How to hire a class a lineman

How to hire a class a lineman, step by step

Here's a step-by-step class a lineman hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a class a lineman job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new class a lineman
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your class a lineman job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a class a lineman for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A class a lineman's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, class a linemen from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of class a lineman salaries for various roles:

   Type of Class A Lineman	Description	Hourly rate
   Class A Lineman	Line installers and repairers, also known as line workers, install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics.	$24-48
   Groundman	A ground man is primarily responsible for performing support tasks for power line construction, repair, or maintenance. Their responsibilities include preparing sites by digging holes, setting up poles, and even notifying clients for any power or service interruption... Show more	$21-43
   Lineman Apprentice	A lineman apprentice is responsible for assisting linemen in the installation and maintenance of electrical power systems. You will often report to the journeyman lineman or a technician... Show more	$16-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Physical Labor
   • Bucket Truck
   • PPE
   • Digger Derrick
   • Switches
   • OSHA
   • Safety Practices
   • Safety Rules
   • Patrol
   • Transmission Lines
   • Distribution Systems
   • Capacitors
   • Electrical Circuits

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Utilize all proper PPE when performing work.
   • Install and remove PPE, cover up, and mechanical jumpers.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your class a lineman job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A class a lineman salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, class a linemen' average salary in hawaii is 43% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level class a linemen earn 50% less than senior-level class a linemen.
   • Certifications. A class a lineman with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a class a lineman's salary.

   Average class a lineman salary

   $72,423yearly

   $34.82 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level class a lineman salary

   $51,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a class a lineman job description

   A class a lineman job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a class a lineman job description:

   Class a lineman job description example

   1st Class Lineman/Journeyman - 2nd Class Lineman

   Safety

   · Is familiar with OSHA Standards 1910.269 & 1926 subpart V.

   · Understands the use and care of all required personal protective equipment.

   · Knows the minimum approach distance for the voltage involved.

   · Understands the wearing of FR clothing.

   · Is able to conduct a pre-job briefing.

   · Is trained in first aid.

   · Trained in Bucket/Pole Rescue. Knowledge/Work Methods

   · Is qualified to perform gloving on all voltages up to 40 KV.

   · Is able to operate a material handler bucket truck and an auger truck.

   · Is able to set up and operate all wire pulling equipment.

   · Knows all basic transformer hook-ups (single and three phase).

   · Is able to cover the work zone for the work involved.

   · Has excellent knowledge of rigging and wire pulling tools.

   · Knows the applications of all connectors and sleeves used on Dominion Energy system.

   · Is able to set poles in an energized zone.

   · Is able to work complex jobs.

   · Is able to phase circuits and check rotation.

   · Is able to restore service and troubleshoot problems during restoration.

   · Has good pole climbing skills.

   · Can build and replace plant to meet Dominion Energy’s specifications.

   · Is able to properly fill out a WMIS as-built report, or learning to do so.

   · Is able to follow and understand instructions given by Dominion Energy oversight.

   · Knows all basic transformer hook-ups Wye and Delta (single and three phases).

   · Trained in Bucket/Pole Rescue Trained in Bucket/Pole Rescue.

   2nd Class Lineman Safety

   · Is familiar with OSHA Standards 1910.269 & 1926 subpart V.

   · Understands the use and care of all required personal protective equipment.

   · Knows the minimum approach distance for the voltage involved.

   · Understands the wearing of FR clothing.

   · Is able to conduct a pre-job briefing.

   · Is trained in first aid.

   · Trained in Bucket/Pole Rescue. Knowledge/Work Methods

   · Has all the above skills of a 1st Class Lineman, but to a lesser degree. Would still be learning the skills needed for complex work.

   · Would be assisted by a 1st Class Lineman in the primary zone.

   Must have CDL for 3rd class and groundman level positions.

   Company Description

   Powerline construction company been in business since 1975. Currently working crews on Dominion, Duke and several Co-Op systems in North Carolina and Virginia. Distribution, Transmission, Substation, Fiber Optics

   Company DescriptionPowerline construction company been in business since 1975. Currently working crews on Dominion, Duke and several Co-Op systems in North Carolina and Virginia. Distribution, Transmission, Substation, Underground, Fiber Optics...

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find class a linemen for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any class a linemen they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level class a linemen with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your class a lineman job on Zippia to find and recruit class a lineman candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting class a linemen requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new class a lineman

   Once you've found the class a lineman candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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