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The differences between substation electricians 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 $67,906 average annual salary of a substation electrician.
The top three skills for a substation electrician include CDL, transformers and circuit breakers. The most important skills for a lineman are safety rules, switches, and CDL.
A Substation Electrician installs control panels and wiring systems, performs emergency repairs and regular maintenance on electrical substations delivering energy to the surrounding buildings and houses. The professionals work hand-in-hand with engineers and architects to create the substation's plan and layout. After completing the blueprints, the Substation Electricians can construct and install electrical equipment and wiring cabinets. Other duties performed may include testing, calibrating, and maintaining relays. They also operate various devices and troubleshoot transformers' issues and provide the right solutions.
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.
Substation electricians and linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Substation Electrician | Lineman | |
| Average salary | $67,906 | $78,563 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $98,000 | Between $53,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Reno, NV |
| Highest paying state | - | Alaska |
| Best paying company | - | NV Energy |
| Best paying industry | - | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a substation electrician and a lineman in terms of educational background:
| Substation Electrician | Lineman | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between substation electricians' and linemen' demographics:
| Substation Electrician | Lineman | |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.2% 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 | 3% | 4% |