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What is a class a lineman and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Class A lineman installs, maintains and repairs electrical transmission systems. They inspect damaged powerlines and either repair or replaces them. They work on transmission and distribution lines originating from individual buildings or powerplants, and they handle both overhead and underground electrical cables and wires.

Class A lineman reports to a supervisor. They usually work in utility companies, telecommunication companies and energy companies. A successful Class A lineman should have proficiency in installing different types of electrical cables and wires and an understanding of the laid-down safety regulations. They should also have organizational skills, attention to detail, analytical skills, problem-solving skills and communication skills.

Class A linemen mostly work in the field. The role involves a lot of traveling to people's homes or business premises for repairs and installations. It also involves bending, kneeling, lifting, standing and working in extreme weather conditions.

ScoreClass A LinemanUS Average
Salary
5.7

Avg. Salary $72,423

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.42%

Asian 1.21%

Black or African American 5.74%

Hispanic or Latino 13.48%

Unknown 2.96%

White 75.18%

Gender

female 3.22%

male 96.78%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.9

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Class a lineman career paths

Key steps to become a class a lineman

  1. Explore class a lineman education requirements

    Most common class a lineman degrees

    High School Diploma

    42.0 %

    Associate

    19.1 %

    Bachelor's

    17.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific class a lineman skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL25.82%
    Physical Labor8.72%
    Bucket Truck7.77%
    PPE6.56%
    Digger Derrick5.24%
  3. Complete relevant class a lineman training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New class a linemen learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a class a lineman based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real class a lineman resumes.
  4. Research class a lineman duties and responsibilities

    • Test, repair and improve wire connections to the transmission, distribution lines, sub-stations and switches.
    • Operate equipment such as; chain saws, line trucks, aerial lift trucks, trench diggers, and backhoes.
    • Adhere to OSHA, FRA and EPA regulations.
    • Support a 470.4 MW wind project and install 42 miles of 345 kV transmission line in just 13 weeks.
  5. Prepare your class a lineman resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your class a lineman resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a class a lineman resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable class a lineman resume templates

    Build a professional class a lineman resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your class a lineman resume.
    Class A Lineman Resume
    Class A Lineman Resume
    Class A Lineman Resume
    Class A Lineman Resume
    Class A Lineman Resume
    Class A Lineman Resume
    Class A Lineman Resume
    Class A Lineman Resume
    Class A Lineman Resume
  6. Apply for class a lineman jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a class a lineman job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first class a lineman job

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Average class a lineman salary

The average class a lineman salary in the United States is $72,423 per year or $35 per hour. Class a lineman salaries range between $51,000 and $101,000 per year.

Average class a lineman salary
$72,423 Yearly
$34.82 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do class a linemen rate their job?

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Class a lineman reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2023
Pros

Love giving back to the community by keeping the lights on and a happy community

Cons

You could put yourself in danger if you're not careful.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

The opportunities that will come with education provided as well a new working environment , overall just learning something new. Being able to look forward to a new line of work.

Cons

None at this time


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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