Lineman Vs Electrician: Which Is The Best Career Choice?

Is it better to be a lineman or electrician?

It is said that the lineman is possibly the better job out of the two options. It’s hard to say because both trades have similar skills but are very different jobs. Linemen receive higher pay, but the demand for the job is less. 

Electricians are always needed, there is a high demand for electricians, and they have the option to become self-employed and exceed the salary of the lineman!

Is a lineman the same as an electrician?

No, the jobs are different. The traditional work at heights on power lines. Linemen work on high voltage power lines and comms lines.

The lineman is qualified to work with high voltage electricity, and he makes repairs and replaces components to keep the electricity flowing around the country.

On the other hand, electricians either work in industrial, commercial or residential settings on lower voltages circuits.

The electrician is qualified and accredited as a competent person after approximately 6 years.

How physically demanding is being a lineman?

Pulling equipment up onto electric pylons is no joke. It can be a physically demanding job. The lineman needs to be in good shape as the cables he pulls are heavy.

Mental fitness is just as necessary and maybe more important for the lineman. The hours are long, and you are exposed to the elements day and night.

However, the lineman is considered an excellent job despite the challenges.

How physically demanding is it being an electrician?

Being an electrician can be demanding even when compared to being a lineman. When rewiring a whole house, electricians will be responsible for pulling floorboards, chasing out walls, and punching holes through brickwork before they start pulling cables.

The humble electrician should not be underestimated. They need to be fit and alert as they often work with live circuits.

How do you become a lineman?

There are 2 main routes.

Option 1

• Become an apprentice and work for a national electric supplier like National Grid or one of the other major suppliers.
• Your apprenticeship will culminate in a Level 3 Diploma which will take from 3 to 4 years to complete
• You will get paid while you are training.

Option 2

• Attend a trade college that trains apprentices for the industry. During your training, you can apply for work with a major utility company to gain hands-on practical experience.
• The course duration will be the same as the apprentice route and will end with the same qualification.
• You will not be paid while you train. You will pay to do the training course. There are government incentives and grants available that may pay for the course in its entirety. Check with the course administrator for details.

How do you become an Electrician?

There are 2 main routes.

Option 1

• Enrol as an apprentice at one of the hundreds of companies throughout the UK. The company will train you in theory via a college course, and you will gain practical experience by working with a qualified electrician who will mentor you through the apprenticeship.
• The apprenticeship will be 4 years in duration, and you will receive an NVQ Level 3 Diploma which is the qualification for a qualified electrician.

Option 2

• Enrol at one of the many training centres around the country and join an electricians course. The courses are modular.
• The course will cover every module an apprentice covers and will result in the same qualification, NVQ level 3 Diploma, as a qualified electrician.
• You will not be paid to train, but the government offers incentives and grants. Check with the course administrator for details.

The process is nearly identical for both careers, and the qualifications are similar but in different disciplines.

Is being a lineman harder than being an electrician?

Linemen work outdoors and don’t have time off for bad weather unless it’s dangerous, like high winds or thunderstorms.

A lineman may be working up telegraph poles and steel pylons. The lineman will haul all of his equipment to complete the job.

Would an electrician admit the lineman’s job is harder? Maybe, but electricians can have it tough also.

How much does a lineman make in the UK?

It depends on experience. Let’s assume the lineman is experienced and has his qualifications. The lineman can expect to earn a solid 50K per annum and more with overtime payments.

Of course, he will get a percentage of the salary paid as an employer’s pension contribution and will receive paid holidays.

The downside is that the route to self-employment is difficult due to the reduced demand for linemen regardless of their skills.

How much do electricians make in the UK?

A qualified electrician will earn around 40 to 50k per annum with overtime and sometimes more, depending on what part of the country they live in.

However, the route to self-employment for a qualified electrician is straightforward and does not need a considerable investment. 

The investment in tools and a van will be tax detectable, making it easy to become self-employed.

A self-employed electrician can earn 80 to 100 k o per annum or decide to work fewer hours and balance his work life.

Should you become a lineman or an electrician?

It depends on what type of job you prefer. If you love working outdoors with a level of autonomy, the lineman is a good choice.

If you like working indoors and communicating with customers, the electrician route is good.

Both are great trades to join for long term careers.