Locator vs utility lineman

The differences between locators and utility linemen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a utility lineman has an average salary of $69,220, which is higher than the $36,634 average annual salary of a locator.

The top three skills for a locator include necessary paperwork, working independently and TV. The most important skills for a utility lineman are electrical systems, line trucks, and street lights.

Locator vs utility lineman overview

	Locator	Utility Lineman
Yearly salary	$36,634	$69,220
Hourly rate	$17.61	$33.28
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	2,069	8,520
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 46%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Locator vs utility lineman salary

Locators and utility linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Locator	Utility Lineman
Average salary	$36,634	$69,220
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $58,000	Between $49,000 And $95,000
Highest paying City	San Diego, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Brigham and Women's Hospital	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between locator and utility lineman education

There are a few differences between a locator and a utility lineman in terms of educational background:

	Locator	Utility Lineman
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 46%
Most common major	Business	Electrical Engineering Technology
Most common college	-	-

Locator vs utility lineman demographics

Here are the differences between locators' and utility linemen' demographics:

	Locator	Utility Lineman
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%	Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 3.9% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between locator and utility lineman duties and responsibilities

Locator example responsibilities.

Work on utility poles, platforms, aerial ladders and manholes and to perform job duties.
Limit use & knowledge of GPR technology.
Create splices from secondary voltage up to 24 KV.
Supply technical support of DSL circuits for high speed internet customers.
Install and repair phone and DSL service to residential and businesses.
Locate and take GPS shots on gas pipeline also pick up copper wire

Utility lineman example responsibilities.

Set up cranes at work location and establish a control access zone to prevent injury to others on the job site.
Used gaffs, ladders, and bucket trucks.
Have lineman skills of pole climbing with gaffs.
Edit, and maintain filing system for all engineer drawings utilizing AutoCAD.

Locator vs utility lineman skills

Common locator skills

Necessary Paperwork, 16%
Working Independently, 14%
TV, 13%
Water Lines, 7%
Professional Appearance, 6%
Electronic Equipment, 5%

Common utility lineman skills

Electrical Systems, 61%
Line Trucks, 27%
Street Lights, 6%
DOT, 6%

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Locator vs Utility Lineman

Updated January 8, 2025

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