Across U.S. metros, electrical lineworkers typically earn $34,565 more a year than telecom equipment installers (56%). In the 239 metros where BLS publishes both, electrical lineworkers earn more in 231 and telecom equipment installers in 8.
| Electrical Lineworker | Telecom Equipment Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $96,805 | $62,240 |
| Lowest metro median | $59,530 | $34,690 |
| Highest metro median | $157,620 | $101,020 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +10.3% | -3.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 10,900 | 11,300 |
| Self-employed | 0% | 1% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 177 | 168 |
| Metros with pay data | 260 | 320 |
On safety, electrical lineworkers report more injuries that cause missed work (177 vs. 168 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where electrical lineworkers out-earn telecom equipment installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where telecom equipment installers out-earn electrical lineworkers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, electrical lineworkers earn more in 49 states and telecom equipment installers in 2. The gap favors electrical lineworkers most in Idaho ($62,970) and telecom equipment installers most in Louisiana ($3,800).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: very often for electrical lineworkers, occasionally for telecom equipment installers. Indoors with heating and air conditioning: rarely for electrical lineworkers, often for telecom equipment installers.
| Electrical Lineworker | Telecom Equipment Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Often |
| Working at heights | Very often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Often | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Sometimes |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Electrical Lineworker
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
Telecom Equipment Installer
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
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