Across U.S. metros, telecom line installers typically earn $3,810 more a year than electricians (6%). In the 234 metros where BLS publishes both, electricians earn more in 88 and telecom line installers in 145.
| Electrician | Telecom Line Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,440 | $66,250 |
| Lowest metro median | $33,630 | $31,200 |
| Highest metro median | $105,500 | $108,670 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +9.2% | -3.4% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 72,700 | 8,000 |
| Self-employed | 7% | 5% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 97 | 379 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 235 |
On safety, telecom line installers report more injuries that cause missed work (379 vs. 97 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 electricians out-earn telecom line installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where telecom line installers out-earn electricians the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, electricians earn more in 26 states and telecom line installers in 25. The gap favors electricians most in Oregon ($40,980) and telecom line installers most in Delaware ($30,150).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: very often for electricians, occasionally for telecom line installers. Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: often for electricians, sometimes for telecom line installers.
| Electrician | Telecom Line Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Very often |
| Working at heights | Often | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Often | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Very often | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Telecom Line Installer
Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
Compare one trade across two cities →
More comparisons
More trade comparisons
Still deciding? Rank every trade by what matters to you with which trade fits me.