Lineworker Career Guide in Kentucky
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Kentucky.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Kentucky
Kentucky technical colleges offer utility-lineworker preparation, while SELCAT, electric cooperatives, and major utilities provide paid apprenticeship or structured on-the-job training.
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 Kentucky
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Kentucky 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 Kentucky is approximately $7,320 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Kentucky
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 Kentucky
Kentucky lineworkers generally enter the occupation through a technical-college program followed by employer training or through a registered outside-line apprenticeship.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and satisfy the program’s algebra, aptitude, and physical requirements.
- Complete utility-lineworker preparatory training or apply directly to an approved apprenticeship.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit when required.
- Complete instruction in pole climbing, distribution systems, transmission work, transformers, rigging, grounding, and energized-line safety.
- Maintain first-aid, CPR, OSHA, and employer-required equipment qualifications.
- Complete paid supervised work hours and related classroom instruction to advance to journey-level status.
Lineworker Training Providers in Kentucky
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway Community and Technical College | Florence | View Program |
| Big Sandy Community and Technical College | Prestonsburg | View Program |
| Maysville Community and Technical College | Maysville | View Program |
| Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | Bowling Green | 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 Kentucky
Outside Line Apprenticeship
Organization: Southeastern Line Constructors Apprenticeship and Training
Lineworker Apprenticeship and Careers
Organization: Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities
Electric Cooperative Lineworker Training
Organization: Kentucky Electric Cooperatives
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Kentucky
Kentucky does not issue a standalone occupational license specifically for utility lineworkers. Lineworkers normally qualify through an employer or registered apprenticeship. Electrical-contractor licensing may apply to covered contracting work, and a Kentucky CDL is commonly required.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Kentucky
Kentucky projects employment to increase from approximately 2,700 lineworkers in 2024 to 2,800 in 2034. This represents 4% growth and approximately 220 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 Kentucky?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Kentucky is approximately $85,240 per year, or $40.98 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Kentucky require lineworker licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for lineworker workers in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
Kentucky projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 220 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
- Kentucky Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kentucky Lineworker Wages
- Kentucky Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kentucky Lineworker Employment Trends
- Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Electrical Division — Licensing authority. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Electrical Division