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Cable splicer vs lineman

The differences between cable splicers and linemen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lineman has an average salary of $78,563, which is higher than the $46,998 average annual salary of a cable splicer.

The top three skills for a cable splicer include hand tools, CDL and bucket truck. The most important skills for a lineman are safety rules, switches, and CDL.

Cable splicer vs lineman overview

Cable SplicerLineman
Yearly salary$46,998$78,563
Hourly rate$22.60$37.77
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs23,1592,672
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4539
Years of experience--

What does a cable splicer do?

Cable splicers are skilled employees who are responsible for installing, splicing, testing, and repairing high-voltage overhead, underground, or submarine cables or wires. To reach the location of these high-voltage cables, cable splicers are required to climb utility poles, utilize truck-mounted lift buck, and descend into underground manholes. They must use a variety of specialized test equipment, including handheld electric and non-electric hand tools when making repairs or performing cable wiring. Cable splicers must also work with other teams on splicing telephone cables.

What does a lineman do?

The primary job of a lineman is to install, repair, and maintain high-powered electrical lines and systems. They work on transmission and distribution lines from the power sources and extend to individual buildings or homes. Those working as a lineman can repair both overhead and underground electrical wires and cables. In addition, their responsibilities might also include excavating trenches to install underground lines, climbing poles to repair overhead lines, installing the meter, and inspecting power lines for possible repair or replacement.

Cable splicer vs lineman salary

Cable splicers and linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cable SplicerLineman
Average salary$46,998$78,563
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $72,000Between $53,000 And $115,000
Highest paying City-Reno, NV
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-NV Energy
Best paying industry-Utilities

Differences between cable splicer and lineman education

There are a few differences between a cable splicer and a lineman in terms of educational background:

Cable SplicerLineman
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cable splicer vs lineman demographics

Here are the differences between cable splicers' and linemen' demographics:

Cable SplicerLineman
Average age4539
Gender ratioMale, 94.9% Female, 5.1%Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 4.0% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 1.2% White, 75.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between cable splicer and lineman duties and responsibilities

Cable splicer example responsibilities.

  • Install UTP, STP, and T1 cabling.
  • Dig and shore up cable pits, work in manholes, wire main frames and sub frames for cable throws.
  • Follow safety procedures according to OSHA and BellSouth practices.
  • Pull cable and dig for under grind missile bores.
  • Ensure that equipment run at optimal levels, perform routine maintenance and repairs.
  • Review team members work ensuring that OSP standards are met as well as company policies and procedures.
  • Show more

Lineman example responsibilities.

  • Certify in first aid and CPR.
  • Move asphalt to where ever need.
  • Maintain all company issue tools and PPE.
  • Experience in jetting/underground fiber and NESC work as well.
  • Maintain a current CDL license with an excellent driving record.
  • Edit, and maintain filing system for all engineer drawings utilizing AutoCAD.
  • Show more

Cable splicer vs lineman skills

Common cable splicer skills
  • Hand Tools, 29%
  • CDL, 27%
  • Bucket Truck, 5%
  • DOT, 4%
  • Ladders, 4%
  • OSHA, 4%
Common lineman skills
  • Safety Rules, 16%
  • Switches, 13%
  • CDL, 10%
  • Distribution Systems, 9%
  • PPE, 8%
  • Ventilation, 5%

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