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Journeyman lineman vs helper

The differences between journeyman linemen and 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 a helper. Additionally, a journeyman lineman has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $31,331 average annual salary of a helper.

The top three skills for a journeyman lineman include CDL, switches and customer service. The most important skills for a helper are food handling, safety procedures, and safety rules.

Journeyman lineman vs helper overview

Journeyman LinemanHelper
Yearly salary$77,257$31,331
Hourly rate$37.14$15.06
Growth rate7%4%
Number of jobs9,46929,873
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 52%
Average age4234
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 a helper do?

Helpers are employed by families or homeowners to provide overall assistance in the house. They are usually assigned to do household chores such as cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking meals, and tending the garden. They may also be assigned to do groceries or even drive the family around. They take care of children at home and assist them with their schoolwork should it be needed. They also address any other needs that the family may require assistance with. Helpers are expected to be patient and trustworthy since they will be working closely with the family members.

Journeyman lineman vs helper salary

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

Journeyman LinemanHelper
Average salary$77,257$31,331
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $114,000Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityEureka, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonAlaska
Best paying companyPacific Gas and ElectricNational Grid plc
Best paying industryUtilitiesUtilities

Differences between journeyman lineman and helper education

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

Journeyman LinemanHelper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 52%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman lineman vs helper demographics

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

Journeyman LinemanHelper
Average age4234
Gender ratioMale, 97.7% Female, 2.3%Male, 77.1% Female, 22.9%
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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 24.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage3%2%

Differences between journeyman lineman and 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

Helper example responsibilities.

  • Attach pulleys and blocks to fix overhead structures such as beams, etc.
  • Operate power nail guns, paint sprayers, ladders, power washers, drive company truck.
  • Clean areas that harbore pests, using rakes, brooms, shovels and mops, preparatory to fumigating.
  • Operate winches and hoisting devices.
  • Perform tack welding as necessary.
  • Install EMT and new wire throughout structure.
  • Show more

Journeyman lineman vs helper skills

Common journeyman lineman skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Switches, 11%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Climb Poles, 5%
  • Electrical Equipment, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common helper skills
  • Food Handling, 24%
  • Safety Procedures, 12%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Construction Sites, 7%
  • Physical Labor, 5%
  • Windows, 3%

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