Post job

What does a journeyman lineman do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read

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.

On this page

Journeyman lineman responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real journeyman lineman resumes:

  • 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.
  • Work on short term and long term projects through the IBEW.
  • Dig trenches and lay underground cable.
  • Complete the NJATC and IBEW journeyman lineman apprenticeship.
  • Operate digger derricks, and aerial basket trucks.
  • Qualify in CPR and operation of using a a.
  • Skil at MIG and TIG welding and fitting procedures.
  • Work on pole settings, transformer change outs, air break switches, step down transformers, capacitor banks.
  • Replace power lines, customer s distribution lines to include meters, replace transformers and damage poles.
  • Connect transformers, transformers banks, capacitors and make proper connections to services.

Journeyman lineman skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Journeyman Linemen are proficient in CDL, Switches, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Color vision, and Troubleshooting skills.

We break down the percentage of Journeyman Linemen that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • CDL, 13%

    Love to train apprentices Skills Used Ohsha 30 first aid CPR class a cdl mshaw certification

  • Switches, 11%

    Project Superintendent for removal of old OCB switches & installation of new SF-6 gas circuit breakers of voltages 69KV to 230KV.

  • Customer Service, 6%

    Performed the electric utility connections, disconnections, and the more hazardous electrical work concerning customer service activity, as required.

  • Climb Poles, 5%

    Operate hydraulic aerial lifts, climb poles and ladders to work aloft with hand tools.

  • Electrical Equipment, 5%

    Identify electrical circuity problems and troubleshoot entire systems involving repair and replacement of various commercial electrical equipment.

  • OSHA, 5%

    Completed jobs according to OSHA regulations

Most journeyman linemen use their skills in "cdl," "switches," and "customer service" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential journeyman lineman responsibilities here:

Color vision. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling journeyman lineman duties is color vision. The role rewards competence in this skill because "electricians must identify electrical wires by color." According to a journeyman lineman resume, here's how journeyman linemen can utilize color vision in their job responsibilities: "worked on distribution re-conductors, pulled opgw in on transmission lines, installed underground lines for substation getaways and residential subdivisions. "

Troubleshooting skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of journeyman linemen is troubleshooting skills. This skill is critical to many everyday journeyman lineman duties, as "electricians find, diagnose, and repair problems." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "install and maintain overhead and underground lines troubleshooting finding faults terminating elbows splicing cables operating backhoes trenchers excuvators"

Physical strength. For certain journeyman lineman responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "physical strength." The day-to-day duties of a journeyman lineman rely on this skill, as "electricians need to be strong enough to move heavy components, which may weigh up to 50 pounds." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what journeyman linemen do: "measure signal strength at utility poles, using electronic test equipment. "

All journeyman lineman skills

The three companies that hire the most journeyman linemans are:

Choose from 10+ customizable journeyman lineman resume templates

Build a professional journeyman lineman resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your journeyman lineman resume.
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume
Journeyman Lineman Resume

Compare different journeyman linemen

Journeyman lineman vs. Pipe fitter

A pipefitter specializes in pipe systems. They are mostly responsible for cutting, assembling, installing, and maintaining the pipes' condition within homes or establishments. There are also instances when a pipe fitter has to visit sites, investigate problems, and conduct tests and repairs when necessary. Most pipefitters work in a group setting and are required to communicate and coordinate with co-workers, all while adhering to a company's standards and safety policies.

We looked at the average journeyman lineman salary and compared it with the wages of a pipe fitter. Generally speaking, pipe fitters are paid $26,202 lower than journeyman linemen per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between journeyman linemen and pipe fitters are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like hand tools, ppe, and commercial buildings.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between journeyman linemen and pipe fitter. For instance, journeyman lineman responsibilities require skills such as "cdl," "switches," "customer service," and "climb poles." Whereas a pipe fitter is skilled in "carbon steel," "safety procedures," "isometric drawings," and "hot water." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Pipe fitters earn the highest salaries when working in the construction industry, with an average yearly salary of $57,501. On the other hand, journeyman linemen are paid more in the utilities industry with an average salary of $87,700.pipe fitters tend to reach similar levels of education than journeyman linemen. In fact, pipe fitters are 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Journeyman lineman vs. Helper

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.

Helper positions earn lower pay than journeyman lineman roles. They earn a $45,926 lower salary than journeyman linemen per year.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real journeyman lineman resumes. While journeyman lineman responsibilities can utilize skills like "cdl," "switches," "customer service," and "climb poles," helpers use skills like "food handling," "safety procedures," "construction sites," and "physical labor."

Helpers may earn a lower salary than journeyman linemen, but helpers earn the most pay in the utilities industry with an average salary of $36,088. On the other hand, journeyman linemen receive higher pay in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $87,700.helpers earn similar levels of education than journeyman linemen in general. They're 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Journeyman lineman vs. Plumber

Plumbers specialize in assembling, detecting issues, maintaining, and repairing pipes and systems that can either involve water or gas distribution in a home or establishment, ensuring that they function efficiently. Additionally, Plumbers can also install various materials such as kitchen or bathroom sinks, toilets, appliances, and more. Among the tasks may revolve around training other plumbers or coordinating with other workers involved on a project, clearing obstructions and handling waste disposal, informing clients about the costs and process of repairs, and building rapport with them.

On average scale, plumbers bring in lower salaries than journeyman linemen. In fact, they earn a $21,920 lower salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on journeyman linemen and plumbers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "customer service," "osha," and "hand tools.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, journeyman linemen are more likely to have skills like "cdl," "switches," "climb poles," and "electrical equipment." But a plumber is more likely to have skills like "plumbing," "plumbers," "cast iron," and "pipe systems."

Plumbers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $58,436. Comparatively, journeyman linemen have the highest earning potential in the utilities industry, with an average salary of $87,700.When it comes to education, plumbers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to journeyman linemen. In fact, they're 1.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Journeyman lineman vs. Electrical helper

An Electrical Helper is responsible for assisting head electricians in conducting electrical repairs and installments for private households or commercial establishments. Electrical Helpers operate various electrical tools and equipment, requiring them to inspect the materials before and after every use to avoid potential hazards and operational failures. They also support the senior electricians in performing troubleshooting procedures, component replacements, and upgrading systems for optimization. An Electrical Helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills, especially in fixing broken cables and strictly following safety protocols and regulations.

Electrical helpers average a lower salary than the annual salary of journeyman linemen. The difference is about $45,792 per year.According to resumes from journeyman linemen and electrical helpers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "switches," "osha," and "hand tools. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between journeyman linemen and electrical helpers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a journeyman lineman might have more use for skills like "cdl," "customer service," "climb poles," and "electrical equipment." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of electrical helpers require skills like "emt," "assist electricians," "run conduit," and "electrical systems. "

In general, electrical helpers earn the most working in the construction industry, with an average salary of $32,324. The highest-paying industry for a journeyman lineman is the utilities industry.In general, electrical helpers hold similar degree levels compared to journeyman linemen. Electrical helpers are 1.2% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of journeyman lineman

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What a journeyman lineman does FAQs

Search for journeyman lineman jobs

Browse construction and extraction jobs