Electrician vs. Lineworker: Which Career Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Lineworkers earn more, with a median of $95,320 versus $63,190 for electricians (BLS, May 2025), a gap of about $32,130 a year. Electrician work is more accessible and grows faster, while line work pays more for tougher conditions at extreme heights and in bad weather. Pick electrician if you want indoor and outdoor building work with a clear path to your own contracting business; pick lineworker if you want top-tier trade pay and don’t mind climbing poles in any weather.
Choosing between a career as an electrician and a lineworker is one of the most common decisions people face when entering the skilled trades. Both are solid, in-demand careers, but they differ in pay, work environment, training requirements, and long-term outlook.
This guide breaks down the key differences using current Bureau of Labor Statistics data so you can make an informed decision.
Electrician vs. Lineworker at a Glance
| Category | Electrician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,190 | $95,320 |
| Median Hourly | $30.38 | $45.83 |
| Entry-Level Pay (10th %) | $42,640 | $51,470 |
| Experienced Pay (90th %) | $108,510 | $128,690 |
| Total Employed | 757,220 | 131,070 |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 9.5% (faster than average) | 6.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Annual Job Openings | 81,000 | 10,700 |
| Typical Training | 4 to 5 years (apprenticeship) | A few months of line school plus a utility apprenticeship |
| Work Setting | Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings | Outdoors on utility poles, towers, and underground systems |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (BLS, May 2025); Employment Projections (2024-2034).
Salary Comparison
Lineworkers earn a higher median salary, about $32,130 more per year than electricians (BLS, May 2025).
Here is how pay breaks down across experience levels:
| Pay Level | Electrician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $42,640 | $51,470 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | Not separately reported | $67,270 |
| Median | $63,190 | $95,320 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | Not separately reported | $109,740 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $108,510 | $128,690 |
Keep in mind that pay varies by state, metro area, union membership, specialization, and overtime. Both trades frequently offer overtime that can push annual earnings well above the median, and line work in particular pays heavy overtime during storm restoration.
Job Outlook and Demand
Electrician jobs are projected to grow faster than lineworker jobs, 9.5% versus 6.6% through 2034.
| Metric | Electrician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 757,220 | 131,070 |
| Projected Growth | 9.5% | 6.6% |
| Annual Openings | 81,000 | 10,700 |
Annual openings include positions created by workers retiring, changing careers, or moving into supervisory roles. With 81,000 openings per year for electricians and 10,700 for lineworkers, both fields offer strong hiring prospects. Electricians have many more openings overall because the field is roughly six times larger.
Training and Education
Electrician: Apprenticeship, or trade school followed by an apprenticeship. Training typically takes 4 to 5 years. Common credentials include a state journeyman or master license and OSHA 10 or 30 training.
Lineworker: A line school certificate, which often runs a few months, followed by a utility apprenticeship that can take several years. Common credentials include a CDL Class A, OSHA training, and state-specific lineworker credentials.
Both careers require hands-on training, and most states require some form of licensing or certification before you can work independently.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Electrician: Electricians typically work in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Physical demands include climbing, lifting, and working in confined spaces and at heights.
Lineworker: Lineworkers typically work outdoors on utility poles, towers, and underground systems. Physical demands include working at extreme heights, handling heavy equipment, and being out in all weather conditions.
Career Advancement
Electrician: The typical path goes from apprentice to journeyman, master electrician, and then electrical contractor.
Lineworker: The typical path goes from groundman to apprentice, journeyman lineworker, and then crew foreman.
Both careers offer a path to self-employment. Experienced electricians and lineworkers often start their own contracting businesses, which can significantly increase earning potential.
Which Career Should You Choose?
Choose Electrician if you:
- Enjoy working with electrical systems, wiring, and circuitry
- Want a career with strong earning potential across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors
- Are comfortable working at heights and in tight spaces
- Want a path to running your own electrical contracting business
Choose Lineworker if you:
- Want one of the highest-paying trade careers available
- Are comfortable working at extreme heights and in severe weather
- Want to work in the utility sector with a strong union presence
- Enjoy outdoor work and traveling to different job sites
There is no wrong answer here. Both are respected, well-paying trades with strong demand across the country. Your decision should come down to which type of work interests you more on a daily basis.
Related Resources
- Learn more about becoming an electrician
- Learn more about becoming a lineworker
- Compare trade salaries nationally
- Find trade schools near you
FAQ
Is electrician or lineworker a better career?
Both are strong choices. Lineworkers earn a higher median salary, about $32,130 more per year (BLS, May 2025). Electrician jobs are projected to grow faster, 9.5% versus 6.6% through 2034. The right pick depends on which kind of work you want to do day to day.
Do electricians or lineworkers make more money?
Lineworkers make more on average. The median pay is $95,320 for lineworkers and $63,190 for electricians (BLS, May 2025). Top earning lineworkers make $128,690 or more, while top earning electricians reach $108,510 or more.
Which trade is easier to get into?
Both are accessible with a high school diploma and no college degree. Electricians typically train 4 to 5 years through an apprenticeship. Lineworkers usually start with a line school certificate of a few months, then complete a utility apprenticeship that can run several years.
Can you switch from electrician to lineworker?
Yes. Skills like reading prints, following codes, and working safely at heights carry over between the trades. You would still need training and credentials specific to line work, such as a CDL and utility apprenticeship hours.
Which job is more dangerous, electrician or lineworker?
Both carry real electrical risk, but line work is generally considered the more hazardous of the two. Lineworkers work at extreme heights on energized high-voltage lines and respond to storms and outages in all weather. Electricians more often work indoors on de-energized circuits in buildings.
Do lineworkers travel more than electricians?
Often yes. Lineworkers frequently travel to restore power after storms and may work long shifts away from home during outages. Electricians usually work within a local service area, though some take traveling jobs on large commercial or industrial projects.
How fast is each field growing?
Electrician employment is projected to grow 9.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 81,000 openings a year. Lineworker employment is projected to grow 6.6%, with about 10,700 openings a year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Electricians have far more total openings because the field is much larger.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.