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Journeyman lineman vs electrician helper

The differences between journeyman linemen and electrician helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a journeyman lineman and an electrician helper. Additionally, a journeyman lineman has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $36,733 average annual salary of an electrician helper.

The top three skills for a journeyman lineman include CDL, switches and customer service. The most important skills for an electrician helper are hand tools, run conduit, and receptacles.

Journeyman lineman vs electrician helper overview

Journeyman LinemanElectrician Helper
Yearly salary$77,257$36,733
Hourly rate$37.14$17.66
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs9,46927,886
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a journeyman lineman do?

A journeyman lineman specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems and other supplementary equipment. Their responsibilities typically revolve around climbing up and working on power lines and electrical cables, reading and understanding wiring systems, reporting progress or issues to supervisors, performing regular inspections and providing corrective measures, and removing any obstructions in wires or power lines. Because of the risks surrounding the job, it is crucial to adhere to all the safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment.

What does an electrician helper do?

An electrician helper is responsible for performing electrical maintenance duties under the supervision of a senior electrician. Electrician helpers conduct electrical and system installations, following protocols for the safeness of the process and components. They also inspect electrical tools and equipment before use, request supplies, and ensure the adequacy of materials during electrical operations. An electrician helper must have comprehensive knowledge of the electrical industry, be a fast learner, and have excellent time-management skills, especially when following instructions from the senior electrician on making the project successful.

Journeyman lineman vs electrician helper salary

Journeyman linemen and electrician helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Journeyman LinemanElectrician Helper
Average salary$77,257$36,733
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $114,000Between $28,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityEureka, CASacramento, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonVermont
Best paying companyPacific Gas and ElectricExelon
Best paying industryUtilitiesConstruction

Differences between journeyman lineman and electrician helper education

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

Journeyman LinemanElectrician Helper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Journeyman lineman vs electrician helper demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman linemen' and electrician helpers' demographics:

Journeyman LinemanElectrician Helper
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.7% Female, 2.3%Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 2.2% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between journeyman lineman and electrician helper duties and responsibilities

Journeyman lineman example responsibilities.

  • Install switchgear, capacitors, voltage regulators, risers, lightning arrestors, and other protective devices.
  • Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturb or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
  • Use a variety of construction equipment to complete installations, such as digger derricks, trenchers, or cable plows.
  • Maintain and repair all overhead distribution equipment to include cabling, transformers, and all associate overhead distribution equipment.
  • Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshot breakdowns and repair malfunctioning HVAC systems and components, utilize measuring and testing instruments.
  • Certify welder (MIG) ASE.
  • Show more

Electrician helper example responsibilities.

  • Manage a team of outside contractors in installing and commissioning a 300HP VFD to environmental equipment to reduce downtime.
  • Terminate primary and secondary leads of transformers.
  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Install, bend and cut PVC and EMT pipe for underground service and fire/alarm systems.
  • Perform and upgrade electrical installation such as transformers and electric panels and disconnects.
  • Wire breaker boxes, make taps in junction boxes and install fire alarms
  • Show more

Journeyman lineman vs electrician helper skills

Common journeyman lineman skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Switches, 11%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Climb Poles, 5%
  • Electrical Equipment, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common electrician helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 33%
  • RUN Conduit, 16%
  • Receptacles, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • EMT, 9%
  • Switches, 4%

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