Electrician Vs Lineman, Which Is Better? (Must Read)

Choosing a career path isn’t always straightforward.

It can be overwhelming!

Choosing the right job involves taking into account your personality, interests, and goals.

If you want to work in the trades, you have a few options.

When it comes to choosing a trade, the good news is that they offer job security, high pay, and a diverse range of professional opportunities.

In this post, we will compare and contrast the careers of an electrician and Lineman

So, which is better, Electrician Vs Lineman

Electrician role is seen to be better as they work in varied workplaces performing a variety of tasks. Lineman jobs are thought to be better than Electricians, earning higher wages but being lower in demand.

It is tough to say that being an Electrician is preferable to becoming a Lineman or vice versa.

Although different, they are both trade occupations that have some similarities.

So what is the difference between an Electrician and a Linemen?

Linemans, also referred to as line workers, instal and repair electrical power systems (including powerlines) and telecommunications lines, including fibre optics.

Electricians spend their days installing or fixing lights, power outlets, conduits, cable trays, ladder racks, circuit breakers, and emergency lighting in commercial, industrial, and residential settings.

Carry out a fault-finding procedure. Electrical equipment must be tested, repaired, and maintained.

They may also spend time connecting electrical appliances and equipment.

So now we have answered the main question let’s uncover Electrician vs Lineman?

What Does A Electrician Do Everyday?

Electricians build, maintain, and repair electrical power, communication, lighting, and control systems in homes, companies, and factories.

In terms of everyday tasks,

Read blueprints or technical diagrams
Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems
Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers
Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices
Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools
Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
Direct and train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring or equipment

Almost every building has electrical power, communications, lighting, and control system that is built and maintained throughout construction.

These systems provide electricity to the lights, appliances, and machinery that make people’s lives and work simpler and more comfortable.

Because the electrical wire is more easily accessible during construction, installing electrical systems in newly constructed buildings is generally less difficult than maintaining equipment in older structures.

Identifying issues and fixing damaged equipment that is sometimes difficult to access is part of maintaining equipment and systems.

Parts, light fixtures, and control systems may need to be repaired or replaced as part of maintenance work.

Almost all electricians are full-time employees.

Work schedules may include evenings and weekends, and they may change depending on the weather.

Electricians can anticipate working extra for scheduled maintenance or on building sites.

What Does A Lineman Do Everyday?

Digging trenches to build subterranean lines, installing metres, climbing poles to repair above lines, and assessing electricity lines for necessary repair or replacement are some of the daily activities of a Lineman. Utility, energy, and telecommunications businesses are the most common employers of linemen.

In terms of everyday tasks,

Install, maintain, or repair the power lines that move electricity
Identify defective devices, voltage regulators, transformers, and switches
Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment
String power lines between poles, towers, and buildings
Climb poles and transmission towers and use truck-mounted buckets to get to equipment
Operate power equipment when installing and repairing poles, towers, and lines
Drive work vehicles to job sites
Follow safety standards and procedures

Below are the steps required to become either an Electrician or Lineman

How To Become A Lineman?

If you are still in high school, that’s a good thing if you want to become a Lineman.

Entry-level positions normally require a high school diploma or equivalent, but most line installers and repairers require technical training as well as long-term on-the-job training to become proficient. Apprenticeships are also often used.

Many community colleges provide telecommunications, electronics, and power degrees. Some programmes collaborate with local businesses to provide one-year diplomas that emphasise hands-on fieldwork.

Students in more advanced 2-year associate’s degree programmes gain a thorough understanding of the technology utilised in telecommunications and electrical utilities.

Courses in energy, electronics, fibre optics, and microwave transmission are available through these programmes.

How To Become An Electrician?

The majority of electricians go through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship programme to master their trade.

Apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical teaching for each year of the programme.

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required to work as an electrician.

A technical school is where some electricians start their careers.

Many technical institutes provide courses in circuits, safety, and basic electrical understanding.

Apprenticeship credit is frequently granted to graduates of these programmes.

Electricians or Lineman, Which Harder Job?

HVACR is thought to be a more difficult job than becoming an electrician because they must work with large equipment, such as industrial air conditioning units, at heights. There is a risk of being crushed or getting injured

To wanting to sound alarmist, HVACR technicians have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses among all occupations.

Electrical shock, burns, muscle strains, and accidents from handling heavy equipment are all potential hazards.

Because refrigerants are dangerous, and contact can result in skin injury, frostbite, or blindness, proper safety equipment is required when handling them.

Inhalation of refrigerants is a potential concern when operating in small areas. Several refrigerants are highly flammable, necessitating extra caution.

Being an Electrician also has its risks. Common injuries include electrical shocks, falls, burns and other minor injuries are common injuries, even though mishaps can be fatal.

Electricians or Lineman, Who Earns More? (Solved)

Linemen earn slightly more than Electricians, with Linesmen earning $68,030 in May 2020 compared to $50,590 for Linemen. These earnings, however, will differ from state to state.

Working at Power companies there is the opportunity for promotion, managing a crew of Lineman. Higher duties should come with high wages.

Working as an electrician allows you to start your own business and hire electricians to respond to service calls. As a result, they earn more money.

Finding a Lineman job could be a struggle with zero growth. You will likely need contacts at power companies to help you land a job.

Alternatively, for Electricians landing a job should be fine, with electricians job growth expected to be between 5-9% per cent from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Final Thoughts

Electricians are thought to be better because they operate in a range of settings and conduct several duties. Lineman jobs are regarded to be better than electrician jobs since they pay more but are less in demand.

Electricians and Linemen like working with their hands and are comfortable dealing with the hazards of electrocution.

Deciding on which career path is important.

Speak with trusted friends and family, even consult with a career consultant for advice.

Consider your strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes before deciding on which career path.

If you’re interested in learning more about trade career options check out these articles below

References

Electricians: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
Line Installers and Repairers: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)