Journeyman lineman vs plumber helper

The differences between journeyman linemen and plumber helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a journeyman lineman, becoming a plumber helper takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a journeyman lineman has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.

The top three skills for a journeyman lineman include CDL, switches and customer service. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.

Journeyman lineman vs plumber helper overview

	Journeyman Lineman	Plumber Helper
Yearly salary	$77,257	$43,893
Hourly rate	$37.14	$21.10
Growth rate	7%	2%
Number of jobs	9,469	21,963
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	12	4

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 plumber helper do?

A plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations. They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations. A plumber helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform services under minimal supervision and strict timetables.

Journeyman lineman vs plumber helper salary

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

	Journeyman Lineman	Plumber Helper
Average salary	$77,257	$43,893
Salary range	Between $52,000 And $114,000	Between $28,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	Eureka, CA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Pacific Gas and Electric	ENCON Heating
Best paying industry	Utilities	Manufacturing

Differences between journeyman lineman and plumber helper education

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

	Journeyman Lineman	Plumber Helper
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering Technology	Business
Most common college	-	-

Journeyman lineman vs plumber helper demographics

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

	Journeyman Lineman	Plumber Helper
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%
Race ratio	Black 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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	3%	2%

Differences between journeyman lineman and plumber 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.

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Plumber helper example responsibilities.

Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
Install lavatories, help install urinals and commodes, roof drains and hose-bibs.
Assist journeyman plumber with measuring, cutting, brazing and sweating copper and copper fittings.
Perform solder brazing, some rough work with acetylene torch and grinders and various cutting implements.
Used tools of the trade; pipe cutters, cutting torches, pipe threading and pipe bending machines
Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinders, beveling machines and round up clamps.

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Journeyman lineman vs plumber helper skills

Common journeyman lineman skills

CDL, 13%
Switches, 11%
Customer Service, 6%
Climb Poles, 5%
Electrical Equipment, 5%
OSHA, 5%

Common plumber helper skills

Hand Tools, 36%
Plumbing, 18%
Cast Iron, 18%
Ladders, 9%
PEX, 5%
Sewer Lines, 2%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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