Lineworker Career Guide in Louisiana
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Louisiana.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Louisiana
Candidates can enter SELCAT’s registered apprenticeship or structured programs offered by Entergy, Cleco, municipal utilities, and electric cooperatives. Training includes storm restoration and safe work around energized systems.
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 Louisiana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Louisiana 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 Louisiana is approximately $16,150 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Louisiana
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 Louisiana
Louisiana lineworkers generally qualify through a registered outside-line apprenticeship or utility-sponsored training program.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and meet apprenticeship math, aptitude, driving-record, and physical requirements.
- Apply to a registered apprenticeship, electric cooperative, municipal utility, or investor-owned utility.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license or commercial learner’s permit as required.
- Complete supervised training in climbing, overhead and underground distribution, transmission, transformers, rigging, grounding, and storm restoration.
- Complete OSHA electrical-safety, first-aid, CPR, and equipment-operation training.
- Accumulate the required paid on-the-job hours and related classroom instruction for journey-level qualification.
Lineworker Training Providers in Louisiana
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Delgado Community College | New Orleans | View Program |
| SOWELA Technical Community College | Lake Charles | View Program |
| Fletcher Technical Community College | Schriever | View Program |
| Nunez Community College | Chalmette | 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 Louisiana
Outside Line Apprenticeship
Organization: Southeastern Line Constructors Apprenticeship and Training
Electric Cooperative Lineworker Training
Organization: Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Louisiana
Louisiana does not issue a standalone occupational license for individual utility lineworkers. Employer or apprenticeship qualification is the standard. Businesses contracting for electrical-transmission or distribution work may need the appropriate Louisiana contractor license, and lineworkers commonly need a CDL.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Louisiana
Louisiana projects employment to increase from approximately 1,150 workers in 2022 to 1,280 in 2032, representing 11% growth and about 100 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 Louisiana?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Louisiana is approximately $76,410 per year, or $36.74 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Louisiana require lineworker licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for lineworker workers in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Louisiana projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032, with about 100 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
- Louisiana Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Louisiana Lineworker Wages
- Louisiana Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Louisiana Lineworker Employment Trends
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors — Licensing authority. Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors