How to hire an electric utility lineworker

How to hire an electric utility lineworker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step electric utility lineworker hiring guide:

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

Post an electric utility lineworker job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   The electric utility lineworker hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   An electric utility lineworker's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, electric utility lineworkers 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.

   This list shows salaries for various types of electric utility lineworkers.

   Type of Electric Utility Lineworker	Description	Hourly rate
   Electric Utility Lineworker	Line installers and repairers, also known as line workers, install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics.	$15-44
   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	The primary job of a lineman is to install, repair, and maintain high-powered electrical lines and systems. They work on transmission and distribution lines from the power sources and extend to individual buildings or homes... Show more	$25-55

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Safety Practices
   • Construction Equipment
   • Substations
   • Customer Service

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform inspection reviews on final product and packaging to ensure quality standards are achieved according to GMP guidelines.
   • Take corrective action for unsatisfactory cleanliness, promptly.
   • Load cafeteria trays/silverware/cookware into commercial dishwasher.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your electric utility lineworker job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An electric utility lineworker salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, electric utility lineworkers' average salary in iowa is 49% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level electric utility lineworkers earn 66% less than senior-level electric utility lineworkers.
   • Certifications. An electric utility lineworker 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 an electric utility lineworker's salary.

   Average electric utility lineworker salary

   $55,423yearly

   $26.65 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level electric utility lineworker salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing an electric utility lineworker job description

   A good electric utility lineworker job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an electric utility lineworker job description:

   Electric utility lineworker job description example

   The Lineworker constructs, installs, repairs, maintains and removes distribution and transmission circuits, substations and associated facilities. Other duties of the position include rigging poles on both energized and de-energized circuits, installing transformers, voltage regulators, capacitors and reclosures, replacing fuses, working on underground equipment and making repairs on energized equipment. In addition, the Lineworker may be required to perform tasks generally associated with lower rated classifications. This position requires mechanical aptitude, manual and finger dexterity, the ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions and climb and work on poles and structures. The ultimate wage rate for this position is $43.59.
   
   POSITION REQUIREMENTS:The successful candidate must be able to progress to the senior levels of this position, meet the requirements associated with standby coverage, and provide such coverage. Other requirements of this position include the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's license (Class A with an "O" endorsement), a proven safe driving record, a high school diploma or equivalent and the successful completion of the CAST aptitude test, if applicable. Candidates with a CDL/A License is preferred. Candidates with line school experience is also preferred. Will have storm restoration and emergency assignments. Individual must be available to work overtime for storm restoration and to maintain adequate and uninterrupted electric service at all times. The employee weight limit for this position is 300 pounds.
   
   As part of the job requirements, the employee will abide by the terms of the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, including all Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and the recently-negotiated NEAT MOU.
   
   This position is subject to the provisions of the Apprentice Lineworker Training Program (ALTP). The ALTP provides effective and consistent training for lineworkers. Employees in the program will be working and training on various line projects in various locations throughout the state. ALTP participants will be part of a cohort of individuals who remain together during an 18-month training period. After 18 months employees will report to the specific AWC for which they have been hired as an 18-month progressed lineworker for additional training and work experience.
   
   During the 18- month program employees will work an 8-hour schedule from 7:00am through 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. Employees may, upon mutual agreement with management, work a 4/10 schedule. The specific hours of a 4/10 schedule may vary upon mutual agreement and may occur at any time or frequency throughout the year.
   
   During the 18-month training period employees will use Legends Drive, Hooksett, New Hampshire as a base reporting location. They may also, as deemed necessary by the Company, report to specific job sites from the Tilton AWC territory south to the New Hampshire/Massachusetts border and, from the Keene AWC territory easterly to the Portsmouth AWC territory. Such reporting will take place at 7:00am unless a reporting time change is mutually agreed upon.
   
   Employees in the ALTP will not be compensated for any travel or lodging during the 18-month period related to participation in the program.
   
   While employees are participating in the ALTP, they will not normally be eligible for overtime during the regular work week that would interfere with their normal training schedule.
   
   Note: The closing date is at 12:01 a.m. on the date shown; interested candidates must apply by previous day.
   Worker Type:
   Regular
   Number of Openings:
   1
   EEO Statement
   
   Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.
   
   VEVRRA Federal Contractor
   Vaccination Information:
   
   Eversource requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by their first day of employment. If you have any concerns regarding compliance with this requirement, you will need to discuss your concerns with Eversource's HR department after you have been made a conditional offer of employment. Eversource does not require applicants to discuss vaccination status prior to receipt of a conditional offer of employment and complies with all applicable laws.
   Emergency Response:
   
   Responding to emergency situations to meet customers' needs is part of every employee's role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find electric utility lineworkers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit electric utility lineworkers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to 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 electric utility lineworker

   Once you've selected the best electric utility lineworker candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new electric utility lineworker. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an electric utility lineworker?