Drywall Installers vs Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both drywall installation and electrical line work offer solid blue-collar careers, but they serve different needs and personalities. Drywall installers earn a median $58,140 annually with 5% growth projected, focusing on interior construction finishing work. Linemen command significantly higher pay at $92,560 median salary with stronger 8.8% growth, maintaining our electrical grid infrastructure. Drywall work requires 2-3 years training versus 4-5 years for linemen. While drywall installation offers steadier indoor work, linemen face higher physical demands but enjoy premium compensation. Both trades provide essential services—one builds our living spaces, the other keeps the lights on.
Salary Breakdown
The $34,420 salary difference heavily favors linemen—that's 37% more earning power. Entry-level drywall installers start around $35,000, reaching $80,000+ with experience and specialty skills. Linemen begin near $50,000 but can exceed $120,000 with overtime, which is abundant during storms and grid maintenance. Linemen also earn premium pay for hazardous conditions, emergency callouts, and traveling assignments. While drywall installers can boost income through piece-rate work and efficiency, linemen's combination of base pay, overtime, and specialized certifications creates higher earning potential throughout their careers.
Work Environment
Drywall installers work primarily indoors in climate-controlled environments, lifting panels and standing on scaffolding for extended periods. The work involves dust exposure and repetitive motions but minimal weather concerns. Linemen work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions, often at dangerous heights on utility poles and towers. They face electrical hazards, travel extensively for storm restoration, and work irregular hours including emergency callouts. While drywall work follows typical construction schedules, linemen must be available 24/7 for power outages. Both trades demand physical fitness, but linemen face significantly higher safety risks and environmental exposure.
Career Growth
Drywall installers can advance to crew leaders, estimators, or start their own contracting businesses serving residential and commercial markets. Specializing in acoustical ceilings, metal framing, or high-end finishes increases earning potential. Many successful drywall contractors build substantial businesses. Linemen advance through apprentice, journeyman, to foreman and superintendent roles. They can specialize in transmission work, underground systems, or hot-line maintenance for premium pay. Some transition to electrical inspectors, utility management, or independent contracting. Union linemen enjoy excellent benefits and pension plans. Both trades offer entrepreneurial opportunities, but linemen typically have higher advancement earning potential.
Who should choose Drywall Installers?
Choose drywall installation if you prefer steady indoor work, want faster entry into the field, and value predictable schedules. This suits people who enjoy detailed finishing work, don't mind repetitive tasks, and want to see immediate results from their craftsmanship. It's ideal if you prefer working in controlled environments, want entrepreneurial opportunities in residential construction, or need a trade that accommodates family life better with more regular hours and less travel.
Typical path: On-the-job training or apprenticeship; no license typically required
Explore Drywall Installers →Who should choose Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)?
Choose linemen work if you're comfortable with heights, want maximum earning potential, and don't mind irregular schedules or travel. This fits adventurous personalities who thrive on emergency response, want to work with cutting-edge electrical systems, and can handle high-stress situations. It's perfect for those who want strong union benefits, don't mind working outdoors in all weather, and are willing to invest extra training time for significantly higher lifetime earnings and job security in essential infrastructure.
Typical path: IBEW/NEAT apprenticeship or lineman school; CDL required
Explore Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) →The Bottom Line
Both are recession-resistant careers with solid futures. Choose drywall for work-life balance and steady indoor work. Choose linemen for maximum earning potential and adventure, but expect demanding conditions and longer training investment.