Automotive Service Technicians vs Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)

Both automotive service technicians and linemen offer solid blue-collar careers with 8% growth over the next decade. The key difference? Pay scale. Linemen earn a median $92,560 versus $49,670 for auto techs — that's $42,890 more annually. Auto techs diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, working primarily indoors. Linemen install and maintain electrical power lines, working outdoors in all weather. Training paths differ too: auto techs need 2-4 years through trade school plus ASE certification, while linemen require 4-5 years of apprenticeship or lineman school plus a CDL. Both trades are essential and recession-resistant.

The salary gap is significant. Linemen's $92,560 median reflects the specialized, high-risk nature of electrical work. Entry-level linemen often start around $60,000, with experienced professionals earning $120,000+. Storm work and overtime can push annual earnings past $150,000. Auto techs' $49,670 median is more modest, with entry-level around $35,000 and experienced techs topping out near $70,000. Specialty areas like diesel or hybrid/electric vehicles can boost auto tech earnings. Both trades offer overtime opportunities, but linemen's emergency callouts and hazard pay create higher earning potential.

Auto techs work primarily indoors in climate-controlled shops, dealing with oil, chemicals, and moderate physical demands. Hours are typically regular business hours with some evening/weekend work. Linemen face extreme outdoor conditions — rain, snow, storms, heights up to 200 feet. The work is physically demanding and dangerous, with real electrocution and fall risks. Linemen often travel extensively for storm restoration work, spending weeks away from home. Both trades require physical fitness, but linemen face significantly higher safety risks and weather exposure challenges.

Auto techs can advance to shop foreman, service manager, or open independent shops. Specializations include hybrid/electric vehicles, diesel, or performance tuning. Business ownership is achievable with moderate capital investment. Earning ceiling typically maxes around $80,000 unless owning a successful shop. Linemen can advance to crew leader, supervisor, or transmission specialist. Some transition to line work management or utility engineering roles. The specialized skills and union protection create strong job security. Top linemen in supervisory roles can earn $130,000+, with business opportunities in contracting requiring significant capital investment.

Both are recession-proof careers, but the choice comes down to risk-reward balance. Auto techs get steady, safer work with moderate pay. Linemen face real dangers and harsh conditions but earn nearly double the income.