Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) vs Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers & Pipefitters
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
You're comparing two solid blue-collar paths with different entry points and earning potential. Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) earn a median $92,560 annually after 4-5 years of intensive training through IBEW apprenticeships or lineman school. Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers & Pipefitters start at $39,270 with 1-2 years on-the-job training, serving as a stepping stone to full plumbing apprenticeships. Both show healthy 8.5-8.8% growth over the next decade. Linemen install and repair electrical transmission systems, while helpers support skilled plumbers with basic tasks. The salary gap is significant — $53,290 difference — but so is the training commitment.
Salary Breakdown
The numbers tell a clear story: linemen earn 135.7% more than plumbing helpers. Entry-level linemen start around $50,000-60,000, reaching $120,000+ with experience and specializations. Storm work and overtime can push annual earnings to $150,000+. Plumbing helpers typically start at $30,000-35,000, with experienced helpers earning $45,000-50,000. However, helpers who advance to journeyman plumbers see median salaries jump to $70,000+. Linemen have higher immediate earning potential, while helpers offer a lower-risk entry point to eventually higher-paying plumbing careers with additional training.
Work Environment
Both trades demand physical stamina but differ significantly in conditions. Linemen work exclusively outdoors in all weather, often at dangerous heights on transmission towers and poles. Emergency storm restoration means long hours away from home. Safety risks include electrical shock and falls. Plumbing helpers split time between indoor residential/commercial jobs and outdoor pipeline work. Physical demands include lifting, digging, and crawling in tight spaces. While helpers face fewer life-threatening hazards, they encounter sewage, chemicals, and confined spaces. Linemen travel more extensively; helpers typically work locally with occasional job site variation.
Career Growth
Linemen can specialize in transmission, distribution, or substation work, with opportunities in utility companies, contractors, or eventually starting electrical contracting businesses. Supervisory and training roles are common advancement paths. Earning potential caps around $130,000-150,000 without moving to management. Plumbing helpers face a choice: remain helpers with limited growth or pursue plumbing apprenticeships leading to journeyman status ($70,000+), master plumber licenses, and business ownership potential. Successful plumbing contractors can earn $100,000-200,000+. Helpers have clearer advancement structure but require additional formal training to maximize earning potential.
Who should choose Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)?
Choose lineman work if you're comfortable with heights, outdoor conditions, and significant safety responsibilities. You should be mechanically inclined, physically strong, and willing to commit 4-5 years to intensive training. This path suits those wanting immediate high earning potential and don't mind travel or emergency call-outs. You'll thrive if you prefer working on critical infrastructure, can handle pressure, and want a career where your skills are always in demand across the country.
Typical path: IBEW/NEAT apprenticeship or lineman school; CDL required
Explore Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) →Who should choose Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers & Pipefitters?
Choose plumbing helper if you want faster entry into trades with lower upfront commitment. This suits people exploring blue-collar careers without major investment, those needing immediate income while planning next steps, or individuals preferring local work. You should be comfortable with messy conditions and physical labor. This path works best if you're using it as a stepping stone to full plumbing apprenticeship, want to learn the trade before committing, or prefer residential/commercial work over utility infrastructure.
Typical path: On-the-job training under licensed plumbers; stepping stone to apprenticeship
Explore Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers & Pipefitters →The Bottom Line
Lineman work offers higher immediate earning potential but requires significant upfront training commitment. Plumbing helper provides faster entry with advancement requiring additional steps. Choose lineman for immediate high earnings; choose helper for flexible entry into eventually lucrative plumbing careers.