Carpenters vs Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)

Both carpentry and electrical power-line work offer solid blue-collar careers with strong growth prospects, but they serve different personalities and financial goals. Carpenters earn a median $59,310 annually with 5.2% projected growth, building and repairing wooden structures across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Linemen command significantly higher pay at $92,560 median salary with 8.8% growth, installing and maintaining electrical power systems. Carpentry offers more variety and creativity in daily work, while line work provides higher compensation but demands greater physical risk and technical precision. Both require 3-5 year apprenticeships and offer excellent job security in essential infrastructure trades.

The $33,250 salary difference heavily favors linemen, who can earn $120,000+ with experience and overtime in high-demand areas. Entry-level linemen start around $45,000 during apprenticeship, while experienced journeymen in union markets can exceed $150,000 annually with storm work and overtime. Carpenters typically start at $35,000-40,000, with skilled specialists reaching $80,000-90,000. However, successful carpentry contractors can build six-figure businesses. Linemen consistently access premium overtime rates and emergency call-out pay that carpenters rarely match in regular employment.

Carpenters work diverse environments from climate-controlled interiors to outdoor jobsites, with moderate physical demands and predictable schedules. Travel is typically local with occasional overnight projects. Linemen face extreme outdoor conditions year-round, working at dangerous heights on energized equipment. Physical demands are intense, requiring excellent fitness and fearlessness of heights. Emergency calls mean unpredictable schedules and extensive travel during storm seasons. Both trades carry injury risks, but line work involves potentially fatal electrical hazards requiring constant vigilance and strict safety protocols that carpenters don't face.

Carpenters can specialize in finish work, framing, cabinetry, or restoration, with natural progression to foreman, superintendent, or business ownership. Many successful contractors start as carpenters, building million-dollar companies. However, advancement often requires entrepreneurial risk. Linemen advance through apprentice, journeyman, to specialist roles like hot-line work or substation maintenance. Leadership paths include crew chief, supervisor, or utility management positions. While business ownership is less common, experienced linemen can start successful contracting companies. Both trades offer solid advancement, but linemen typically achieve higher earnings as employees.

Both are recession-resistant careers with strong futures. Choose carpentry for creativity, variety, and business ownership potential. Choose line work for maximum earning power and job security. Your comfort with risk—both financial and physical—should guide your decision.