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The differences between line mechanics and linemen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lineman has an average salary of $78,563, which is higher than the $46,851 average annual salary of a line mechanic.
The top three skills for a line mechanic include preventative maintenance, ladders and safety regulations. The most important skills for a lineman are safety rules, switches, and CDL.
| Line Mechanic | Lineman | |
| Yearly salary | $46,851 | $78,563 |
| Hourly rate | $22.52 | $37.77 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 81,088 | 2,672 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 48 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A line mechanic specializes in installing and maintaining a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment. Their responsibilities typically include conducting inspections, troubleshooting problems, replacing parts, and performing necessary repairs. There are instances where they must install and repair cables, climb poles, and fix control lines. They may also perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the quality of equipment. Furthermore, a line mechanic must maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating for a safe and efficient workflow.
The primary job of a lineman is to install, repair, and maintain high-powered electrical lines and systems. They work on transmission and distribution lines from the power sources and extend to individual buildings or homes. Those working as a lineman can repair both overhead and underground electrical wires and cables. In addition, their responsibilities might also include excavating trenches to install underground lines, climbing poles to repair overhead lines, installing the meter, and inspecting power lines for possible repair or replacement.
Line mechanics and linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Line Mechanic | Lineman | |
| Average salary | $46,851 | $78,563 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $59,000 | Between $53,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fall River, MA | Reno, NV |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Novartis | NV Energy |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a line mechanic and a lineman in terms of educational background:
| Line Mechanic | Lineman | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between line mechanics' and linemen' demographics:
| Line Mechanic | Lineman | |
| Average age | 48 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 1.2% White, 75.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |