MASSACHUSETTS CAREER DATA PROFILE

Lineworker Career Guide in Massachusetts

Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Massachusetts.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Lineworker in Massachusetts Snapshot
Median Salary $110,210
Hourly Wage $52.99
Job Growth +13% (2024–2034)
License Requirements Vary

How to Become a Lineworker in Massachusetts

Outside-line and public-power apprenticeships are available. The Northeast Public Power Association operates a lineworker training center in Littleton.

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 Massachusetts

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts Median $110,210
Hourly Wage $52.99
National Median $92,560

Compared with the national median of $92,560, the median wage in Massachusetts is approximately $17,650 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians

Official Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-electricians

License Types:

  • Applicable electrician license for nonexempt work
  • Applicable electrical-business license for nonexempt contracting

Authority Notes:

The statutory exemption applies to the work and entities specified in Chapter 141, Section 7. Confirm the scope before treating a lineworker position as exempt.

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 PREPARATION

Lineworker Training Requirements in Massachusetts

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Massachusetts lineworkers generally enter through paid utility or outside-line apprenticeship training.

  • Meet employer education, physical, safety, and commercial-driver requirements.
  • Complete supervised classroom and field instruction.
  • Develop climbing, rigging, grounding, and line-repair competencies.
  • Verify whether the work falls within the Chapter 141 utility-line exemption.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Lineworker Training Providers in Massachusetts

Provider City Program Website
Northeast Public Power Association Training Center — lineworker training Littleton View Program
Springfield Technical Community College — related electrical training Springfield View Program
North Shore Community College — related electrical training Danvers View Program
MassBay Community College — related technical training Wellesley Hills 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 OPPORTUNITIES

Lineworker Apprenticeship Programs in Massachusetts

Outside Lineman Apprenticeship

Organization: NEAT

Program Website

Apprentice Lineworker Program

Organization: Northeast Public Power Association

Program Website

Lineworker Employment and Training Pathway

Organization: Eversource

Program Website

Lineworker Employment and Training Pathway

Organization: National Grid

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 141, Section 7 exempts specified electric-company and municipal-electric-plant transmission-line work from the electrician licensing chapter. Electrical work outside that exemption may require a licensed electrician.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Lineworker Job Outlook in Massachusetts

+13% (2024–2034) Projected Employment Growth
2024 - 2034 Projection Period
240 Annual Openings

Massachusetts projects 13% growth from 2024 to 2034 and approximately 240 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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lineworker salary in Massachusetts?

The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Massachusetts is approximately $110,210 per year, or $52.99 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Massachusetts require lineworker licensing?

Licensing requirements for lineworker workers in Massachusetts vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians before beginning work or applying for an examination.

How long does it take to become a lineworker in Massachusetts?

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 Massachusetts?

Massachusetts projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 13% from 2024 to 2034, with about 240 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Massachusetts Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Lineworker Wages
  3. Massachusetts Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Lineworker Employment Trends
  4. Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians — Licensing authority. Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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