Electricians vs Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Electricians
Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
Median Salary
$62,350
$92,560
10-Year Job Growth
+5.2%
+8.8%
Training Length
4-5 years
4-5 years
Typical Path
IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required
IBEW/NEAT apprenticeship or lineman school; CDL required
Salary difference: $30,210 (32.6%) in favor of Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
Who should choose Electricians?
Electricians may be the right fit if you're interested in install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in buildings and other structures.
Typical path: IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required
Explore Electricians →Who should choose Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)?
Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) may be the right fit if you're interested in install and repair cables and wires used in electrical power and distribution systems.
Typical path: IBEW/NEAT apprenticeship or lineman school; CDL required
Explore Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) →Frequently Asked Questions
Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) earn more on average. The national median salary for electrical power-line installers (linemen) is $92,560, which is $30,210 more than electricians ($62,350).
Electricians typically require 4-5 years of training (IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required). Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) typically require 4-5 years (IBEW/NEAT apprenticeship or lineman school; CDL required).
Electricians have a projected 10-year growth of 5.2%, while electrical power-line installers (linemen) have a projected growth of 8.8%. Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) have slightly better growth prospects.