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Fiber optic splicer vs aerial lineman

The differences between fiber optic splicers and aerial linemen 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 $44,077 average annual salary of a fiber optic splicer.

The top three skills for a fiber optic splicer include hand tools, ladders and OTDR. The most important skills for an aerial lineman are bucket truck, CDL, and ladders.

Fiber optic splicer vs aerial lineman overview

Fiber Optic SplicerAerial Lineman
Yearly salary$44,077$68,702
Hourly rate$21.19$33.03
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs64,0172,566
Job satisfaction55
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 32%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

What does a fiber optic splicer do?

A fiber optic splicer specializes in installing and repairing fiber optic cables in telecommunication lines. Among their responsibilities include providing customer assistance by answering inquiries, troubleshooting problems, implementing systems, and assisting customers in setting up their devices. There are also instances where they must install cable lines, work together with construction crews and linemen, and perform maintenance checks. Moreover, a fiber optic splicer typically works with a team, which requires an active communication line for a safe and efficient workflow.

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.

Fiber optic splicer vs aerial lineman salary

Fiber optic splicers and aerial linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fiber Optic SplicerAerial Lineman
Average salary$44,077$68,702
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $67,000Between $49,000 And $95,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between fiber optic splicer and aerial lineman education

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

Fiber Optic SplicerAerial Lineman
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 32%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Fiber optic splicer vs aerial lineman demographics

Here are the differences between fiber optic splicers' and aerial linemen' demographics:

Fiber Optic SplicerAerial Lineman
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 92.0% Female, 8.0%Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 4.0% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between fiber optic splicer and aerial lineman duties and responsibilities

Fiber optic splicer example responsibilities.

  • Used and maintain both single and mass fusion fiber optic splicing machines and various test equipment including OTDR.
  • Operate OTDR, IOLM, and various test equipment to troubleshoot and isolate damage cable and restore service.
  • Install MTRJ, SC, LC at various FBI locations.
  • Run, splice, terminate, and trouble shoot cat-5 cat-6 and coax cables.
  • Practice locating, installing, and testing DSL, VRAD, VOIP, REGEN, and wireless equipment.
  • Test T1's, T3s, DS1s, DS3s, carrier access channel banks, and D4 channel banks.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Fiber optic splicer vs aerial lineman skills

Common fiber optic splicer skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Ladders, 12%
  • OTDR, 12%
  • Fiber Optic Cables, 10%
  • Power Meters, 8%
  • Bucket Truck, 6%
Common aerial lineman skills
  • Bucket Truck, 15%
  • CDL, 13%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • DOT, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%

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