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Journeyman lineman vs lineman apprentice

The differences between journeyman linemen and lineman apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a journeyman lineman has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $48,171 average annual salary of a lineman apprentice.

The top three skills for a journeyman lineman include CDL, switches and customer service. The most important skills for a lineman apprentice are CDL, switches, and OSHA.

Journeyman lineman vs lineman apprentice overview

Journeyman LinemanLineman Apprentice
Yearly salary$77,257$48,171
Hourly rate$37.14$23.16
Growth rate7%6%
Number of jobs9,4698,245
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4239
Years of experience12-

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 lineman apprentice do?

A lineman apprentice is responsible for assisting linemen in the installation and maintenance of electrical power systems. You will often report to the journeyman lineman or a technician. The tasks that you will perform varies and typically include assisting linemen with equipment, taking measurements, and performing repairs and maintenance electrical connections. In this role, you will learn some safe climbing techniques and working safely around high-voltage electrical equipment. A lineman apprenticeship typically includes classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Journeyman lineman vs lineman apprentice salary

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

Journeyman LinemanLineman Apprentice
Average salary$77,257$48,171
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $114,000Between $34,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityEureka, CADundalk, MD
Highest paying stateWashingtonMaryland
Best paying companyPacific Gas and ElectricOGE Energy
Best paying industryUtilitiesUtilities

Differences between journeyman lineman and lineman apprentice education

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

Journeyman LinemanLineman Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Journeyman lineman vs lineman apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman linemen' and lineman apprentices' demographics:

Journeyman LinemanLineman Apprentice
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 97.7% Female, 2.3%Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6%
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, 5.8% Unknown, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 1.2% White, 74.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage3%4%

Differences between journeyman lineman and lineman apprentice 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.
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Lineman apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Promote a safe work area in accordance to OSHA standards.
  • Maintain power lines, asset with crews with safety, etc ...
  • Operate trenchers and cable plows to dig trenches for laying underground cables.
  • Build 59 kV transmission power line over 13 miles, connecting two substations.
  • Change out or install poles, cross-arms, insulators, transformers, capacitors, regulators, switches and other distribution apparatus.
  • Participate in the construction or removal of telecommunication towers or associate support structures.
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Journeyman lineman vs lineman apprentice skills

Common journeyman lineman skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Switches, 11%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Climb Poles, 5%
  • Electrical Equipment, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common lineman apprentice skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Switches, 9%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Bucket Truck, 6%
  • Safety Practices, 5%

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