Linemen, the unsung heroes who maintain and repair our electrical grids, play a crucial role in ensuring we have a reliable power supply. Their work is physically demanding, often dangerous, and requires specialized skills and training. But How Much Do Linemen Make? This guide breaks down the average lineman salary, factors influencing pay, and career advancement opportunities.
In 2025, an entry-level lineman with zero to five years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of $52,350. However, this number can vary significantly based on location, experience, union affiliation, and the specific type of work. The bottom 10 percent of earners in this field might make under $31,685, while the top 10 percent can reach $85,250 or higher. Let’s delve into the details of what affects a lineman’s earning potential.
Understanding Lineman Requirements and Training
Before discussing salaries further, it’s essential to understand the steps to becoming a lineman. Most apprenticeship programs, crucial for entering this profession, require candidates to:
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess a valid driver’s license (ideally a Commercial Driver’s License – CDL).
- Pass a drug test.
Acceptance into these programs often involves interviews and aptitude tests. Union lineman apprenticeships may even use a lottery system, selecting candidates based on their skills, background, and the program’s current needs, often considering location.
Once accepted, apprentices typically undergo safety training, classroom instruction, and hands-on field training. Starting work often involves ground hand duties. While the initial pay for ground hand work might be lower (under $25/hour), it’s a valuable “earn while you learn” opportunity. These paid hours contribute towards becoming a journeyman lineman, which unlocks significantly higher-paying positions.
How Lineman Pay Scales Work
Lineman compensation is often structured around a pay scale, particularly in union environments. These scales, established by unions and line contractors, provide a framework for determining lineman wages based on experience and position.
These pay scales typically present an hourly rate (ranging from approximately $10 to $80) correlated with the lineman’s experience level, progressing from ground hand to foreman. For example, a local union (lineman jobs are classified in IBEW as Outside Construction) might have a pay scale similar to the one below:
| Position | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| General Foreman | $71.30 |
| Foreman | $65.50 |
| Journeyman Lineman | $59.25 |
| Groundhand | $32.18 |
As mentioned before, starting as a ground hand might seem like low pay, but it’s a necessary step towards progressing to higher-paying lineman roles.
Key Considerations for Lineman Pay and Benefits
When evaluating lineman jobs, it’s crucial to consider the comprehensive benefits package, not just the hourly wage. Here are some vital aspects to consider:
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Health Insurance: Understand your health insurance options. The Affordable Care Act allows individuals to remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. As a lineman, job assignments can vary in length, potentially leading to periods of unemployment between projects. If you are not covered by a union or company plan during those times, explore options like the US Healthcare Marketplace or the Line Construction Benefit Fund. The Line Construction Benefit Fund (LineCo) requires working a minimum number of hours per month to maintain eligibility.
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Retirement Benefits: Planning for retirement is essential. Consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Services like Wealthfront can assist in setting up and managing an IRA. Union linemen may also have access to the National Electrical Annuity Plan, where employers contribute a percentage of gross pay (typically 15% to 25%) toward retirement benefits.
Compound interest is a powerful tool for long-term savings. Even small, consistent contributions to a retirement account can accumulate significantly over time.
The Impact of Storm Work on Lineman Salaries
One of the most significant ways linemen can boost their earnings is through storm recovery work. After hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe thunderstorms, power grids often suffer extensive damage. The demand for linemen surges during these periods, leading to increased pay and opportunities.
Storm work offers several financial advantages:
- High Demand: Utility companies face immense pressure to restore power quickly.
- Overtime Pay: Linemen often receive overtime pay and compensation for travel time.
- Project Bonuses: Companies may offer bonuses for crews working on storm-related transmission and distribution projects.
Several companies, often found on career platforms like Lineman Central Career Center, specialize in storm recovery work. Getting your name on their “storm rosters” is crucial. Ideally, you want to be pre-approved before storms hit, as companies typically hire a fixed number of linemen.
Networking is key to securing storm chasing jobs. The more storms you chase, the more connections you’ll make with different companies. Linemen involved in storm recovery can earn substantial income, sometimes reaching $13,000 – $14,000 per week. While storm work can be lucrative, it often requires extended periods away from home and can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Conclusion
The salary of a lineman is influenced by various factors, including experience, location, union affiliation, and specialized skills. While the starting salary may be modest, the potential for growth and increased earnings is substantial, especially with opportunities like storm recovery work. By understanding the requirements, pay scales, and benefit options, aspiring and current linemen can make informed decisions about their careers and maximize their earning potential. The path to becoming a journeyman lineman requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards – both financial and in terms of contributing to a vital service – are well worth the effort.
