Electrician vs Solar Photovoltaic Installer: Career Comparison
Choosing between Electrician and Solar Photovoltaic Installer? This side-by-side compares salary, outlook, education, skills, and what the work actually looks like day-to-day. Electrician typically pays more at the median. Both are research-backed Qoollege career guides — read either in full below.
Side-by-side
Higher salary ceiling: Electrician. Faster projected growth: Solar Photovoltaic Installer. Same education level: yes.
| Attribute | Electrician | Solar Photovoltaic Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Salary range | $38k – $106k | $48k – $72k |
| Outlook & demand | Strong · +9% by 2034 | Very high · +42% by 2034 |
| Education level | Apprentice | Apprentice |
| Top skills | Troubleshooting, Blueprint Reading, Safety, Math, Teamwork | Electrical Wiring, Safety, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Physical Stamina |
| Where they work | Construction, building maintenance, manufacturing, utilities, infrastructure, electrical contracting, industrial sites, renewable energy, data centers | residential solar companies, commercial construction, utility-scale solar farms, building equipment contractors, renewable energy projects |
| Day-to-day work | Daily work is a mix of hands-on installation, testing, troubleshooting, and safety checks. Electricians often move between job sites, read plans, use diagnostic tools, and work with crews, customers, inspectors, and supervisors. | A solar PV installer’s day is usually active and physical. The job often includes lifting materials, climbing ladders, working at heights, following safety procedures, and teaming up with electricians and other construction workers to finish installations correctly. |
| Education routes | High school diploma + apprenticeship; Technical school or community college + apprenticeship; Apprenticeship only; Military or helper pathway into apprenticeship | High school diploma + on-the-job training; Apprenticeship; Vocational / trade program; Community college trade pathway |
| Projected growth | +9% | +42% |