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Aerial lineman vs lineman apprentice

The differences between aerial linemen and lineman apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an aerial lineman has an average salary of $68,702, which is higher than the $48,171 average annual salary of a lineman apprentice.

The top three skills for an aerial lineman include bucket truck, CDL and ladders. The most important skills for a lineman apprentice are CDL, switches, and OSHA.

Aerial lineman vs lineman apprentice overview

Aerial LinemanLineman Apprentice
Yearly salary$68,702$48,171
Hourly rate$33.03$23.16
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs2,5668,245
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4539
Years of experience--

What does an aerial lineman do?

Aerial linemen are skilled professionals who mainly work with power lines. They are in charge of the installation, repair, and maintenance of power lines. They work with electrical posts, underground cables, power towers, and any other material used to distribute electricity or power. Aerial linemen may also be called upon to resolve electricity or power-related issues. They should be able to assess concerns and come up with ways to address these problems. Aerial linemen should be familiar with occupational health and safety guidelines to avoid hazards and potential dangers while working.

What does a lineman apprentice do?

A lineman apprentice is responsible for assisting linemen in the installation and maintenance of electrical power systems. You will often report to the journeyman lineman or a technician. The tasks that you will perform varies and typically include assisting linemen with equipment, taking measurements, and performing repairs and maintenance electrical connections. In this role, you will learn some safe climbing techniques and working safely around high-voltage electrical equipment. A lineman apprenticeship typically includes classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Aerial lineman vs lineman apprentice salary

Aerial linemen and lineman apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.

Aerial LinemanLineman Apprentice
Average salary$68,702$48,171
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $95,000Between $34,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City-Dundalk, MD
Highest paying state-Maryland
Best paying company-OGE Energy
Best paying industry-Utilities

Differences between aerial lineman and lineman apprentice education

There are a few differences between an aerial lineman and a lineman apprentice in terms of educational background:

Aerial LinemanLineman Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Aerial lineman vs lineman apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between aerial linemen' and lineman apprentices' demographics:

Aerial LinemanLineman Apprentice
Average age4539
Gender ratioMale, 97.7% Female, 2.3%Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 4.2% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 1.2% White, 74.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between aerial lineman and lineman apprentice duties and responsibilities

Aerial lineman example responsibilities.

  • Dig in anchors and install down guys.
  • Operate ariel truck in placement of telephone cables.
  • Operate bucket truck, ditch witch, augers, boring machine.
  • Inspect and correct violations on poles to meet NESC requirements (Centurylink).
  • Operate heavy equipment, clipping, dead ending, power line maintenance, new build construction.
  • Position require climbing and descending of telephone poles in a safe and timely manner under OSHA requirements.
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Lineman apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Promote a safe work area in accordance to OSHA standards.
  • Maintain power lines, asset with crews with safety, etc ...
  • Operate trenchers and cable plows to dig trenches for laying underground cables.
  • Build 59 kV transmission power line over 13 miles, connecting two substations.
  • Change out or install poles, cross-arms, insulators, transformers, capacitors, regulators, switches and other distribution apparatus.
  • Participate in the construction or removal of telecommunication towers or associate support structures.
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Aerial lineman vs lineman apprentice skills

Common aerial lineman skills
  • Bucket Truck, 15%
  • CDL, 13%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • DOT, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
Common lineman apprentice skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Switches, 9%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Bucket Truck, 6%
  • Safety Practices, 5%

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