Career comparison
Electrical Lineworker vs. Meter Reader
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. $48,150), while meter readers usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Electrical lineworkers build and repair the power lines that deliver electricity, on poles, in buckets and underground. Meter readers read and check gas, water and electric meters for utilities.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Electrical Lineworker | Meter Reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $95,320 ($45.83/hr) | $48,150 ($23.15/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $51,470 – $128,690 | $34,720 – $85,930 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +10.3% (much faster than average) | -10.5% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 10,900 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | A few weeks on the job |
| Key credential | Journeyman lineworker | Driver’s license |
| Work setting | Lineworkers work outdoors in all weather, at heights and around high-voltage electricity. | Meter readers work outdoors on routes.. |
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
Meter Reader
- Read meters
- Record usage
- Check for tampering
- Report damage
- Help install smart meters
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors and physical work. They sit in different fields, skilled trades & construction and energy & utilities, but share transferable skills such as teamwork and trust and reliability.
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 meter reader if…
- I like being outside
- I work well alone
- I don’t mind walking
Still torn? Take the Electrical Lineworker fit quiz and the Meter Reader fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electrical lineworker or meter reader?
Electrical Lineworkers earn more at the median: $95,320 versus $48,150 for meter readers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Meter Readers typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than electrical lineworkers (3–4 years (apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electrical lineworkers to grow +10.3% from 2025–35, compared with -10.5% for meter readers.