Electrician or an Electrical engineer?

Question

Hey yahoo i just graduated out of high scool and i was wondering how many years in college do u have to go for to be an electrician or a electrical engineer..and what is their salary for both jobs?

Answer 1

They are VERY different occupations.  A 2-year community associates degree and an apprenticeship will give you a good job in the electrical field.  It is considered a vocational field.  Electricians are in short supply, and you would work on construction sites, and as a repairperson doing maintenance.   You need algebra background to take the entrance test.

An EE is a rigorous, 4-year program that requires calculus (often several years), physics and engineering courses.  It is a very competitive field, and you would often work in high-technology developing computer hardware and networking systems (such as Cisco or smaller companies that also need EEs).  

Electricians start at a lower salary, but can make $50,000-$80,000 when they reach journeyworker status.  EEs start at around $60,000 and often they get an MBA or an MEE (which would be for more design work).

Answer 2

No college necessary for electrician, and believe it or not, given the same amount of time in the job market, the electrician can make more money. However also keep in mind that these are two different and distinct occupations.

Electrician is blue collar working with your hands

Electrical Engineer is white collar primarily designing.

The electrician can get licensed and become an electrical contractor (always in demand) and the electrical engineer can become registered (thru testing) and become a consultant.

Most electrical contractors can should be able to make  much more money than the average EE consultant. It's not an easy job, but you are your own boss. There are pros & cons for both.

Go to the link below and read up on the the electrical trade.

Good Luck!

http://www.electrician-electricalcontrac...

Answer 3

In Canada an apprentice can join a Electrical Union job and start work.  An engineer still has 3 to 4 years of University yet to complete.

Answer 4

An electrician may not need college but needs a vocational program usually not given at a college. An electrical engineers will need a four year degree and probably some graduate classes or degree./

Answer 5

go 4 years to college be an EE