Across U.S. metros, electrical lineworkers typically earn $33,455 more a year than wind turbine technicians (53%). In the 8 metros where BLS publishes both, electrical lineworkers earn more in 8 and wind turbine technicians in 0.
| Electrical Lineworker | Wind Turbine Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $96,805 | $63,350 |
| Lowest metro median | $59,530 | $57,890 |
| Highest metro median | $157,620 | $77,950 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +10.3% | +29.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 10,900 | 1,500 |
| Self-employed | 0% | 15% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 177 | 133 |
| Metros with pay data | 260 | 8 |
On safety, electrical lineworkers report more injuries that cause missed work (177 vs. 133 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 wind turbine technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, electrical lineworkers earn more in 25 states and wind turbine technicians in 0. The gap favors electrical lineworkers most in Oregon ($69,270) and electrical lineworkers most in Arizona ($9,090).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Cramped spaces and awkward positions: often for electrical lineworkers, very often for wind turbine technicians. Standing, bending, kneeling and walking: sometimes for electrical lineworkers, often for wind turbine technicians.
| Electrical Lineworker | Wind Turbine Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Very often |
| Working at heights | Very often | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Often | Very often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Very often |
| 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.
Wind Turbine Technician
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
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