Lineman/Power Line Installer vs Wind Turbine Technician: Salary, Training & Career Comparison
Trying to decide between a career as a lineman/power line installer or a wind turbine technician? Here's a side-by-side look at the numbers that matter most: pay, job outlook, training requirements, and more.
| Category | 💡 Lineman/Power Line Installer | 🌬️ Wind Turbine Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Median Hourly | $37.50/hr | $29/hr |
| Median Annual | $78,000/yr | $60,300/yr |
| Job Growth (10-yr) | 8.0% | 45.0% |
| Total Jobs | 126,100 | 11,800 |
| Training Time | 4 years | 2-year technical program + OJT |
| Top-Paying State | Alaska ($107,900/yr) | New York ($78,500/yr) |
| Union Rate | $48/hr (IBEW) | $34/hr (IBEW/USW) |
Salary Comparison
Wind Turbine Technicians earn about $16,800/yr more on average
Which Career Is Right for You?
Both lineman/power line installers and wind turbine technicians are solid career paths with good earning potential and strong job security. The best choice depends on your interests, physical abilities, and lifestyle preferences.
💡 Choose Lineman/Power Line Installer if...
Linemen install and repair electrical power lines, cables, and related equipment. The work is dangerous and often requires travel and storm response, but the pay and benefits -- especially through IBEW -- are among the best in any trade.
Lineman/Power Line Installer salary data →🌬️ Choose Wind Turbine Technician if...
Wind turbine technicians install, inspect, and repair wind turbines. The trade is one of the fastest-growing in the country, and techs who are comfortable working at extreme heights earn competitive pay with solid career prospects.
Wind Turbine Technician salary data →Training difference: Wind tech requires 2-year program vs 4-year lineman apprenticeship
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Lineman/Power Line Installers earn a national median of $78,000/yr compared to $60,300/yr for wind turbine technicians. That's a difference of about $17,700/yr.
Wind Turbine Technician jobs are projected to grow at 45.0% over the next decade, compared to 8.0% for lineman/power line installers.
Wind tech requires 2-year program vs 4-year lineman apprenticeship. Both paths require dedication and hands-on training, but the length and structure differ.
While some skills transfer between trades, switching typically requires additional training and licensing. That said, the foundational skills -- problem solving, working with tools, reading blueprints -- are valuable in any trade. Some workers complete training in multiple trades over their career.