Lineman Career Guide 2025: Apprenticeship, Journeyman Pay, Storm Work
Complete guide to becoming a lineman. Learn about IBEW and UWUA union apprenticeships, journeyman certification, $92K median salary, storm restoration work earning $150K-$200K+, transmission vs. distribution paths, and major utility employers.
📋 What You'll Learn
- ✓ How to become a lineman via IBEW/UWUA apprenticeships or lineman schools
- ✓ Salary ranges: $42K apprentice → $92K journeyman → $150K+ storm work
- ✓ Distribution vs. transmission linework, underground vs. overhead systems
- ✓ Storm restoration opportunities and traveling lineman lifestyle
- ✓ Major employers: investor-owned utilities, co-ops, municipal utilities, contractors
The High-Voltage Trade Keeping America Powered
When Hurricane Ian devastated Florida in 2022, over 2.6 million customers lost power. Within days, 30,000+ linemen from 46 states converged on the disaster zone, working 16-hour days to restore electricity. These elite tradespeople—powerline technicians, or simply linemen—are the backbone of America's electrical grid, earning $92,000 median salary with total compensation often exceeding $140,000 during peak storm seasons.
Linemen install, maintain, and repair the high-voltage transmission and distribution lines that deliver electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. The work combines extreme heights (climbing 30-150+ ft poles and towers), high-voltage electrical work (7,200V to 765,000V), heavy equipment operation (bucket trucks, digger derricks, cranes), and all-weather outdoor labor. It's consistently ranked among the most dangerous occupations, yet offers exceptional job security, union benefits, and the satisfaction of restoring power to communities in crisis.
If you're physically fit, comfortable with heights, enjoy problem-solving under pressure, and want a career with lifelong demand backed by strong union representation, linework offers a path to six-figure earnings—one that's literally keeping the lights on across America.
💰 Lineman Salary Breakdown
Salary Progression by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Typical Role | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Year 1 | Groundman / Helper | $20–$25 | $42,000–$52,000 |
| Apprentice Year 2 | Apprentice Lineman | $23–$28 | $48,000–$58,000 |
| Apprentice Year 3-4 | Senior Apprentice | $26–$30 | $54,000–$62,000 |
| Journeyman (0–5 years) | Journeyman Lineman | $35–$45 | $73,000–$94,000 |
| Journeyman (5–15 years) | Senior Journeyman / Specialist | $42–$52 | $87,000–$108,000 |
| Journeyman (15+ years) | Lead Lineman / First Class | $48–$55 | $100,000–$115,000 |
| Foreman (10–20 years) | Crew Foreman / General Foreman | $50–$65 | $104,000–$135,000 |
| Supervisor (20+ years) | Line Superintendent / Manager | Salaried | $110,000–$150,000+ |
Pay by Employer Type
| Employer Type | Journeyman Base | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) | $80,000–$110,000 | Duke Energy, PG&E, ComEd, Southern Company—highest pay, best benefits, strong union, pension |
| Rural Electric Co-ops | $70,000–$95,000 | Member-owned, strong community ties, good benefits, less storm travel, work-life balance |
| Municipal Utilities | $75,000–$100,000 | City-owned (LADWP, Austin Energy, SMUD)—stable employment, government benefits, local work |
| Contractor (Union) | $75,000–$110,000 | Quanta, MasTec, Pike Electric—project-based, extensive travel, storm work opportunities |
| Contractor (Non-Union) | $60,000–$85,000 | Smaller independent contractors—lower pay, fewer benefits, more flexible hiring |
| Traveling/Storm Contractor | $100,000–$200,000+ | Specialized storm restoration crews—massive OT, per diem, away from home 200+ days/year |
💰 Total Compensation Example: Storm Season
A journeyman lineman working Hurricane Ian restoration (2022) could earn:
- • Base pay: $45/hour × 16 hours/day × 21 days = $15,120
- • Overtime premium (8 hrs OT/day at 1.5x): $45 × 1.5 × 8 × 21 = $11,340
- • Per diem (meals/lodging): $150/day × 21 days = $3,150
- • Hazard pay (hurricane conditions): $5/hour × 16 × 21 = $1,680
- Total for 3 weeks: $31,290 (~$125K annualized if sustained)
Major storms (hurricanes, ice storms, wildfires) provide 2-4 months of this intensity annually, pushing total compensation to $150K-$200K+ for traveling linemen willing to chase storms.
⚡ What is Linework?
Linemen build, maintain, and repair the electrical power grid—from massive 765,000-volt transmission lines spanning hundreds of miles to the 7,200-volt distribution lines delivering power to neighborhoods. The work is divided into two main specialties:
🏘️ Distribution Linework
Working on lower-voltage lines (120V-34,500V) that deliver power from substations to customers.
Typical Work:
- • Install and maintain wooden poles (30-60 ft) along roads and neighborhoods
- • Hang transformers (single-phase 25-167 kVA, three-phase up to 500 kVA)
- • Run service drops to homes and businesses
- • Troubleshoot outages, replace fuses, repair storm damage
- • Install underground cables in conduit or direct burial
- • Work hot (energized) using rubber gloves and hot sticks
Equipment Used:
- • Bucket trucks (aerial lifts 30-60 ft)
- • Digger derricks (drill holes, set poles)
- • Hot sticks (insulated tools for live work)
- • Rubber gloves rated for voltage class
🗼 Transmission Linework
Working on high-voltage lines (69,000V-765,000V) that move bulk power across long distances.
Typical Work:
- • Build and maintain steel lattice towers (80-200+ ft tall)
- • String conductor (cables) across miles of right-of-way
- • Install insulators, spacers, dampers on high-voltage lines
- • Perform live-line maintenance using helicopters and specialized tools
- • Work in remote areas (mountains, deserts, forests)
- • Coordinate with grid operators to de-energize lines for major work
Equipment Used:
- • Large cranes (60-300 ton capacity)
- • Helicopters (for conductor stringing, live work)
- • Tensioners and pullers (string wire)
- • Barehand hot sticks (work at tower potential)
🛠️ Lineman Career Paths
1. Distribution Lineman
Core Responsibilities:
- • Install new power lines and transformers in growing neighborhoods
- • Perform routine maintenance: inspect poles, tighten connections, trim vegetation clearances
- • Respond to outages and emergency repairs (24/7 on-call rotation)
- • Troubleshoot power quality issues, replace failed equipment
- • Upgrade aging infrastructure: replace wood poles, uprate transformers, convert overhead to underground
- • Work energized lines using rubber gloves, hot sticks, and cover-up procedures
💡 Who It's For:
Linemen who prefer working closer to home with more variety (residential, commercial, industrial customers). Distribution work is the most common path—80% of linemen work distribution. Involves more customer interaction, diverse daily tasks, and frequent troubleshooting. Less travel than transmission, better work-life balance.
Typical Work Week:
- • 40-50 hour weeks (M-F standard, plus on-call rotation 1 week/month)
- • Local service territory (within 50-100 mile radius of base)
- • Mix of planned work (60%) and emergency response (40%)
- • Overtime during storms, outages, or major construction projects
2. Transmission Lineman
Core Responsibilities:
- • Construct new high-voltage transmission lines (69kV-765kV)
- • String conductor using helicopters, tensioners, and specialized rigging
- • Climb steel lattice towers (80-200+ ft) to install/maintain hardware
- • Perform live-line maintenance using barehand techniques or hot sticks
- • Replace insulators, spacers, vibration dampers on energized lines
- • Work in remote locations often requiring extended stays (camps, hotels)
💡 Who It's For:
Experienced linemen (typically 3-10+ years distribution first) who want specialized, high-paying work. Transmission requires advanced skills, comfort with extreme heights, and willingness to travel extensively. Work is often remote (mountain crossings, desert corridors), involves larger crews (5-15 linemen), and uses heavy equipment. Premium pay (10-20% above distribution) reflects specialized skills and travel demands.
Key Skills:
- • Tower climbing expertise (free climbing, belted positioning, rescue techniques)
- • Advanced rigging and conductor stringing knowledge
- • Live-line work certification (barehand, hot stick methods)
- • Understanding of transmission system operations and grid stability
3. Traveling Lineman (Storm Chaser)
Core Responsibilities:
- • Travel to disaster zones (hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, wildfires) for power restoration
- • Work 16-hour days (dawn to midnight) during emergency operations
- • Rebuild damaged infrastructure: replace broken poles, restring downed wire, restore service
- • Coordinate with utility crews, FEMA, and emergency management
- • Live in hotels, RVs, or temporary camps for weeks/months during restoration
- • Perform all distribution tasks under extreme time pressure and challenging conditions
💡 Who It's For:
Experienced journeymen (5+ years) who prioritize earnings over home time. Traveling linemen are away from home 150-250+ days per year, following storm seasons (hurricanes June-November, ice storms December-March, wildfire restoration year-round). Lifestyle is demanding but lucrative—top earners make $150K-$250K annually through massive overtime and per diem. Requires strong work ethic, physical endurance, and family support for extended absences.
Major Storm Seasons:
- • Hurricane season (June-November): Gulf Coast, East Coast, Caribbean
- • Ice storms (December-March): Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic
- • Wildfire restoration (year-round): California, Oregon, Colorado
- • Severe weather (April-August): Tornado Alley (OK, KS, TX, MO)
4. Substation Technician / Electrician
Core Responsibilities:
- • Install and maintain substation equipment: transformers, circuit breakers, switches, relays
- • Perform high-voltage switching operations to isolate equipment for maintenance
- • Test and calibrate protective relays and control systems
- • Troubleshoot substation automation and SCADA systems
- • Upgrade aging equipment and integrate renewable energy interconnections
- • Coordinate outages with grid operators to minimize customer impact
💡 Who It's For:
Linemen or electricians who prefer technical electrical work over climbing. Substation work is more ground-based, involves complex electrical systems, and requires strong understanding of protection and control. Less physically demanding than linework but requires precision and electrical theory knowledge. More regular hours (fewer emergency calls), good option for older linemen or those seeking career change.
5. Foreman / Superintendent
Core Responsibilities:
- • Supervise crews of 3-12 linemen on construction or maintenance projects
- • Plan daily work, assign tasks, ensure safety compliance and quality standards
- • Coordinate with engineering, operations, and other utilities/contractors
- • Manage materials, equipment, and labor costs on projects
- • Conduct safety meetings, toolbox talks, and incident investigations
- • Mentor apprentices and develop journeymen into future leaders
💡 Who It's For:
Senior journeymen (10-20+ years) with leadership skills and comprehensive technical knowledge. Foremen balance hands-on work (30-40% of time) with crew management, planning, and coordination. Premium pay reflects responsibility for crew safety, project success, and customer satisfaction. Pathway to superintendent, operations manager, or executive roles.
🎓 How to Become a Lineman
Three primary pathways exist: union apprenticeships (IBEW/UWUA—most common, best pay/benefits),utility company programs (direct hire and train), or pre-apprenticeship lineman schools(paid training before applying to utilities).
Pathway 1: IBEW/UWUA Union Apprenticeship (Recommended)
Union Apprenticeship Overview
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 years (7,000-8,000 hours on-the-job + 600-800 hours classroom) |
| Education Requirement | High school diploma or GED, algebra proficiency (C or better) |
| Age Requirement | 18 years old minimum |
| Physical Requirements | Pass DOT physical, lift 75+ lbs, climb poles/ladders, no fear of heights, color vision |
| CDL License | Class A or B CDL preferred (can obtain during apprenticeship) |
| Aptitude Test | Math (algebra, geometry), reading comprehension, mechanical aptitude |
| Starting Pay | 50-60% of journeyman rate, increases every 6 months (typically reach 90% by Year 4) |
| Benefits | Health insurance, pension, annuity, union membership from day one |
How to Apply:
- 1. Find IBEW/UWUA local unions at ibew.org or uwua.net (search by state/city)
- 2. Apply during open enrollment (typically spring—check local websites for dates)
- 3. Pass aptitude test (NJATC/NECA test covers algebra, mechanical reasoning)
- 4. Interview with joint apprenticeship committee (union + utility representatives)
- 5. Get ranked by combined test score + interview; top candidates accepted
- 6. Begin work immediately with signatory utility/contractor while attending classes
Pathway 2: Pre-Apprenticeship Lineman School
Lineman schools provide 3-18 month programs teaching pole climbing, rigging, electrical fundamentals, and CDL training. Graduates have significantly better hiring chances with utilities and contractors.
| School | Location | Duration | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Lineman College (NLC) | Meridian, ID; Oroville, CA; TX | 15 weeks | $22,000 |
| Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC) | Trenton, GA | 15 weeks | $17,900 |
| North American Lineman Training Center | McAllen, TX; Glenn Dale, MD | 15 weeks | $18,500 |
| Vocational Technical Schools | Various (OK, TX, GA, NC, etc.) | 12-18 months | $5,000-$12,000 |
What You Learn:
- • Pole climbing techniques (gaffs, belt, safety positioning)
- • Knot tying, rigging, and load calculations
- • Electrical theory, transformers, power systems basics
- • Safety protocols, OSHA regulations, rubber glove work
- • CDL training (Class A or B commercial driver's license)
- • First aid, CPR, rescue techniques
Pathway 3: Direct Utility Hire
Some utilities (especially co-ops and municipals) hire groundmen/apprentices with no experience and provide full training. Lower starting pay but immediate employment.
How It Works:
- • Apply directly to utility companies (check careers pages)
- • Start as groundman/helper ($18-$22/hour)
- • Utility provides on-the-job training and classroom instruction
- • Progress through apprenticeship steps (3-4 years to journeyman)
- • Often requires relocating to rural areas where co-ops are located
⚠️ Safety: The #1 Priority
Linework is among the most dangerous occupations. Primary hazards and safety measures:
- • Electrocution: Work energized lines using rubber gloves (tested monthly), hot sticks, grounding procedures, minimum approach distances (MAD)
- • Falls: 100% fall protection at all times—body belts, lanyards, positioning straps, fall arrest systems, pole gaffs
- • Arc flash: Arc-rated clothing (FR shirts, pants), face shields, insulated tools, de-energize when possible
- • Equipment failure: Daily truck/tool inspections, boom/derrick certifications, load testing, preventive maintenance
- • Weather hazards: Lightning protocol (cease work during storms), heat stress monitoring, cold weather gear, wind speed limits for aerial work
Utilities invest heavily in safety: extensive training, strict procedures, stop-work authority, incident investigations. Safety culture is paramount—rushing or cutting corners can be fatal.
🏢 Major Lineman Employers
| Employer | Type | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy | Investor-Owned Utility | NC, SC, FL, IN, OH, KY—7.8M customers, strong IBEW presence |
| Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) | Investor-Owned Utility | Northern/Central California—5.5M customers, IBEW Local 1245, highest CA pay |
| Southern California Edison (SCE) | Investor-Owned Utility | Southern California—5M customers, IBEW representation |
| ComEd (Exelon) | Investor-Owned Utility | Chicago/Northern Illinois—4M customers, strong union contracts |
| Florida Power & Light (FPL) | Investor-Owned Utility | Florida—5.7M customers, extensive storm restoration work |
| Quanta Services | Contractor (Union) | Nationwide—largest line contractor, transmission/distribution, storm work |
| MasTec / Pike Electric | Contractor (Union/Non-Union) | Nationwide—major storm contractor, distribution focus |
| NRECA Co-ops (Various) | Rural Electric Co-ops | 900+ co-ops nationwide—rural areas, member-owned, good benefits |
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