Automotive Technician and Lineworker are both hands-on technical careers that can be entered without a traditional four-year college degree, but they lead to very different working lives.
Automotive Technicians diagnose, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. Lineworkers install, maintain, and repair the electrical power-line infrastructure that delivers electricity to homes, businesses, and communities.
For this comparison, CareerInTrades uses the following federal occupational classifications:
- Automotive Technician: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics — SOC 49-3023.
- Lineworker: Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — SOC 49-9051.
O*NET identifies reported titles such as Automotive Technician, Diagnostic Technician, Automotive Mechanic, and Service Technician under SOC 49-3023. For SOC 49-9051, common reported titles include Electrical Lineworker, Lineworker, Power Lineman, and Troubleman.
Automotive Technician vs Lineworker: Quick Comparison
| Comparison Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC Code | 49-3023 — Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 49-9051 — Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | Using specific SOC codes keeps salary and outlook data comparable. |
| Primary Responsibility | Diagnose, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks. | Install, maintain, and repair electrical transmission and distribution lines. | Automotive Technicians maintain individual vehicles; Lineworkers maintain public power infrastructure. |
| Median Annual Wage | $49,670 | $92,560 | Lineworkers had a $42,890 higher national median wage in May 2024. |
| Projected Employment Growth | 4% from 2024 to 2034 | 7% from 2024 to 2034 | Lineworker employment is projected to grow faster in percentage terms. |
| Average Annual Openings | About 70,000 | About 10,700 | Automotive repair has a much larger annual replacement and hiring market. |
| Core Technical Skill | Vehicle diagnostics, mechanical repair, electronics, computer systems | Electrical distribution, line construction, high-voltage safety, field troubleshooting | The careers involve different technical systems even though both require diagnosis and repair. |
| Typical Workplace | Dealerships, repair shops, fleet facilities | Utility rights-of-way, roadsides, poles, towers, substations, outdoor work sites | Automotive work is usually shop-based; linework is predominantly outdoor field work. |
| Typical Entry Path | Automotive technology program, employer training, or high school plus on-the-job learning | High school diploma plus technical instruction and extensive on-the-job training; apprenticeships are common | Lineworker generally requires a longer progression to full proficiency. |
| Main Industry Credential | ASE certification is widely recognized but generally voluntary | Apprenticeship completion, employer/utility qualification, safety training; CDL may also be required by employers | Automotive advancement relies heavily on industry certification and specialization; linework relies more on structured field qualification. |
| Physical Demand | Standing, bending, working under vehicles, lifting parts and tools | Climbing, heavy lifting, elevated work, outdoor construction, rigging | Linework generally carries the higher physical demand. |
| Primary Safety Risk | Vehicle lifts, chemicals, tools, hot components, batteries, electrical systems | High-voltage electricity, falls, storms, heavy equipment | Lineworkers routinely work around hazards with potentially immediate life-threatening consequences. |
| Technology Trend | EVs, hybrids, ADAS, computerized diagnostics, vehicle networks | Smart-grid equipment, grid modernization, renewable-energy connections, advanced monitoring | Both occupations are becoming more technical rather than remaining purely mechanical trades. |
| Best Fit | Someone who enjoys vehicles, diagnostics, electronics, and shop-based technical work | Someone comfortable with electricity, heights, outdoor work, emergency response, and infrastructure responsibility | Work environment and risk tolerance should matter more than salary alone. |
Data basis: Wage figures use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 national data. Employment growth and annual openings use BLS 2024–2034 projections. BLS reports a May 2024 median annual wage of $49,670 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and $92,560 for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers.
What Is the Main Difference Between an Automotive Technician and a Lineworker?
The central difference is the type of system each worker is responsible for keeping operational.
| Career | System Maintained | Consequence of Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | Individual cars and light trucks | A customer or fleet vehicle may become unsafe, unreliable, or unusable. |
| Lineworker | Electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure | Homes, businesses, hospitals, traffic systems, and other customers may lose electrical service. |
An Automotive Technician may spend an hour determining whether a vehicle problem is caused by a sensor, electrical circuit, mechanical component, fuel system, brake system, or software-controlled subsystem.
A Lineworker may spend that same hour locating a fault on a distribution circuit, replacing damaged equipment, installing conductors, or restoring electrical service after an outage.
Both occupations require troubleshooting, but the scale and safety consequences are very different. Automotive work usually affects one vehicle at a time. A damaged distribution line can affect hundreds or thousands of electrical customers.
What Does an Automotive Technician Do?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics as workers who inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. O*NET describes the occupation as diagnosing, adjusting, repairing, or overhauling automotive vehicles.
Modern Automotive Technicians work on a combination of mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computerized systems.
Diagnose Vehicle Problems
Diagnosis has become one of the most important automotive skills because modern vehicles contain numerous sensors, modules, networks, and software-controlled systems.
Technicians may use:
- Scan tools
- Digital multimeters
- Manufacturer diagnostic software
- Pressure and vacuum testing equipment
- Service information databases
- Electrical diagrams
The technician’s value increasingly comes from identifying the actual cause of a problem rather than simply replacing components based on fault codes.
Perform Mechanical Repairs
Automotive Technicians also perform conventional mechanical work on systems such as:
- Brakes
- Steering
- Suspension
- Engines
- Transmissions and drivetrains
- Cooling systems
- Heating and air conditioning
- Exhaust systems
This combination of diagnosis and physical repair means automotive technology remains a hands-on occupation even as vehicles become more computerized.
Maintain Electrical and Electronic Systems
Electrical troubleshooting has become increasingly important in automotive repair.
Modern vehicles can include:
- Electronic control modules
- CAN-bus and other vehicle networks
- Advanced driver-assistance systems
- Electronic steering and braking controls
- Hybrid systems
- High-voltage EV components
Technicians who remain limited to basic maintenance may have less earning leverage than technicians who can diagnose complex electrical and drivability problems.
What Does a Lineworker Do?
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers install and maintain the infrastructure used to transmit and distribute electricity.
Unlike electricians who primarily work on wiring inside buildings, Lineworkers usually work on utility systems outside buildings.
Build Electrical Distribution Infrastructure
Lineworkers may install and maintain equipment such as:
- Utility poles
- Overhead conductors
- Distribution lines
- Transformers
- Switching equipment
- Underground distribution systems
- Transmission structures
The work can involve bucket trucks, climbing equipment, digger derricks, rigging systems, and specialized electrical tools.
Locate and Repair Power-System Faults
Lineworkers troubleshoot electrical systems in the field.
Problems can include:
- Damaged conductors
- Broken poles
- Faulted transformers
- Damaged insulators
- Failed distribution equipment
- Storm-related line damage
Because the system may be energized or capable of becoming energized, troubleshooting requires strict procedures rather than trial-and-error repair.
Restore Power After Storms and Outages
Emergency restoration is one of the defining differences between linework and automotive service.
After hurricanes, thunderstorms, ice storms, wildfires, or other major events, Lineworkers may travel to damaged areas and work extended schedules restoring electrical infrastructure.
BLS specifically notes that workers may travel to impacted areas and work long hours for several days in emergencies or after storms and natural disasters.
Shop Diagnostics vs Utility Field Troubleshooting
Both occupations reward diagnostic ability, but the technician works in a much more controlled environment.
| Diagnostic Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Primary System | Vehicle mechanical and electronic systems | Electrical transmission and distribution systems |
| Typical Diagnostic Location | Repair bay or dealership service department | Outdoor utility system |
| Diagnostic Tools | Scan tools, meters, service software, mechanical test equipment | Electrical test equipment, system maps, protective equipment, utility-specific tools |
| Environmental Control | Usually relatively controlled | Weather and field conditions can materially affect the work |
| Safety Consequence | Vehicle damage or personal injury if diagnosis or repair is incorrect | High-voltage injury, public outage, or infrastructure damage if procedures are incorrect |
Why Lineworkers Earn Much More Than Automotive Technicians
The national wage difference between these occupations is substantial.
BLS May 2024 data shows a median annual wage of $92,560 for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers compared with $49,670 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.
That creates a $42,890 difference at the national median.
The gap cannot be explained simply by saying that Lineworker is a “harder job.” Several occupation-specific factors contribute.
Linework Has a Higher Technical and Safety Barrier
Electrical distribution work combines technical instruction, extensive supervised field training, physical ability, climbing, rigging, and high-voltage safety.
BLS states that apprenticeships are common and that Lineworkers typically require technical instruction and on-the-job training to become proficient.
This creates a more restrictive labor supply than a career where entry-level workers can begin with a technical automotive program or learn some tasks through employer training.
Electrical Infrastructure Has High Consequences for Failure
A vehicle breakdown is important to its owner, but a power-line failure can interrupt service to an entire neighborhood, commercial district, or critical facility.
Utilities therefore need workers capable of restoring infrastructure safely and quickly, including during emergencies.
Utility Industry Wages Are Particularly Strong
BLS May 2024 industry wage data shows that Lineworker earnings differ substantially by employer type.
| Lineworker Industry | Median Annual Wage, May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Federal Government | $104,540 |
| Utilities | $102,050 |
| Local Government, excluding education and hospitals | $87,550 |
| Specialty Trade Contractors | $76,290 |
| Utility System Construction | $74,550 |
The industry mix therefore matters substantially when evaluating the earning potential of a Lineworker career.
Automotive Technician Pay Also Varies Significantly by Employer
The national $49,670 median does not mean all Automotive Technicians earn roughly the same amount.
BLS May 2024 data shows different median wages among major automotive industries:
| Automotive Industry | Median Annual Wage, May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Automobile Dealers | $58,580 |
| Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance | $49,650 |
| Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Retailers | $44,910 |
| Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance | $35,310 |
This helps explain why employer choice matters so much in automotive careers. A technician working at a dealership or in an advanced diagnostic position can experience a very different pay structure from someone performing routine maintenance at a lower-paying repair operation.
Automotive Technician Has the Larger Hiring Market
Lineworker clearly wins on median pay, but Automotive Technician has a significant labor-market advantage in the number of projected annual openings.
BLS projects approximately 70,000 Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic openings per year from 2024 to 2034, compared with about 10,700 annual openings for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers.
| Labor-Market Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Projected Growth, 2024–2034 | 4% | 7% |
| Average Annual Openings | About 70,000 | About 10,700 |
| Employer Breadth | Dealerships, independent shops, fleets, retailers, specialty repair businesses | Utilities, local government, federal government, specialty contractors, utility construction companies |
| Geographic Availability | Very broad because vehicles require service nationwide | Broad but tied more closely to utilities, contractors, and apprenticeship opportunities |
This makes Automotive Technician more accessible in many local labor markets even though its national median wage is substantially lower.
Which Career Has the Better Starting Position?
The answer depends on whether the worker values accessibility or long-term compensation.
Automotive Technician offers a larger hiring market, more employer types, and a shop-based environment that may be easier for many career changers to enter.
Lineworker offers much higher national median pay and faster projected percentage growth, but requires the worker to accept a more difficult combination of apprenticeship, high-voltage safety, climbing, outdoor work, and emergency response.
| Priority | Better Initial Fit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Largest number of annual openings | Automotive Technician | About 70,000 projected annual openings versus about 10,700 for Lineworkers. |
| Higher national median wage | Lineworker | $92,560 versus $49,670 in May 2024. |
| Shop-based technical environment | Automotive Technician | Most work is performed in dealerships, repair shops, and fleet facilities. |
| Electrical infrastructure career | Lineworker | The occupation directly maintains the power grid. |
| Lower physical barrier to entry | Automotive Technician | Automotive repair remains physically demanding but does not typically require pole climbing or routine elevated line work. |
| Higher technical and safety barrier | Lineworker | Extensive electrical, field, climbing, and high-voltage training is required. |
For someone primarily interested in vehicles, diagnostics, and electronics, Automotive Technician remains the logical choice even though Lineworker pays considerably more.
For someone comfortable with heights, outdoor physical work, electrical infrastructure, emergency response, and a longer training path, Lineworker offers the stronger earnings profile.
Salary Comparison: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
The wage gap between Automotive Technicians and Lineworkers is one of the largest among common skilled-trade comparisons.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics had a median annual wage of $49,670 in May 2024. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers had a median annual wage of $92,560.
That is a national median difference of $42,890 per year in favor of Lineworkers.
| Pay Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker | How to Interpret It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage | $49,670 | $92,560 | Lineworker has a very large national wage advantage. |
| Main Route to Higher Pay | Advanced diagnostics, dealership work, EV systems, electrical specialization, certifications | Journey-level qualification, utility employment, transmission work, storm response, overtime, crew leadership | The two occupations reward very different forms of specialization. |
| Overtime Potential | Varies by shop and employer | Can be substantial during outages, storms, emergencies, and large projects | Lineworker annual earnings may exceed base wage substantially in some jobs. |
| Union Influence | Varies widely by employer and market | Significant in many utility and contractor apprenticeship systems | Collective bargaining can materially affect Lineworker compensation and benefits. |
| Geographic Variation | Strongly affected by dealership concentration, local vehicle market, and employer type | Strongly affected by utility wages, union markets, regional infrastructure investment, and contractor demand | National medians should not be treated as local guarantees. |
Why Lineworkers Earn So Much More
The wage difference is not simply the result of one occupation being “more skilled.” Automotive diagnosis can be highly technical. The larger difference comes from the combination of training barriers, safety exposure, utility economics, emergency responsibility, and labor supply.
High-Voltage Work Creates a Higher Qualification Barrier
Lineworkers must become competent around electrical systems capable of causing immediate fatal injury.
Training therefore includes much more than learning electrical theory. Workers must learn:
- Safe approach distances
- Grounding procedures
- Protective equipment
- Rigging
- Climbing
- Bucket-truck operations
- Distribution-system construction
- Emergency restoration procedures
This creates a smaller pool of workers able and willing to perform the occupation safely.
Power Outages Create Urgent Labor Demand
A vehicle repair can often be scheduled. A failed power circuit may require immediate response.
Utilities need crews available to restore service after storms, accidents, equipment failures, and other outages. This can create overtime, emergency callouts, and prolonged restoration schedules.
The economic value of restoring electricity to homes, businesses, hospitals, public services, and industrial facilities contributes to the compensation structure of the occupation.
Utility Employers Often Pay Above the National Median
BLS May 2024 industry data shows that Lineworker earnings differ materially by employer type.
| Industry | Median Annual Wage, May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Federal Government | $104,540 |
| Utilities | $102,050 |
| Local Government, excluding education and hospitals | $87,550 |
| Specialty Trade Contractors | $76,290 |
| Utility System Construction | $74,550 |
This employer mix explains why Lineworker compensation can vary considerably even within the same occupation.
Automotive Technician Income Growth Path
Automotive Technician earnings improve primarily through specialization and diagnostic ability rather than through a single standardized career ladder.
| Career Stage | Typical Skill Development | Why Earnings May Improve |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Technician | Oil service, inspections, tires, basic maintenance | Builds foundational shop experience. |
| General Automotive Technician | Brakes, steering, suspension, drivability, mechanical repairs | Can handle a wider variety of customer work. |
| Diagnostic Technician | Electrical testing, scan-tool diagnosis, drivability, network faults | Complex diagnosis is harder to replace and often more valuable. |
| EV / Hybrid Technician | High-voltage vehicle systems, batteries, power electronics | Supports rapidly changing vehicle technology. |
| Master Technician / Lead Technician | Advanced diagnostics, difficult repairs, mentoring | Takes responsibility for high-value and complex work. |
| Shop Foreman / Service Management | Quality control, workflow, technician supervision | Moves from individual repair work into leadership. |
High-Value Automotive Skills
- Electrical diagnostics
- CAN-bus and vehicle network troubleshooting
- Advanced drivability diagnosis
- EV and hybrid systems
- ADAS calibration
- Manufacturer-specific diagnostics
- Transmission and powertrain diagnostics
Technicians who remain limited to basic maintenance generally have less earning leverage than technicians who can solve complicated electrical and electronic problems.
Lineworker Income Growth Path
Lineworker compensation is usually tied more directly to apprenticeship progression, journey-level qualification, employer type, overtime, and increasingly specialized power-system responsibilities.
| Career Stage | Typical Skill Development | Why Earnings May Improve |
|---|---|---|
| Groundworker / Entry Worker | Materials, tools, basic utility construction support | Provides entry into field operations. |
| Lineworker Apprentice | Climbing, rigging, distribution work, electrical safety, supervised line tasks | Apprentice wages often increase as skill levels are completed. |
| Journey-Level Lineworker | Independent line construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, restoration | Full qualification creates access to substantially higher wages. |
| Transmission / Specialized Lineworker | High-voltage transmission systems, complex structures, advanced equipment | Specialized assignments can increase earning opportunities. |
| Lead Lineworker / Foreman | Crew leadership, job planning, safety coordination | Adds responsibility for people and project execution. |
| Utility Supervisor / Operations Role | System operations, workforce coordination, safety, project management | Moves into management-level compensation. |
Training Requirements: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
Both occupations can be entered without a bachelor’s degree, but the training models are very different.
Automotive Technician training is usually school-, employer-, or manufacturer-based. Lineworker training is more commonly organized through a structured apprenticeship or utility training system.
| Training Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker | Practical Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Entry Education | High school diploma or equivalent; automotive technology training is common | High school diploma or equivalent | Neither normally requires a four-year degree. |
| Primary Training Route | Technical school, community college, dealership, manufacturer, or employer training | Apprenticeship, utility training, contractor training, or line school plus field training | Lineworker training is generally more structured and longer. |
| Main Technical Subjects | Engines, brakes, electronics, diagnostics, vehicle networks, EV systems | Electrical theory, distribution, transmission, climbing, rigging, transformers, grounding | The technical content is almost completely different. |
| Hands-On Learning | Repair bays, vehicles, diagnostic equipment | Poles, bucket trucks, utility equipment, field construction | Lineworker training occurs in a substantially less controlled environment. |
| Typical Time to Independent Skill | Varies widely; technicians can begin performing simpler work relatively early | Usually multiple years of progressive supervised training | Lineworker has the larger long-term training commitment. |
How to Become an Automotive Technician
There is no single nationwide license required to become an Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic.
A common pathway is:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete an automotive technology program or enter an employer training position.
- Build practical experience with routine maintenance and mechanical systems.
- Develop diagnostic and electrical skills.
- Complete manufacturer or employer-specific training where relevant.
- Pursue ASE certification as experience and knowledge increase.
- Specialize in high-value areas such as electrical diagnostics, EVs, hybrids, ADAS, or manufacturer-specific systems.
BLS notes that employers increasingly prefer candidates who complete postsecondary automotive service technology programs, although some workers still enter through on-the-job training.
ASE Certification and Automotive Career Advancement
Automotive Service Excellence certification is one of the most widely recognized credentials in the U.S. automotive repair industry.
ASE offers certification areas covering systems such as:
- Engine repair
- Automatic transmission and transaxle
- Manual drivetrain and axles
- Suspension and steering
- Brakes
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Heating and air conditioning
- Engine performance
ASE certification is generally an industry credential rather than a universal state occupational license. Its practical value depends on employer expectations, technician experience, and specialization.
How to Become a Lineworker
Lineworker training generally requires a longer and more physically demanding progression.
A typical pathway may include:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Meet apprenticeship, utility, or contractor entry requirements.
- Complete basic electrical and safety instruction.
- Learn climbing, rigging, grounding, equipment operation, and line construction.
- Work under experienced Lineworkers during progressively more complex field assignments.
- Complete required apprenticeship hours and technical instruction.
- Qualify for journey-level work after completing the applicable program or employer requirements.
BLS reports that apprenticeships are common and that workers typically need technical instruction and long-term on-the-job training to become proficient.
Automotive School vs Lineworker Apprenticeship
| Question | Automotive Technician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Can School Provide a Direct Entry Foundation? | Yes, automotive technology programs commonly prepare students for entry-level service work | Line school can help prepare applicants, but usually does not replace apprenticeship or long-term field training |
| Is Apprenticeship the Dominant Route? | No | Common |
| Can Entry-Level Work Begin Before Full Proficiency? | Yes, technicians can perform simpler work under supervision | Yes, but apprentices remain under structured supervision while progressing through higher-risk tasks |
| Does Full Proficiency Require Years of Experience? | Often, especially for advanced diagnostics | Yes, typically through a formal progression |
Licensing Requirements: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
Neither occupation has one simple nationwide occupational license, but state regulation affects them differently.
Automotive repair regulation usually focuses on repair businesses, emissions inspection programs, consumer protection, or specialized services. Lineworker regulation is more closely tied to utilities, electrical contractors, line-construction contractors, apprenticeship standards, and state electrical laws.
Automotive Technician Licensing
Most states do not require every Automotive Technician to hold a general mechanic license simply to perform vehicle repair as an employee.
However, states and local jurisdictions may regulate specific activities such as:
- Vehicle safety inspections
- Emissions testing
- Repair-shop registration
- Air-conditioning refrigerant service
- Consumer repair practices
Technicians servicing motor-vehicle air-conditioning systems that involve regulated refrigerants may also need certification under applicable federal EPA requirements.
Lineworker Licensing
There is no single nationwide Lineworker license equivalent to an Automotive Technician certification.
Requirements can depend on whether the worker is:
- Employed directly by a utility
- Working for a line-construction contractor
- An apprentice
- Performing independent electrical contracting
- Working within a state-specific electrical classification
Utility employees can be treated differently from electricians working inside buildings or contractors offering services independently.
State Regulation Examples
| State | Automotive Regulation Example | Lineworker / Electrical Regulation Example |
|---|---|---|
| California | The Bureau of Automotive Repair regulates automotive repair dealers and related consumer-protection requirements. | The Contractors State License Board regulates contractor classifications, while utility-related work may be treated differently depending on work scope. |
| Texas | General automotive mechanics are not subject to one universal statewide mechanic license, although specific inspection or business requirements can apply. | The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation administers electrical licensing, with exemptions and distinctions relevant to utility operations. |
| Washington | Automotive repair requirements generally focus on businesses and specific regulated activities rather than a universal mechanic license. | The Department of Labor & Industries administers electrical licensing and certification rules with different worker classifications. |
These examples show why state requirements should be researched according to the actual job scope rather than assuming the same license applies nationwide.
Which Career Has the Easier Entry Path?
Automotive Technician generally has the easier entry path.
A new technician can begin with an automotive technology program or an entry-level employer position and gradually perform more complex work as experience increases.
Lineworker requires a more restrictive combination of physical ability, safety competence, electrical training, supervised field experience, and apprenticeship progression.
| Entry Factor | Advantage | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| More Entry-Level Employers | Automotive Technician | Dealerships, independent shops, fleets, retailers, and service centers create a broad hiring market. |
| Shorter Path to Performing Useful Paid Work | Automotive Technician | Entry technicians can perform routine maintenance while developing advanced skills. |
| Structured Skill Progression | Lineworker | Apprenticeship provides a clear progression from basic field work to journey-level responsibilities. |
| Higher Physical and Safety Barrier | Lineworker | Climbing, high-voltage work, outdoor exposure, and emergency response narrow the candidate pool. |
| Higher Long-Term Employee Pay | Lineworker | BLS May 2024 median pay is substantially higher. |
Which Training Path Offers the Better Return?
Automotive Technician offers the better return for someone who wants to enter technical work faster and build skills gradually while employed.
Lineworker offers the better return for someone willing to make a much larger training and physical commitment in exchange for a significantly higher national median wage.
The difference can be summarized as:
- Automotive Technician: easier entry, larger hiring market, lower national median wage, substantial specialization opportunities in diagnostics and EV technology.
- Lineworker: harder entry, smaller labor market, much higher national median wage, stronger structured apprenticeship and utility career progression.
For a worker who genuinely enjoys vehicles, giving up automotive repair solely because Lineworker pays more would be a poor comparison. For someone equally interested in both careers and capable of handling the physical and safety demands of linework, the financial return to the longer Lineworker training path is considerably stronger.
Work Environment: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
The daily work environment is one of the strongest differences between Automotive Technicians and Lineworkers.
Automotive Technicians usually work indoors or in covered service facilities where vehicles, tools, lifts, diagnostic computers, and repair equipment are readily available. Lineworkers perform most of their work outdoors on utility infrastructure, often from poles, bucket trucks, towers, roadsides, or rights-of-way.
| Work Environment Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Workplace | Dealerships, repair shops, fleet facilities | Utility rights-of-way, poles, towers, substations, roadsides | Automotive work is usually shop-based; linework is field-based. |
| Indoor / Outdoor Balance | Mostly indoor or covered | Mostly outdoor | Lineworkers experience much greater direct weather exposure. |
| Work at Heights | Rare | Common | Comfort with elevated work is essential for many Lineworker roles. |
| Work Location Stability | Usually high | Varies by utility territory, project, and outage location | Automotive Technicians generally report to the same facility each day. |
| Emergency Deployment | Uncommon | Can be a major feature during storms and outages | Lineworkers may travel outside their normal service territory for restoration work. |
| Customer Interaction | Moderate, especially in smaller shops or customer-facing service environments | Usually limited; work is more infrastructure-focused | Automotive repair may involve more direct customer-service pressure. |
Automotive Technician Work Environment
Automotive Technicians typically spend the workday in repair bays equipped with lifts, hand tools, scan tools, diagnostic computers, and service information systems.
Common workplaces include:
- Automobile dealerships
- Independent repair shops
- Fleet maintenance facilities
- Automotive service chains
- Specialty repair shops
- Tire and parts retailers with service departments
Although the workplace is generally more controlled than linework, automotive repair still involves physical discomfort and shop hazards.
Technicians may work around:
- Hot engines and exhaust systems
- Vehicle lifts
- Oil and automotive chemicals
- Batteries
- Power tools
- Compressed air equipment
- Sharp or heavy vehicle components
The work can also involve kneeling, bending, reaching under dashboards, working beneath vehicles, and standing for long periods.
Lineworker Work Environment
Lineworkers perform electrical construction and repair where the power infrastructure is located rather than in a controlled shop.
Common work locations include:
- Utility poles
- Transmission corridors
- Roadside distribution systems
- Substations
- Underground utility systems
- Construction areas
- Storm-damaged communities
Work may be performed from bucket trucks, climbing equipment, ladders, or transmission structures.
Unlike Automotive Technicians, Lineworkers cannot move the infrastructure into a comfortable repair environment. The worker must adapt to the actual field conditions.
Weather Exposure: A Major Career Difference
Weather has relatively little effect on most Automotive Technician jobs because the work is generally performed indoors.
For Lineworkers, weather is an occupational condition.
Lineworkers may work in:
- Summer heat
- Freezing temperatures
- Rain
- Snow
- Wind
- Post-storm conditions
Major storms can increase workload precisely when outdoor conditions are most difficult.
This makes weather tolerance one of the most important personal-fit factors in this comparison.
Schedule Comparison
Both careers can involve overtime and nonstandard schedules, but Lineworker schedules can become significantly more unpredictable during outages.
| Schedule Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Daytime Work | Common | Common during normal utility operations |
| Evening Work | Possible depending on dealership or service hours | Possible during emergencies or utility projects |
| Weekend Work | Common in some automotive service operations | Possible or common during outages and scheduled work |
| Emergency Callouts | Rare in most automotive jobs | Common in many utility positions |
| Overnight Travel | Usually uncommon | Can occur during storm restoration or contractor projects |
| Extended Emergency Shifts | Uncommon | Can occur after major outages |
Storm Restoration and Lineworker Lifestyle
Storm restoration is one of the defining features separating Lineworker from Automotive Technician.
When severe weather damages utility infrastructure, crews may be dispatched to restore service as quickly as possible.
BLS notes that line installers and repairers may travel to affected areas and work long hours for several days following storms and natural disasters.
This can create:
- Significant overtime
- Travel away from home
- Irregular sleep schedules
- Physically demanding work under difficult conditions
- High-pressure restoration targets
A worker attracted by Lineworker pay should consider whether this emergency-response lifestyle is acceptable before entering the trade.
Safety Risks: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
Both occupations involve occupational hazards, but the severity and type of risk differ substantially.
Automotive Technician Safety Risks
Common hazards include:
- Vehicle lifts and falling vehicles
- Hot engine components
- Battery hazards
- Automotive chemicals
- Power tools
- Rotating mechanical parts
- Heavy components
- High-voltage EV systems
Electric and hybrid vehicles add new high-voltage hazards that require specialized procedures, protective equipment, and training.
Lineworker Safety Risks
Lineworker has a much more severe direct risk profile.
Major hazards include:
- High-voltage electrical contact
- Arc flash
- Electrical burns
- Falls from poles or towers
- Bucket-truck incidents
- Falling materials
- Heavy equipment
- Traffic exposure
- Severe weather
BLS specifically identifies high-voltage electricity and working at great heights among the serious hazards faced by electrical power-line installers and repairers.
Safety Comparison
| Safety Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Main Hazard | Vehicle equipment, tools, chemicals, lifts, mechanical systems | High-voltage electricity and falls |
| Working at Heights | Rare | Common |
| Electrical Exposure | Increasing with EV and hybrid systems | Central occupational hazard |
| Weather Exposure | Low | High |
| Emergency Work | Low | High during outages |
| Risk Severity | Moderate to high depending on task | Very high |
Physical Demand Comparison
Automotive repair can be physically tiring, but Lineworker generally has the higher physical barrier.
| Physical Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Standing | Frequent | Frequent |
| Bending and Kneeling | Very common | Common |
| Heavy Lifting | Parts, tires, tools, equipment | Tools, conductors, equipment, materials |
| Climbing | Minimal | Common |
| Working in Awkward Positions | Very common under dashboards and vehicles | Common during pole, bucket, and line work |
| Outdoor Physical Work | Limited | Very high |
Someone who wants a hands-on trade but does not want routine climbing or severe weather exposure may find Automotive Technician significantly more sustainable.
Job Outlook: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
BLS projects employment growth for both occupations from 2024 to 2034.
| Labor-Market Measure | Automotive Technician | Lineworker | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projected Growth, 2024–2034 | 4% | 7% | Lineworker has the stronger percentage-growth outlook. |
| Average Annual Openings | About 70,000 | About 10,700 | Automotive repair has a much larger number of annual job openings. |
| Main Demand Driver | Vehicle maintenance, repair, increasingly complex electronics, and replacement hiring | Grid maintenance, construction, upgrades, storm restoration, and replacement hiring | Both occupations remain necessary for different infrastructure systems. |
| Employment Market Size | Large and geographically broad | Smaller and more specialized | Automotive jobs are generally available through more local employers. |
Why Automotive Technicians Will Still Be Needed as Vehicles Electrify
Electric vehicles reduce or eliminate some traditional maintenance tasks, but they do not eliminate the need for technicians.
EVs still require service involving:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Steering
- Tires
- HVAC systems
- Electrical systems
- Battery cooling systems
- Vehicle networks
- ADAS sensors and cameras
- High-voltage components
The technical mix is changing from internal-combustion mechanical work toward electronics, software-supported diagnostics, power electronics, and high-voltage systems.
Technicians who adapt to those systems are better positioned than workers who rely only on traditional engine-maintenance skills.
Why Lineworker Demand Is Supported by Grid Modernization
Electrical demand is changing rapidly as more technologies depend on the grid.
Potential demand drivers include:
- Replacement of aging electrical infrastructure
- New residential and commercial development
- Transmission expansion
- Renewable energy connections
- Data-center growth
- Electric vehicle charging demand
- Industrial electrification
- Storm-hardening projects
New generation technologies do not remove the need for transmission and distribution systems. Electricity must still reach customers safely and reliably.
Technology and Automation: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
Both careers are becoming more technical, but technology affects them differently.
Automotive Technology Changes
Important developments include:
- Electric vehicles
- Hybrid powertrains
- ADAS
- Connected vehicles
- Software-controlled systems
- Remote diagnostics
- Vehicle network communications
Some routine maintenance will decline as EV adoption increases, but diagnostic and electronic work is becoming more sophisticated.
Lineworker Technology Changes
Utility systems increasingly include:
- Smart-grid equipment
- Automated switching
- Remote fault detection
- Digital system monitoring
- Drone-assisted inspection
- Advanced protective devices
- Distributed energy connections
These technologies can improve inspection and fault location, but damaged physical infrastructure still requires field crews to perform installation and repair.
Automation Risk Comparison
| Automation Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks Most Affected by Technology | Routine diagnostics, maintenance scheduling, software-based fault identification | Inspection, system monitoring, fault detection |
| Hardest Tasks to Automate | Complex physical diagnosis and repair across varied vehicles | Physical installation, storm repair, high-voltage field work |
| Main Technology Opportunity | EV, ADAS, electronics, and advanced diagnostics specialization | Smart-grid, transmission, distribution, and advanced utility systems |
| Long-Term Automation Exposure | Moderate | Low |
| Best Future Skill Strategy | Electrical diagnostics, EV systems, ADAS, vehicle networking | Advanced distribution, transmission, troubleshooting, smart-grid equipment |
Which Career Has Better Long-Term Job Security?
Lineworker has the stronger long-term security case if the worker can meet the occupation’s physical and safety requirements.
The reasons are specific to this career:
- Higher BLS projected percentage growth
- Electrical infrastructure cannot be serviced entirely remotely
- Storm damage requires physical restoration crews
- Grid expansion creates continuing construction demand
- The technical and physical entry barrier limits the qualified workforce
Automotive Technician remains a large and necessary occupation, and its much higher number of annual openings provides a significant employment advantage.
However, the nature of automotive work will change more substantially as EVs, advanced electronics, software, and driver-assistance technology become more common.
For Automotive Technicians, long-term security increasingly depends on adapting to newer vehicle technology rather than relying only on traditional mechanical work.
Which Career Has Better Work-Life Balance?
Automotive Technician generally has the advantage in schedule predictability and working environment.
| Lifestyle Priority | Better Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Work indoors most days | Automotive Technician | Most technicians work in shops or service facilities. |
| Avoid emergency storm deployments | Automotive Technician | Emergency infrastructure restoration is not part of normal automotive repair. |
| Prefer outdoor field work | Lineworker | Utility infrastructure work is predominantly outdoors. |
| Want predictable daily location | Automotive Technician | Technicians generally report to the same shop. |
| Accept irregular schedules for higher earning potential | Lineworker | Storm response and outage work can create significant overtime opportunities. |
This makes Automotive Technician the better lifestyle fit for many workers even though Lineworker has a much higher national median wage.
Career Advancement: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
Automotive Technician and Lineworker both offer advancement, but their long-term career ladders reward different types of expertise.
Automotive Technicians usually advance by becoming better diagnosticians, specializing in newer vehicle technologies, earning industry credentials, or moving into shop leadership. Lineworkers advance through apprenticeship progression, journey-level qualification, advanced transmission or distribution work, crew leadership, and utility operations.
| Career Stage | Automotive Technician | Lineworker | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Maintenance, inspections, tires, basic repair | Groundworker, helper, or apprentice performing supervised line work | Automotive Technicians can begin useful shop work earlier; Lineworkers usually progress through a longer formal training path. |
| Experienced Worker | General repair, drivability, electrical diagnosis, complex service work | Journey-level distribution or transmission work | Lineworker proficiency carries a higher safety and infrastructure responsibility. |
| Technical Specialist | EV, hybrid, ADAS, diagnostics, manufacturer systems | Transmission, substations, advanced distribution, troubleshooting, energized line work | Both careers can become highly technical, but the systems are completely different. |
| Leadership | Lead technician, shop foreman, service manager | Lead Lineworker, foreman, supervisor, utility operations | Automotive leadership shifts toward shop workflow and service operations; Lineworker leadership remains closely tied to field safety and crew coordination. |
| Business Path | Independent repair shop, diagnostic specialist, mobile service business | Utility contractor or line-construction company, subject to licensing and contracting requirements | Automotive has the easier individual entrepreneurship path. |
Which Career Has the Stronger Technical Advancement Path?
The answer depends on the type of technical work you want to master.
Automotive Technician offers a strong path into increasingly complex vehicle electronics. A technician can progress from mechanical repair into:
- Electrical diagnostics
- Vehicle network troubleshooting
- Hybrid and EV systems
- High-voltage battery systems
- ADAS calibration
- Manufacturer-specific diagnostic platforms
- Software-supported troubleshooting
Lineworker offers deeper specialization in electrical infrastructure, including:
- Distribution systems
- Transmission systems
- Transformers
- Switching equipment
- Substations
- Grounding
- Storm restoration
- Advanced rigging
- High-voltage field procedures
If the goal is a high-skill utility career with a stronger earnings ceiling, Lineworker has the advantage. If the goal is to become an expert in vehicle electronics and diagnostics, Automotive Technician offers the more relevant specialization path.
Business Ownership Opportunities
Automotive Technician has the clearer and more accessible small-business path.
An experienced technician can potentially build a repair or diagnostic business with a relatively small team. A Lineworker who wants to move into business ownership usually faces a much larger barrier because line construction requires specialized equipment, crews, insurance, utility contracts, and compliance with state contractor rules.
Automotive Business Opportunities
Possible business models include:
- Independent automotive repair shop
- Mobile mechanic service
- Diagnostic specialist
- Brake and suspension shop
- EV and hybrid specialist
- Fleet maintenance service
- ADAS calibration service
The strongest automotive businesses usually compete on trust, technical expertise, fast diagnosis, and repeat local customers rather than simply offering the lowest labor rate.
Advantages of Automotive Business Ownership
- Large local customer base
- Repeat maintenance demand
- Ability to start with a narrow specialty
- Multiple paths to differentiate through diagnostics or EV expertise
- Lower organizational complexity than utility line contracting
Challenges of Automotive Business Ownership
- Tool and diagnostic-equipment costs
- Shop rent and insurance
- Technician recruitment
- Customer-acquisition costs
- Vehicle technology changes
- State repair-shop and consumer-protection requirements
Lineworker Business Opportunities
Experienced Lineworkers can eventually move into utility contracting or line-construction businesses, but these are usually not one-person operations.
Possible services include:
- Overhead line construction
- Underground distribution work
- Storm restoration
- Utility maintenance
- Transmission construction
- Substation-related work
This business path generally requires substantially more capital and organizational capacity than opening an automotive repair business.
Business Ownership Comparison
| Business Factor | Automotive Technician | Lineworker | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Business Model | Repair shop, mobile service, diagnostics, fleet service | Utility or line-construction contractor | Automotive is much easier to scale from individual technician to small business owner. |
| Startup Capital | Moderate to high depending on shop model | High due to utility vehicles, equipment, insurance, and crews | Line contracting has a much higher financial barrier. |
| Customer Type | Consumers, fleets, dealerships, local businesses | Utilities, municipalities, contractors, infrastructure owners | Automotive has a broader small-customer market. |
| Recurring Revenue | Maintenance, repairs, fleet contracts | Utility service contracts and construction projects | Both can build recurring relationships, but automotive can do so at a smaller scale. |
| Licensing Complexity | Repair-shop, emissions, consumer-protection, and specialty requirements vary by state | Electrical and contractor requirements can be extensive | Lineworker entrepreneurship generally faces the higher regulatory barrier. |
| Best Individual Entrepreneurship Path | Automotive Technician | Less accessible | An experienced technician can realistically start a small automotive operation without building a full utility construction organization. |
Which Career Is Better for Career Changers?
Automotive Technician is usually the more accessible choice for career changers, while Lineworker offers the stronger financial upside for people who can meet its physical and safety demands.
Automotive Technician May Be Better If You:
- Already enjoy cars and troubleshooting.
- Want a shop-based technical career.
- Prefer to avoid routine work at heights.
- Want a larger local job market.
- Want to build skills progressively while working.
- May eventually want to own a small business.
- Are interested in EVs, electronics, and diagnostics.
Lineworker May Be Better If You:
- Want substantially higher employee earning potential.
- Are comfortable with high-voltage electrical systems.
- Can work at heights.
- Enjoy outdoor field work.
- Can tolerate emergency callouts and storm restoration.
- Are willing to complete a longer apprenticeship.
- Want a utility or electrical infrastructure career.
Career Decision Matrix
| Career Priority | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Higher National Median Wage | Lineworker | BLS May 2024 median pay was $92,560 versus $49,670 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. |
| Higher Projected Percentage Growth | Lineworker | BLS projects 7% growth from 2024 to 2034 versus 4% for Automotive Technicians. |
| More Annual Openings | Automotive Technician | About 70,000 projected annual openings versus about 10,700 for Lineworkers. |
| Easier Career Entry | Automotive Technician | Entry-level shop work can begin before full diagnostic proficiency. |
| Structured Apprenticeship | Lineworker | Linework typically uses a more formal progressive training structure. |
| Indoor Work | Automotive Technician | Most repair work occurs in shops or service facilities. |
| Outdoor Infrastructure Work | Lineworker | Power-line construction and repair are predominantly field-based. |
| Lower Physical Barrier | Automotive Technician | Automotive repair is demanding but generally avoids routine climbing and elevated utility work. |
| Lower Occupational Risk | Automotive Technician | Lineworkers routinely face high-voltage electrical hazards and falls. |
| EV and Vehicle Technology Career | Automotive Technician | Direct path into batteries, vehicle electronics, ADAS, and diagnostic systems. |
| Utility Infrastructure Skill | Lineworker | Develops specialized transmission and distribution expertise. |
| Small Business Ownership | Automotive Technician | Independent repair and diagnostic businesses are more accessible than utility line contracting. |
| Emergency Restoration Career | Lineworker | Storm response and power restoration are distinctive parts of the occupation. |
| Lower Long-Term Automation Exposure | Lineworker | Physical utility construction and emergency repair remain difficult to automate comprehensively. |
Final Verdict: Automotive Technician vs Lineworker
Automotive Technician and Lineworker are both technical trades, but they should not be evaluated as if they were simply two different repair jobs.
The wage data clearly favors Lineworker. BLS May 2024 figures show a national median wage of $92,560 for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers compared with $49,670 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.
That is a difference of $42,890 per year at the national median.
Lineworker also has the stronger projected percentage growth rate at 7% from 2024 to 2034, compared with 4% for Automotive Technicians.
For someone who is genuinely equally interested in both careers and physically capable of performing linework, Lineworker offers the stronger long-term employee earnings profile.
However, that conclusion comes with an important qualification.
Lineworker requires the worker to accept high-voltage electrical risk, climbing, outdoor work, severe weather, emergency callouts, and a longer apprenticeship process. The higher wage should be viewed alongside those occupational demands rather than as free additional income.
Automotive Technician has several meaningful advantages that the salary comparison does not capture.
The occupation has a much larger number of projected annual openings, a broader local employer market, a more controlled shop environment, and a significantly more accessible path into individual business ownership.
Automotive technology is also becoming more technically sophisticated. EVs, hybrids, ADAS, electronic controls, and vehicle networks are creating a career path for technicians who want to move beyond routine maintenance into advanced diagnostics.
Choose Automotive Technician if vehicles themselves are your primary interest, you prefer shop-based technical work, want easier local job access, or may eventually want to own a repair or diagnostic business.
Choose Lineworker if you can accept the higher physical and safety demands and want a specialized utility career with substantially higher national median employee pay.
Overall Comparison
| Category | Advantage | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Median Wage | Lineworker | $92,560 versus $49,670 in BLS May 2024 national median wage data. |
| Projected Percentage Growth | Lineworker | 7% versus 4% from 2024 to 2034. |
| Annual Openings | Automotive Technician | About 70,000 versus about 10,700 per year during the 2024–2034 projection period. |
| Entry Accessibility | Automotive Technician | More employers and the ability to begin with routine service work while developing advanced skills. |
| Technical Infrastructure Specialization | Lineworker | Requires extensive distribution, transmission, electrical safety, and field knowledge. |
| Advanced Vehicle Technology | Automotive Technician | Direct exposure to EV, hybrid, ADAS, electrical, and network diagnostics. |
| Work Environment Comfort | Automotive Technician | Most work occurs in shops rather than exposed outdoor utility environments. |
| Physical and Safety Barrier | Automotive Technician | Lineworker requires substantially more climbing, elevated work, high-voltage exposure, and storm response. |
| Long-Term Employee Earnings | Lineworker | Much higher May 2024 national median wage. |
| Small Business Potential | Automotive Technician | Independent repair, diagnostic, mobile-service, and fleet-maintenance models are accessible at a smaller scale. |
| Automation Resistance | Lineworker | Physical grid construction and emergency restoration are difficult to automate fully. |
| Best Overall Choice for Equally Interested and Qualified Candidates | Lineworker | Higher median compensation and stronger projected percentage growth, provided the worker can accept the much higher occupational demands. |
Sources and Data Method
CareerInTrades uses specific federal occupational classifications to prevent broad job titles from mixing unrelated occupations.
For this comparison:
- Automotive Technician is mapped to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (SOC 49-3023).
- Lineworker is mapped to Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (SOC 49-9051).
National wage figures use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 data. Employment growth and average annual openings use the BLS 2024–2034 Employment Projections.
Occupational duties, skills, reported job titles, training requirements, and work context are cross-checked against BLS, O*NET OnLine, CareerOneStop, federal safety agencies, industry certification organizations, and state regulatory agencies.
Primary Occupational Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics — duties, education, work environment, May 2024 median wage, and 2024–2034 employment outlook.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Line Installers and Repairers — duties, training, work environment, May 2024 pay information, and 2024–2034 outlook for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers.
- O*NET OnLine — Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (49-3023.00) — tasks, skills, technology, knowledge, work context, and reported job titles.
- O*NET OnLine — Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (49-9051.00) — tasks, skills, knowledge, work context, and technology.
- CareerOneStop — U.S. Department of Labor — occupational training, wage, state labor-market, and career information.
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) — automotive technician certification information and testing programs.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Section 609 Technician Training and Certification — certification requirements relevant to motor-vehicle air-conditioning refrigerant service.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution — hazards and safety guidance relevant to electrical utility work.
State Automotive and Electrical Regulatory Examples
Automotive repair licensing and business regulation vary by state. Many states do not issue one universal mechanic license, but they may regulate repair businesses, inspection programs, emissions testing, consumer practices, or specialty services.
- California Bureau of Automotive Repair — repair-dealer regulation, consumer protection, and automotive program information.
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — Electricians — Texas electrical licensing requirements and statutory exemptions relevant when distinguishing utility work from other electrical work.
- California Contractors State License Board — contractor classifications and licensing relevant to independent electrical and utility construction work.
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries — Electrical Licensing, Permits and Inspections — electrical worker and contractor regulatory information.
These state examples illustrate regulatory variation and should not be interpreted as universal national rules. Automotive Technicians and Lineworkers should verify requirements with the applicable state agency, employer, utility, apprenticeship program, or contractor before beginning regulated work.
Explore Career Guides
Data reviewed: 2026. Wage figures use BLS May 2024 data, while employment growth and annual openings use the BLS 2024–2034 projection cycle. Licensing, certification, apprenticeship, and utility requirements may change, so readers should verify current requirements with official federal, state, employer, and apprenticeship sources before making training or career decisions.