Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment) vs Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both Operating Engineers and Linemen offer solid blue-collar careers with strong earning potential, but they serve different industries with distinct challenges. Operating Engineers earn a median $58,710 operating heavy construction equipment like excavators and cranes, with 4.1% growth projected over the next decade. Linemen command significantly higher pay at $92,560 median salary, installing and repairing electrical power systems, with stronger 8.8% growth. Both require 3-5 years of training through apprenticeships or technical schools. Operating Engineers focus on construction and infrastructure projects, while Linemen maintain our electrical grid. Each offers stable employment in essential industries that can't be outsourced.
Salary Breakdown
The salary gap is substantial—Linemen earn $33,850 more annually than Operating Engineers. Entry-level Operating Engineers start around $35,000-40,000, with experienced operators reaching $75,000-85,000. Linemen start higher at $45,000-50,000 and can exceed $100,000-120,000 with experience. Both trades offer excellent overtime opportunities. Linemen working storms or emergency repairs can earn significant premium pay. Operating Engineers in specialized work like tower cranes or in high-demand markets also see salary bumps. Union positions in both trades typically offer better compensation packages with strong benefits and pension plans.
Work Environment
Both are physically demanding outdoor careers with significant safety considerations. Operating Engineers work construction sites, dealing with weather, dust, and noise while operating complex machinery. Travel varies by specialty—some work locally, others follow projects nationwide. Linemen face unique dangers working with high-voltage electricity at heights up to 100+ feet, often in severe weather conditions including storms and emergencies. Both require strict safety protocols and protective equipment. Linemen typically have more unpredictable schedules due to emergency calls and storm response, while Operating Engineers generally maintain more regular construction hours, though both may work extensive overtime during peak seasons.
Career Growth
Operating Engineers can specialize in specific equipment types, advance to supervisors, or start equipment rental/contracting businesses. Top operators in specialized fields like tower cranes can earn $80,000-100,000+. Many become project superintendents or equipment managers. Linemen have strong advancement potential into crew leadership, system protection specialists, or substation technicians. Management roles include line supervisors and construction coordinators. Both trades offer entrepreneurial opportunities—Operating Engineers can start excavation companies, while experienced Linemen often launch electrical contracting businesses. Union leadership roles are available in both fields. The electrical industry's growth provides more advancement opportunities currently than construction equipment operation.
Who should choose Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment)?
Choose Operating Engineers if you love operating complex machinery and seeing tangible results from construction projects. This career suits people who enjoy variety—different equipment, job sites, and projects. You should be mechanically inclined, safety-conscious, and comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions. It's ideal for those who want steady work without the emergency calls that Linemen face. Consider this path if you prefer more predictable schedules and are satisfied with solid middle-class earnings rather than chasing maximum income potential.
Typical path: IUOE apprenticeship or heavy equipment school; CDL may be required
Explore Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment) →Who should choose Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)?
Choose Linemen if you want higher earning potential and don't mind working with electricity at dangerous heights. This career suits people who thrive under pressure and can handle emergency call-outs during storms and outages. You need strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the physical ability to climb poles and work in cramped spaces. It's perfect for those who take pride in keeping the lights on for their community. Consider this path if you want faster career growth, higher pay potential, and job security in our increasingly electric-dependent society.
Typical path: IBEW/NEAT apprenticeship or lineman school; CDL required
Explore Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) →The Bottom Line
Both are recession-proof careers, but Linemen offer significantly higher pay and better growth prospects, while Operating Engineers provide steadier schedules and diverse work environments. Choose based on your risk tolerance, income goals, and lifestyle preferences—you can't go wrong with either path.