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What is a lineman and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

The primary duty of a lineman is to install, repair and maintain overhead and underground electrical power lines and auxiliary systems. His/Her work starts from the power plants to the meters in homes. He/She digs trenches for the installation of underground lines and installs meters. He/She also runs and repairs both overhead and underground electrical cables and wires and checks power lines for possible repair or replacement. Linemen are employed in utility, energy, or telecommunications companies. They work on both transmission and distribution lines and study and interpret wiring diagrams.

To become a lineman, you need at least a high school diploma with a certificate of completion from an apprenticeship program. Some employers provide on-the-job training. You must possess problem-solving, time management, troubleshooting, organization, and analytical skills. You must be familiar with electrical and building codes. The annual salary of Linemen ranges between $75,245 and $82,616, with an average salary of $80,605.

ScoreLinemanUS Average
Salary
6.1

Avg. Salary $78,563

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.52%

Asian 1.21%

Black or African American 5.74%

Hispanic or Latino 13.49%

Unknown 3.07%

White 74.96%

Gender

female 5.26%

male 94.74%

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

Lineman career paths

Key steps to become a lineman

  1. Explore lineman education requirements

    Most common lineman degrees

    High School Diploma

    43.3 %

    Bachelor's

    24.2 %

    Associate

    17.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific lineman skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Safety Rules15.51%
    Switches13.03%
    CDL10.12%
    Distribution Systems9.02%
    PPE8.50%
  3. Complete relevant lineman training and internships

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

    • Certify in first aid and CPR.
    • Move asphalt to where ever need.
    • Maintain all company issue tools and PPE.
    • Experience in jetting/underground fiber and NESC work as well.
  5. Prepare your lineman resume

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

    Build a professional 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 lineman resume.
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  6. Apply for lineman jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for 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 lineman job

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Average lineman salary

The average lineman salary in the United States is $78,563 per year or $38 per hour. Lineman salaries range between $53,000 and $115,000 per year.

Average lineman salary
$78,563 Yearly
$37.77 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do linemen rate their job?

5/5

Out of 1 Lineman reviews, 100% were positive.

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Based on 1 ratings

Pay / salary
5.0
Work/life balance
5.0
Overall rating
5.0
Career growth
5.0

Lineman reviews

profile
5.0
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.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

Taking pride on what you do

Cons

Storm call outs they suck but when you are there it feels good


profile
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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