Post job

Fiber technologist vs aerial lineman

The differences between fiber technologists 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 $51,824 average annual salary of a fiber technologist.

The top three skills for a fiber technologist include OTDR, OSP and fiber optic cables. The most important skills for an aerial lineman are bucket truck, CDL, and ladders.

Fiber technologist vs aerial lineman overview

Fiber TechnologistAerial Lineman
Yearly salary$51,824$68,702
Hourly rate$24.92$33.03
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs128,4962,566
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

What does a fiber technologist do?

Fiber Technologists are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of fiber optic cables. Their duties include organizing maintenance schedules, conducting fiber optic system installation, replacing old fiber optics cables, troubleshoot fiber optic issues, and manage fiber splicing. They are responsible for undertaking fiber optic inspection, creating sensor indicators, fulfilling cable requirements, and implementing cabling for premises. Fiber Technologists also manage system records as well as track devices' signal strengths.

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 technologist vs aerial lineman salary

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

Fiber TechnologistAerial Lineman
Average salary$51,824$68,702
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $74,000Between $49,000 And $95,000
Highest paying CityRocklin, CA-
Highest paying stateVirginia-
Best paying companyMeta-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between fiber technologist and aerial lineman education

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

Fiber TechnologistAerial Lineman
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Fiber technologist vs aerial lineman demographics

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

Fiber TechnologistAerial Lineman
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 89.9% Female, 10.1%Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 4.0% White, 60.9% 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 technologist and aerial lineman duties and responsibilities

Fiber technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the OSP splicing department for the past year successfully with limit time, tools, and under train techs.
  • Open and close department independently and also assist surgical staff by managing QC and providing radiopharmaceuticals as needed for procedures.
  • Engineer broadband optical transmission systems using DWDM.
  • Used fusion splicer to repair breaks find by OTDR tests.
  • Design & build CWDM and DWDM fiber optic jumper cords.
  • Install and troubleshoot electronic cctv and access control point security systems.
  • 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 technologist vs aerial lineman skills

Common fiber technologist skills
  • OTDR, 8%
  • OSP, 7%
  • Fiber Optic Cables, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • ST, 6%
Common aerial lineman skills
  • Bucket Truck, 15%
  • CDL, 13%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • DOT, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs