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Wireman vs journeyman lineman

The differences between wiremen and journeyman linemen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a wireman and a journeyman lineman. Additionally, a journeyman lineman has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $31,807 average annual salary of a wireman.

The top three skills for a wireman include hand tools, work ethic and electrical conduit. The most important skills for a journeyman lineman are CDL, switches, and customer service.

Wireman vs journeyman lineman overview

WiremanJourneyman Lineman
Yearly salary$31,807$77,257
Hourly rate$15.29$37.14
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs9,1729,469
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

Wireman vs journeyman lineman salary

Wiremen and journeyman linemen have different pay scales, as shown below.

WiremanJourneyman Lineman
Average salary$31,807$77,257
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $40,000Between $52,000 And $114,000
Highest paying City-Eureka, CA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Pacific Gas and Electric
Best paying industry-Utilities

Differences between wireman and journeyman lineman education

There are a few differences between a wireman and a journeyman lineman in terms of educational background:

WiremanJourneyman Lineman
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Wireman vs journeyman lineman demographics

Here are the differences between wiremen' and journeyman linemen' demographics:

WiremanJourneyman Lineman
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 90.6% Female, 9.4%Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.6% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 2.2% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between wireman and journeyman lineman duties and responsibilities

Wireman example responsibilities.

  • Programme and manage CISCO VOIP telephone systems as well as coordinated site installation that provide an organize work space.
  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Install and maintain control equipment, power circuit breakers, voltage regulators, equipment, transformers, and other electrical equipment.
  • Work in teams to troubleshoot various electrical problems.
  • Manufacture transfer switches and circuit breakers filling weekly customer orders.
  • Assemble rod pump controls from drawings, such as VFD's.
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Journeyman lineman example responsibilities.

  • Install switchgear, capacitors, voltage regulators, risers, lightning arrestors, and other protective devices.
  • Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturb or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
  • Use a variety of construction equipment to complete installations, such as digger derricks, trenchers, or cable plows.
  • Maintain and repair all overhead distribution equipment to include cabling, transformers, and all associate overhead distribution equipment.
  • Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshot breakdowns and repair malfunctioning HVAC systems and components, utilize measuring and testing instruments.
  • Certify welder (MIG) ASE.
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Wireman vs journeyman lineman skills

Common wireman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 12%
  • Electrical Conduit, 6%
  • Switches, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
  • Transformers, 4%
Common journeyman lineman skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Switches, 11%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Climb Poles, 5%
  • Electrical Equipment, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%

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