Trade Comparison
Electrician vs Lineman Salary
These are two distinct electrical careers tracked under separate BLS occupation codes. Linemen work on the grid at high voltage. Electricians wire buildings. The pay gap is significant, and so are the lifestyle tradeoffs.
Important distinction: "Electrician" (BLS 47-2111) refers to inside wiremen working on building electrical systems. "Lineman" (BLS 49-9051) refers to electrical power-line installers and repairers working on the utility grid. Different BLS codes, different IBEW divisions, different apprenticeship programs.
Electrician / Inside Wireman (BLS 47-2111)
$63,190
Median annual wage, May 2025
- Hourly median
- $30.38
- Top 10%
- $108,510
- Bottom 10%
- $42,640
- Employed (US)
- 757,220
- IBEW division
- Inside Construction
Lineman / Power-Line Installer (BLS 49-9051)
$95,320
Median annual wage, May 2025
- Hourly median
- $45.83
- Top 10%
- $128,690
- Bottom 10%
- $51,470
- Employed (US)
- 131,070
- IBEW division
- Outside Construction / Util.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Storm-work and overtime earnings can push lineman annual compensation significantly above base median.
Pay Gap at Every Career Level
| Level | Electrician | Lineman | Lineman Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groundman / First-step | $33,000-$40,000 | $42,000-$52,000 | +$10-15k |
| Apprentice (mid) | $48,000-$60,000 | $60,000-$72,000 | +$12-15k |
| Journeyman (base) | $63,190 | $95,320 | +$32,130 |
| Top 10% / Specialist | $108,510 | $128,690 | +$20,180 |
| Storm-work year (90-day) | $70,000-$85,000 | $100,000-$150,000+ | +$30-65k |
Full Comparison
| Factor | Electrician | Lineman |
|---|---|---|
| Work environment | Buildings: residential, commercial, industrial | Outdoors: poles, towers, substations, trenches |
| Voltage range | 120V-480V (some 4kV+) | 4kV-765kV transmission |
| Height work | Ladders, scissor lifts (occasional) | Poles, towers, bucket trucks (daily) |
| Weather exposure | Occasional | All conditions (storms, ice, heat, night) |
| Travel requirement | Local typically | Frequent travel for storm restoration |
| IBEW local type | Inside Construction | Outside Construction / Utility |
| Apprenticeship | 4-5 years (IBEW IC or IEC) | 4-5 years (IBEW OC or utility program) |
| Physical demands | High (overhead, confined spaces) | Very high (climbing, heavy equipment) |
| Injury risk | Moderate (arc flash, falls) | High (high-voltage, heights, weather) |
| Overtime / premiums | Project-based | Storm work: 16-20hr days x weeks |
| Advancement to contractor | Master license + business | Foreman / substation roles (utility) |
| Job security | Strong (9% growth outlook, 2024-2034) | Strong (grid investment, storm crews) |
The Storm-Work Factor
Linemen who respond to storm restoration events (hurricanes, ice storms, major outages) earn time-and-a-half to double-time for 16-20 hour days over 2-6 weeks. A single 30-day storm deployment at $41.07/hr base rate plus 50% OT:
$26,000+
Estimated 30-day storm gross
$100k-150k
Annual earnings in active storm years
2-4 events/yr
Typical storm season for travelled linemen
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Electrician if...
- +You want to stay close to home and avoid frequent travel
- +You want the option of running your own contracting business
- +You're drawn to building systems, smart technology, and solar
- +You prefer more predictable working conditions and hours
Choose Lineman if...
- +You want the highest possible earnings with storm-work premiums
- +You thrive in outdoor, physically demanding, high-adrenaline work
- +You're willing to travel, sometimes for months at a time
- +You want to work on the infrastructure that powers everything else
Frequently Asked Questions
Do linemen earn more than electricians?
Yes. BLS OEWS May 2025 shows electrical power-line installers and repairers (49-9051) at a median of $95,320 vs $63,190 for electricians (47-2111). Linemen start higher and earn large storm-work premiums that can push annual earnings to $120,000+ in active years.
What is the difference between an electrician and a lineman?
Electricians (inside wiremen) work on building wiring: residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems inside structures. Linemen (outside construction) work on the electrical grid: high-voltage transmission lines, distribution poles, substations, and utility infrastructure. They are different BLS occupations, different IBEW divisions, and different apprenticeship programs.
Is it harder to become a lineman than an electrician?
Lineman apprenticeships are comparably long (4-5 years) but generally more physically demanding and selective. Physical fitness requirements are stricter: linemen work at heights on energised lines in all weather conditions.
Can an electrician become a lineman?
Possible but not automatic. The two are different IBEW divisions with separate apprenticeship programs. An inside wireman journeyman card does not transfer directly to Outside Construction lineman status. Some inside wiremen successfully apply to lineman apprenticeships and receive credit for prior electrical knowledge.
Which job is more dangerous: electrician or lineman?
Both have significant electrical hazards, but linemen face higher fatality rates due to working on energised high-voltage transmission and distribution lines at height, often in adverse weather. BLS data consistently shows electrical power-line work among the more hazardous occupations.