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The differences between linemen and lineman apprentices 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 $48,171 average annual salary of a lineman apprentice.
The top three skills for a lineman include safety rules, switches and CDL. The most important skills for a lineman apprentice are CDL, switches, and OSHA.
| Lineman | Lineman Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $78,563 | $48,171 |
| Hourly rate | $37.77 | $23.16 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 2,672 | 8,245 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
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.
Linemen and lineman apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lineman | Lineman Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $78,563 | $48,171 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $115,000 | Between $34,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Reno, NV | Dundalk, MD |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Maryland |
| Best paying company | NV Energy | OGE Energy |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a lineman and a lineman apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Lineman | Lineman Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between linemen' and lineman apprentices' demographics:
| Lineman | Lineman Apprentice | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 4% | 4% |