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The differences between fiber optic technicians 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 $40,661 average annual salary of a fiber optic technician.
The top three skills for a fiber optic technician include fiber optic cables, ladders and power meters. The most important skills for an aerial lineman are bucket truck, CDL, and ladders.
A fiber optic technician is someone who works with the optical cables and fibers used in communications data transmission. Fiber optic technicians fuse fibers together, install fiber cables, and splice fibers in buildings and beneath the ground. They take responsibility for fiber optic network installation and maintenance in schools, homes, businesses, and any other organizations. They identify the solutions to issues or problems to prevent fiber optic systems from their optimal performance.
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 technicians and aerial linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fiber Optic Technician | Aerial Lineman | |
| Average salary | $40,661 | $68,702 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $51,000 | Between $49,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a fiber optic technician and an aerial lineman in terms of educational background:
| Fiber Optic Technician | Aerial Lineman | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between fiber optic technicians' and aerial linemen' demographics:
| Fiber Optic Technician | Aerial Lineman | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2% | Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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 Percentage | 4% | 4% |