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Industrial electrician vs lineman

The differences between industrial electricians 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 $62,533 average annual salary of an industrial electrician.

The top three skills for an industrial electrician include electrical equipment, hand tools and ac. The most important skills for a lineman are safety rules, switches, and CDL.

Industrial electrician vs lineman overview

Industrial ElectricianLineman
Yearly salary$62,533$78,563
Hourly rate$30.06$37.77
Growth rate7%6%
Number of jobs23,9632,672
Job satisfaction55
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 42%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4239
Years of experience12-

What does an industrial electrician do?

An Industrial Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in industrial facilities. They are usually part of a construction team to put in and check new equipment and systems.

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.

Industrial electrician vs lineman salary

Industrial electricians and linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.

Industrial ElectricianLineman
Average salary$62,533$78,563
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $82,000Between $53,000 And $115,000
Highest paying CitySaint Paul, MNReno, NV
Highest paying stateVermontAlaska
Best paying companyThe Washington PostNV Energy
Best paying industryAutomotiveUtilities

Differences between industrial electrician and lineman education

There are a few differences between an industrial electrician and a lineman in terms of educational background:

Industrial ElectricianLineman
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 42%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Industrial electrician vs lineman demographics

Here are the differences between industrial electricians' and linemen' demographics:

Industrial ElectricianLineman
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 96.6% Female, 3.4%Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 2.2% White, 65.1% 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 Percentage3%4%

Differences between industrial electrician and lineman duties and responsibilities

Industrial electrician example responsibilities.

  • Lead team to retrofit outdate piece of CNC machinery to allow usage for production personnel on a new design part.
  • Install electrical services ranging from 480 volts ac to 24 volts dc.
  • Include the installation of EMT and rigid conduit for branch circuits, fire alarm systems and motor control circuits.
  • Job responsibilities include running conduit wiring transformers and terminating PLC cabinets.
  • Work with voltages ranging from 24 vdc to 2300 vac.
  • Maintain both A/C and D/C main power generation systems.
  • 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

Industrial electrician vs lineman skills

Common industrial electrician skills
  • Electrical Equipment, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Ac, 4%
  • Dc, 4%
  • Test Equipment, 4%
  • Industrial Maintenance, 4%
Common lineman skills
  • Safety Rules, 16%
  • Switches, 13%
  • CDL, 10%
  • Distribution Systems, 9%
  • PPE, 8%
  • Ventilation, 5%

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