Across U.S. metros, electrical lineworkers typically earn $30,555 more a year than telecom line installers (46%). In the 179 metros where BLS publishes both, electrical lineworkers earn more in 163 and telecom line installers in 16.
| Electrical Lineworker | Telecom Line Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $96,805 | $66,250 |
| Lowest metro median | $59,530 | $31,200 |
| Highest metro median | $157,620 | $108,670 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +10.3% | -3.4% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 10,900 | 8,000 |
| Self-employed | 0% | 5% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 177 | 379 |
| Metros with pay data | 260 | 235 |
On safety, telecom line installers report more injuries that cause missed work (379 vs. 177 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 line installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where telecom line 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 47 states and telecom line installers in 4. The gap favors electrical lineworkers most in Oregon ($70,760) and telecom line installers most in Maine ($9,030).
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 line installers. Indoors with heating and air conditioning: rarely for electrical lineworkers, sometimes for telecom line installers.
| Electrical Lineworker | Telecom Line Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Very often |
| Working at heights | Very often | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Often | Often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| 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 Line Installer
Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
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