How much do linemen make with overtime?

With overtime, many linemen earn $100,000 to $150,000+ per year. Storm restoration work, in particular, can add significant overtime pay. Some linemen earn $50,000 or more in overtime alone during years with major weather events.

Is being a lineman dangerous?

Yes, line work is one of the most dangerous occupations. Linemen work with high-voltage electricity at significant heights in all weather conditions. Strict safety protocols, extensive training, and proper equipment minimize risks, but the danger is inherent to the profession.

How long does it take to become a lineman?

Becoming a journeyman lineman typically takes four to five years: a lineworker certificate program (a few months to one year) followed by a three to four year apprenticeship. Some utilities accept candidates directly into apprenticeship programs without prior training.

Do linemen travel a lot?

Many linemen travel, especially those who do storm restoration work or work for contractors. Traveling linemen can earn premium pay and per diem allowances. Local utility linemen have more stable schedules but may still be called out for emergency repairs at any time.

What is the difference between a lineman and an electrician?

Linemen work on outdoor power transmission and distribution systems, dealing with high-voltage lines and utility infrastructure. Electricians work on interior wiring systems in buildings. Both deal with electricity but in very different settings, with linemen typically earning more due to the hazardous nature of the work.

Lineman Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

Trades & ConstructionMuch faster than average

Linemen, also called line workers or power line technicians, install, maintain, and repair electrical power systems and telecommunications lines. They work on high-voltage transmission lines, distribution systems, and substations. Line work is one of the highest-paying and most dangerous trades, requiring physical fitness and comfort with heights.

Median Salary

$82,340

Salary Range

$46,200 – $114,580

Hourly Equivalent

$39.59/hr

Growth Rate

Lineman Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$59,285

$28.50/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$82,340

$39.59/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$102,925

$49.48/hr

Expert (13+ years)$119,393

$57.40/hr

Lineman Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$100,455	$48.30/hr
#2	New York	$97,985	$47.11/hr
#3	Washington	$95,514	$45.92/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$94,691	$45.52/hr
#5	New Jersey	$93,044	$44.73/hr
#6	Connecticut	$91,397	$43.94/hr
#7	Maryland	$89,751	$43.15/hr
#8	Alaska	$88,927	$42.75/hr
#9	Hawaii	$88,104	$42.36/hr
#10	Oregon	$86,457	$41.57/hr

Lineman Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$113,629	$54.63/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$108,689	$52.25/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$107,042	$51.46/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$102,925	$49.48/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$100,455	$48.30/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$98,808	$47.50/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$97,161	$46.71/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$92,221	$44.34/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$90,574	$43.55/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$88,927	$42.75/hr

How to Become a Lineman

To become a lineman, you typically need a high school diploma and must complete a lineworker training program or apprenticeship. Lineworker programs at technical colleges last about 15 weeks to one year and cover climbing techniques, electrical theory, safety procedures, rigging, and equipment operation.

The most common path is a four-year apprenticeship with a utility company or through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and gradually advance from groundman duties to working on energized lines. Apprentice linemen earn increasing wages as they progress.

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A is required for operating the large trucks and equipment used in line work. Physical fitness is essential, as the job requires climbing poles and towers, lifting heavy equipment, and working at heights of 40 feet or more in all weather conditions.

After completing your apprenticeship, you become a journeyman lineman. Some linemen advance to crew foreman, line superintendent, or management positions. Others specialize in areas like underground cable installation, substation maintenance, or high-voltage transmission work.

Job Outlook for Linemans

8% growth — Much faster than average

The job outlook for linemen is excellent, with 8% growth projected from 2022 to 2032. The aging electrical grid needs significant upgrades, and the expansion of renewable energy sources requires new transmission and distribution infrastructure. Additionally, severe weather events increasingly damage power lines, creating demand for repair crews.

The retirement of experienced linemen is creating a significant workforce gap that utilities are actively working to fill. Many utilities offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and competitive benefits packages to attract new lineworkers. Storm restoration work also provides opportunities for significant overtime earnings.

Linemen working for investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives typically receive comprehensive benefits including retirement plans, health insurance, and generous overtime policies. The combination of high base pay, frequent overtime opportunities, and strong benefits makes line work one of the highest-compensated trades.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

High School Diploma + Lineworker Training Program or Apprenticeship

Key Certifications

CDL Class A
OSHA 10/30
CPR/First Aid