Lineworker Career Guide in Missouri
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Missouri.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Lineworker in Missouri
The Missouri Valley Line Constructors apprenticeship is the principal union outside-line pathway. Electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities also provide structured paid lineworker development programs.
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 Missouri
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Missouri 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 Missouri is approximately $2,290 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Missouri
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 Missouri
Missouri lineworkers typically qualify through a registered outside-line apprenticeship, electric-cooperative program, or utility-sponsored training pathway.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and satisfy the apprenticeship’s math and aptitude requirements.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit as required by the sponsor.
- Complete paid field training in climbing, overhead and underground distribution, transmission, rigging, grounding, transformers, and equipment operation.
- Complete related classroom instruction in electrical theory, system construction, troubleshooting, and safety.
- Maintain first-aid, CPR, OSHA, and employer-required certifications.
- Check municipal or county licensing requirements before performing separately contracted electrical work.
Lineworker Training Providers in Missouri
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| State Technical College of Missouri | Linn | View Program |
| Metropolitan Community College | Kansas City | View Program |
| St. Louis Community College | St. Louis | View Program |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | Springfield | 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 Missouri
Outside Line Apprenticeship
Organization: Missouri Valley Line Constructors Apprenticeship Program
Lineworker Apprenticeship and Safety Training
Organization: Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Missouri
Missouri does not issue a standalone statewide occupational license for utility lineworkers or a uniform statewide electrician license. Lineworkers qualify through apprenticeships and employers. Electrical-contractor licensing may be imposed by cities or counties, and a CDL is commonly required.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Missouri
Missouri’s latest long-term projection indicates approximately 5% growth for electrical power-line installers and repairers from 2024 to 2034, with about 300 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 Missouri?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Missouri is approximately $94,850 per year, or $45.60 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Missouri require lineworker licensing?
Missouri does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all lineworker work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a lineworker in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 300 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
- Missouri Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Lineworker Wages
- Missouri Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Lineworker Employment Trends
- Applicable Missouri City or County Electrical Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. Applicable Missouri City or County Electrical Licensing Authority