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Lineman apprentice vs groundman

The differences between lineman apprentices and groundmen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a groundman has an average salary of $64,471, which is higher than the $48,171 average annual salary of a lineman apprentice.

The top three skills for a lineman apprentice include CDL, switches and OSHA. The most important skills for a groundman are hand tools, safety rules, and physical labor.

Lineman apprentice vs groundman overview

Lineman ApprenticeGroundman
Yearly salary$48,171$64,471
Hourly rate$23.16$31.00
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs8,2454,221
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 55%
Average age3939
Years of experience--

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.

What does a groundman do?

A ground man is primarily responsible for performing support tasks for power line construction, repair, or maintenance. Their responsibilities include preparing sites by digging holes, setting up poles, and even notifying clients for any power or service interruption. They also assist linemen or technicians by clearing any obstructions, providing guidelines, handing any needed tools or objects, and even operating different devices and machines. Furthermore, a groundsman is also responsible for clearing out sites after operations, ensuring the public's safety and the area's cleanliness.

Lineman apprentice vs groundman salary

Lineman apprentices and groundmen have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lineman ApprenticeGroundman
Average salary$48,171$64,471
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $68,000Between $45,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityDundalk, MDBeaverton, OR
Highest paying stateMarylandAlaska
Best paying companyOGE EnergyMDU Resources
Best paying industryUtilitiesEnergy

Differences between lineman apprentice and groundman education

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

Lineman ApprenticeGroundman
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 55%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Lineman apprentice vs groundman demographics

Here are the differences between lineman apprentices' and groundmen' demographics:

Lineman ApprenticeGroundman
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 97.4% Female, 2.6%Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 1.2% White, 74.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between lineman apprentice and groundman duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Groundman example responsibilities.

  • Operate chain saws, pruners, brush chippers, and climb trees using climbing equipment.
  • Work on grind grid, install pedestals, switches, breakers, bus, center tech.
  • Gain experience with fiber optics, team building, OSHA safety standards, cable and internet systems
  • Cut down trees using appropriate notches, hinges, and wedges.
  • Work with ropes and pulleys.
  • Learned about OSHA laws and work safety.
  • Show more

Lineman apprentice vs groundman skills

Common lineman apprentice skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Switches, 9%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Bucket Truck, 6%
  • Safety Practices, 5%
Common groundman skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Safety Rules, 13%
  • Physical Labor, 11%
  • CDL, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Distribution Systems, 8%

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