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The differences between journeyman 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 $54,526 average annual salary of a journeyman electrician.
The top three skills for a journeyman electrician include hand tools, electrical systems and EMT. The most important skills for a lineman are safety rules, switches, and CDL.
| Journeyman Electrician | Lineman | |
| Yearly salary | $54,526 | $78,563 |
| Hourly rate | $26.21 | $37.77 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 18,411 | 2,672 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | - |
A journeyman electrician is responsible for performing various electrical tasks such as installation, repair, and maintenance. They have the freedom to provide services as part of a company or as an independent worker. Unlike an apprentice, a journeyman can work without any supervision from a master electrician. Furthermore, a journeyman electrician also has the responsibility to discuss the extent of repairs and explain to clients how to take better care of their appliances and electrical systems. A journeyman will also obtain the necessary supplies for a task and even train apprentices.
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.
Journeyman electricians and linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Electrician | Lineman | |
| Average salary | $54,526 | $78,563 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $83,000 | Between $53,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Reno, NV |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Alaska |
| Best paying company | MDU Resources | NV Energy |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a journeyman electrician and a lineman in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Electrician | Lineman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman electricians' and linemen' demographics:
| Journeyman Electrician | Lineman | |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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 Percentage | 3% | 4% |