Do linemen make good money?

Yes, linemen make good money. On average, they earn $82,000 yearly (about $6,893 monthly or $40 hourly). As most jobs go, factors like location, company, and experience can determine your exact pay. On the lower end of the salary range, they can earn around $55,000, typically for entry-level positions. On the higher end, they can make six-figure salaries at around $123,000.

How long does it take to be a lineman?

A lineman apprenticeship takes about 7,000 hours of hands-on work and training classes, or about four years, to complete in most states. In order to become a lineman, a person must first be accepted into an apprenticeship program.

Is it hard to become a lineman?

No, it's not hard to become a lineman. It is common for linemen to have just a high school diploma before going on to an apprenticeship program or simply being given on-the-job training.

What is the difference between a journeyman and a lineman?

The difference between a journeyman and a lineman is that a journeyman is fully trained in their field, while a lineman is an apprentice. However, this distinction is not used often in everyday conversation about this role. Often these terms are used interchangeably, or even together, to refer to the same position.

How To Become A Journeyman Lineman: What It Is and Career Path

What is a journeyman lineman and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A Journeyman Lineman is responsible for installing, repairing, and generally maintaining the power lines that conduct electricity from power plants to homes, buildings, and other facilities. They work with a number of different tools and various electrical systems and networks. Obviously, it is very important that a Lineman know and closely follow safety measures and regulations.

Amongst other things, their duties include examining transmission and distribution lines, conducting electrical readings, conducting repairs or applying corrective measures, and reporting on any work done or issues spotted. They may also need to complete other tasks, such as digging and drilling in order to access underground electrical and other cables or clearing tree branches and other things which may present a danger to power lines.

A person seeking work in this position generally must have a high school diploma or a GED, a certificate showing that they have been trained in electrical repairs or similar work, and past experience on the job, usually in a mentorship, under the guidance of a senior lineman. A Journeyman Lineman earns an average of $43.02 an hour.

ScoreJourneyman LinemanUS Average

Salary

6.0

Avg. Salary $77,257

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.86%

Asian 2.23%

Black or African American 8.27%

Hispanic or Latino 18.73%

Unknown 4.26%

White 65.65%

Gender

female 2.27%

male 97.73%

Age - 41

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 - 41

Stress level

7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a journeyman lineman

Explore journeyman lineman education requirements

Most common journeyman lineman degrees

High School Diploma

47.3 %

Associate

25.2 %

Bachelor's

17.7 %

Start to develop specific journeyman lineman skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	12.96%
Switches	11.16%
Customer Service	5.94%
Climb Poles	5.36%
Electrical Equipment	5.22%

Complete relevant journeyman lineman training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New journeyman 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 journeyman lineman based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real journeyman lineman resumes.

Research journeyman lineman duties and responsibilities

Install switchgear, capacitors, voltage regulators, risers, lightning arrestors, and other protective devices.
Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturb or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
Use a variety of construction equipment to complete installations, such as digger derricks, trenchers, or cable plows.
Maintain and repair all overhead distribution equipment to include cabling, transformers, and all associate overhead distribution equipment.

Prepare your journeyman lineman resume

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

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