Career comparison
Electrical Lineworker vs. Electrician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Electrical lineworkers earn more at the median ($95,320 vs. $63,190), while electrical lineworkers usually get to work faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship) of training). Electrical lineworkers build and repair the power lines that deliver electricity, on poles, in buckets and underground. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Electrical Lineworker | Electrician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $95,320 ($45.83/hr) | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $51,470 – $128,690 | $42,640 – $108,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +10.3% (much faster than average) | +9.2% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 10,900 | 72,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | Journeyman lineworker | Journeyman electrician license |
| Work setting | Lineworkers work outdoors in all weather, at heights and around high-voltage electricity. | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. |
What each job does
Electrical Lineworker
- Install and maintain overhead and underground power lines
- Climb poles and operate bucket trucks and digger derricks
- Replace transformers, insulators, crossarms and conductors
- Restore power after storms and emergencies
- Follow switching orders and isolate and ground lines
Electrician
- Read blueprints, schematics and electrical plans
- Install conduit, wiring, panels, breakers, receptacles and fixtures
- Inspect and test electrical systems with meters and testers
- Troubleshoot and repair faults in circuits, motors and controls
- Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, working outdoors, physical work, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose electrical lineworker if…
- Heights don’t bother me
- I can follow strict safety procedures every single time
- I’m physically strong and like demanding work
Choose electrician if…
- I like working with my hands and solving technical problems
- I’m comfortable with math and following detailed diagrams
- I respect safety rules, and follow them every time
Still torn? Take the Electrical Lineworker fit quiz and the Electrician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electrical lineworker or electrician?
Electrical Lineworkers earn more at the median: $95,320 versus $63,190 for electricians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Electrical Lineworkers typically train faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship)) than electricians (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electrical lineworkers to grow +10.3% from 2025–35, compared with +9.2% for electricians.