Lineworker Career Guide in Colorado
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Colorado.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Colorado
The Mountain States Line Constructors apprenticeship is Colorado’s primary outside-line pathway. Technical schools and utilities also offer preparatory and paid training in distribution, transmission, climbing, substations, rigging, equipment operation, and safety.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Lineworker Salary in Colorado
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Colorado median wage for lineworker workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $92,560, the median wage in Colorado is approximately $11,420 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Colorado
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONLineworker Training Requirements in Colorado
Colorado lineworkers normally qualify through a registered outside-line apprenticeship or utility-sponsored training program rather than a standalone state lineworker license.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and satisfy apprenticeship algebra, aptitude, and physical requirements.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license or commercial learner’s permit as required by the training sponsor.
- Complete paid training in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, climbing, rigging, grounding, and equipment operation.
- Complete classroom instruction in electrical theory, system construction, troubleshooting, and energized-line safety.
- Maintain OSHA, first-aid, CPR, flagging, and employer-specific qualifications.
- Verify electrician-license requirements before performing electrical work outside applicable utility exemptions.
Lineworker Training Providers in Colorado
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Trinidad State College | Trinidad | View Program |
| Colorado Mesa University Tech | Grand Junction | View Program |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood | View Program |
| Front Range Community College | Westminster | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESLineworker Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado
Outside Line Apprenticeship
Organization: Mountain States Line Constructors Apprenticeship
Line Technician Training Pathway
Organization: Tri-State Generation and Transmission
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Colorado
Colorado does not issue a standalone statewide utility-lineworker license. Employer and apprenticeship qualifications govern normal utility linework. State electrician and contractor licensing may apply when work falls outside public-utility or utility-system exemptions.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado projects approximately 16% growth for electrical power-line installers and repairers from 2024 to 2034, with about 260 annual openings.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the lineworker salary in Colorado?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Colorado is approximately $103,980 per year, or $49.99 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Colorado require lineworker licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for lineworker workers in Colorado. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become a lineworker in Colorado?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–4 Years to Journey Level, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are lineworkers in demand in Colorado?
Colorado projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 16% from 2024 to 2034, with about 260 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Colorado Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Lineworker Wages
- Colorado Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Lineworker Employment Trends
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Electrical Board — Licensing authority. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Electrical Board