Lineworker Career Guide in Minnesota
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Minnesota.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Minnesota
Minnesota has dedicated electrical-lineworker college programs and utility apprenticeships. These pathways combine climbing and distribution-system preparation with paid supervised employment.
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 Minnesota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Minnesota 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 Minnesota is approximately $11,620 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Minnesota
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 Minnesota
Minnesota lineworkers generally complete a technical lineworker program and registered apprenticeship or enter a utility apprenticeship directly.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and complete the required algebra preparation.
- Complete an electrical lineworker diploma or certificate program, or apply directly to an approved apprenticeship.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit as required by the employer.
- Complete instruction in pole climbing, distribution systems, line construction, rigging, transformers, grounding, and energized-work safety.
- Earn first-aid, CPR, OSHA, and equipment-operation qualifications.
- Complete paid supervised work hours and related instruction before advancing to journey-level lineworker status.
Lineworker Training Providers in Minnesota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota County Technical College | Rosemount | View Program |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Jackson | View Program |
| Ridgewater College | Willmar | View Program |
| Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park | 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 Minnesota
Outside Line Apprenticeship
Organization: Missouri Valley Line Constructors Apprenticeship Program
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota does not issue a standalone occupational license specifically for utility lineworkers. Workers usually qualify through an employer or registered lineworker apprenticeship. State electrical licensing applies when work falls outside utility-line exemptions, and a CDL is commonly required.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Minnesota
Minnesota’s latest long-term projection indicates approximately 5% growth for electrical power-line installers and repairers from 2024 to 2034, with about 170 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 Minnesota?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Minnesota is approximately $104,180 per year, or $50.09 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Minnesota require lineworker licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for lineworker workers in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Minnesota projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 170 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
- Minnesota Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Lineworker Wages
- Minnesota Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Lineworker Employment Trends
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Electrical Licensing — Licensing authority. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Electrical Licensing