the salary of electrical engineers?
For electrical engineers, the amount they earn depends on factors such as their level of education, level of experience, the industry they work in, the organization they work for, the location they work in and the specific role they hold in the company they work for. Electrical engineers who work for the federal government tend to earn more than those who work for private companies.
Is it easier for an engineer to make more money than an electrician?
It is not necessarily easier for an engineer to make more money than an electrician. While electrical engineers earn a higher average salary than electricians, the two professions require different sets of skills, have different job duties, and have varying levels of education needed to enter the profession. Depending on the individual, either profession can offer a more lucrative career path.
Conclusion
There is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether engineers make more than electricians. While electrical engineers do earn a higher average salary than electricians, this is not always true for every individual in each profession. The amount earned by each professional is dependent on a variety of factors including experience, education, geographic location, and role held within a company. Ultimately, the profession that pays more depends on each individual’s preference, priorities, and goals.
References:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Electricians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Electrical and Electronics Engineers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
- Indeed. (2021). Electrician Salaries in the United States. https://www.indeed.com/career/electrician/salaries