U.S. Skilled Trade Career Profile
Lineworker Career Guide
Start your career as a high-voltage Lineworker in the United States
Updated Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team
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Career Overview
Lineworkers—classified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as electrical power-line installers and repairers—install, maintain, inspect, and repair the cables and equipment that carry electricity through transmission and distribution systems. This career maps to SOC 49-9051.
Lineworkers may string cables between poles, towers, and buildings; install or replace poles; test power lines; diagnose damaged transformers, switches, and voltage regulators; and restore service after outages. Some crews maintain local distribution systems, while others travel throughout a region to work on interstate transmission lines.
The occupation combines electrical knowledge, diagnostic ability, physical strength, teamwork, and strict safety procedures. Workers routinely operate near high-voltage electricity and may work from bucket trucks, utility poles, or transmission towers.
What Does a Lineworker Do
- Install and maintain high-voltage power lines and electrical grids
- Repair damaged transmission and distribution systems
- Climb utility poles and work on elevated structures
- Respond to power outages and emergency repairs
- Inspect and test electrical infrastructure for safety
- Follow strict OSHA and electrical safety regulations
How to Become a Lineworker
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Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Most electrical power-line installers and repairers need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical instruction and long-term on-the-job training. Apprenticeships and employer-sponsored training programs are common.
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Obtain a Driver’s License (Commercial Driver’s License Preferred)
Workers who operate heavy utility vehicles typically need a state-issued commercial driver’s license. Employer and interstate-driving requirements may vary.
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Apply for Lineworker Apprenticeship Program
Join a utility company or union apprenticeship program such as IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). Training programs may last up to three years and combine classroom or technical instruction with supervised field experience. Qualified apprentices typically reach journey level after about three or four years of work, at which point they can perform most duties without direct supervision. Apprenticeship qualifications may include algebra coursework, an aptitude test, substance-abuse screening, and physical or fitness requirements. Workers who operate heavy utility vehicles typically need a state-issued Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Other requirements vary by employer, state, job duties, and whether interstate driving is involved.
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Gain Hands-On Field Training
Train under experienced lineworkers to learn pole climbing, cable installation, and grid maintenance.
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Reach Journey-Level Status
After completing the required technical instruction and supervised on-the-job training, qualified apprentices typically reach journey level after about three or four years. Journey-level workers can perform most line-installation and repair tasks without direct supervision.
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Advance to Senior or Specialized Utility Roles
With experience, move into storm response teams, transmission specialists, or supervisory roles in utility companies.
Skills & Requirements
- High-voltage electrical system knowledge
- Pole climbing and aerial work skills
- Electrical grid maintenance and repair
- Use of specialized utility tools and equipment
- Emergency response and troubleshooting skills
- Physical strength and endurance
- Knowledge of electrical safety procedures, fall protection, insulated protective equipment, and applicable OSHA requirements
Salary Breakdown
Entry-level and experienced salary figures are approximate national estimates intended to illustrate potential earning progression. Actual pay varies by location, experience, licensing level, union status, industry, employer, and overtime. The salary figure shown at the top of this page is the May 2024 national median annual wage reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Outlook & Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Employment is projected to rise from approximately 127,400 workers in 2024 to 135,800 in 2034, an increase of about 8,400 jobs. BLS also projects about 10,700 openings each year, on average, largely because workers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Demand is expected to be supported by new housing and commercial developments, electric-vehicle grid connections, continued maintenance of existing power lines, and the increasing complexity of the interstate power grid.
Work Environment
Lineworkers work outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions and may be required to travel after storms or natural disasters. Emergency restoration work can involve long shifts for several consecutive days.
The occupation has serious safety hazards, including high-voltage electricity, falls, heavy equipment, confined spaces, and physically demanding climbing and lifting. Workers use insulated protective equipment, fall-protection systems, bucket trucks, and established safety procedures to reduce these risks.
Examples of Major Employers
Duke Energy
LocationCharlotte, North Carolina
NextEra Energy
LocationJuno Beach, Florida
Southern Company
LocationAtlanta, Georgia
Dominion Energy
LocationRichmond, Virginia
PG&E
LocationOakland, California
Exelon Corporation
LocationChicago, Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a lineworker?
Most lineworkers complete apprenticeship programs lasting 2–4 years.
Do lineworkers need a license?
There is no single nationwide occupational license required for every lineworker position. Workers who drive heavy utility vehicles typically need a state-issued Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and interstate drivers may face additional federal requirements. Medical certifications, minimum-age rules, employer qualifications, and other requirements vary by state and job duties. Professional lineworker certification is available but is not universally mandatory.
Can I become a lineworker without college?
Yes. Most lineworkers enter the field through apprenticeship and utility training programs.
What is the average salary of a lineworker?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electrical power-line installers and repairers earned a median annual wage of $92,560 in May 2024, equivalent to $44.50 per hour. This is a national median rather than a starting wage or guaranteed salary. Earnings vary by location, employer, experience, union agreement, overtime, emergency work, and job duties.
Is lineworker a good career in 2026?
Linework may be a strong career option for people who are comfortable with heights, outdoor work, physical demands, travel, emergency schedules, and strict safety procedures. BLS projects 7% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, but the occupation also involves serious electrical and fall hazards.
Career Data Sources
Career information is reviewed using government, certification, and industry sources. Data may change after publication.
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Data: May 2024 wages; 2024–2034 projections) Supports: Median annual and hourly wages, employment level, projected growth, employment change, annual openings, education, training, journey-level advancement, CDL requirements, duties, work environment, safety hazards, employer industries, and demand driver. Accessed July 22, 2026.
- 49-9051.00 — Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor (Data: Updated 2026) Supports: Occupation classification, reported job titles, work activities, tasks, tools, knowledge, skills, abilities, work context, and apprenticeship titles.. Accessed July 22, 2026.
Note: Salary figures displayed on this page use the national median annual wage reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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