Lineworker Career Guide in New York
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New York.
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How to Become a Lineworker in New York
Lineworkers commonly enter the trade through an employer-, utility-, or union-sponsored apprenticeship. Training combines paid supervised field experience with classroom instruction in electrical theory, transmission and distribution systems, pole climbing, aerial lifts, rigging, grounding, transformers, protective equipment, troubleshooting, and emergency response.
A typical apprenticeship lasts approximately three to four years. Apprentices progress from ground work and basic construction tasks to energized-line procedures under qualified supervision. Employers must verify that workers have completed the safety training and demonstrated the proficiency required for the duties they perform.
A commercial driver's license may be required when the job involves operating bucket trucks, digger derricks, or other qualifying commercial vehicles. CDL class, endorsements, medical certification, and driving requirements depend on the vehicle and assignment.
Most Lineworkers in New York complete utility lineworker training programs, electrical technology courses, or union apprenticeship programs. Training includes electrical distribution systems, overhead and underground power lines, transformers, transmission equipment, pole climbing, bucket truck operation, electrical safety procedures, storm restoration, and emergency response.
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 New York
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New York 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 New York is approximately $24,940 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in New York
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 New York
New York lineworkers commonly complete a utility-, employer-, or union-sponsored apprenticeship lasting approximately three to four years. Training includes climbing, rigging, grounding, overhead and underground systems, transformers, protective equipment, energized-line procedures, and emergency restoration.
Employers must verify that workers have demonstrated proficiency for their assigned duties. Local electrician licensing should be checked separately when work includes customer-owned premises wiring rather than utility transmission or distribution facilities.
Electrical Distribution Systems
Workers learn electrical distribution networks, transformers, substations, power lines, and utility equipment used to deliver electricity.
Pole Climbing & Line Construction
Training includes climbing techniques, bucket truck operation, pole installation, overhead line construction, and electrical equipment maintenance.
High Voltage Safety Training
Programs teach electrical hazards, grounding procedures, personal protective equipment, and safe work practices around energized power systems.
Storm Restoration & Emergency Response
Lineworkers learn emergency repair techniques for restoring power after snowstorms, hurricanes, ice storms, and other severe weather events.
Transmission & Underground Systems
Training covers transmission lines, underground electrical systems, cable installation, and modern utility infrastructure maintenance.
Lineworker Training Providers in New York
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Hudson Valley Community College | Troy | View Program |
| SUNY Morrisville | Morrisville | View Program |
| SUNY Delhi | Delhi | View Program |
| Erie Community College | Buffalo | View Program |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester | 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 New York
Electrical Lineworker Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Northwest Lineman College
New York Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: New York State Department of Labor
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in New York
New York does not require a standalone statewide Lineworker license. However, utility electrical work must comply with New York electrical safety regulations, OSHA requirements, and utility company standards. Lineworkers typically complete registered apprenticeship programs, utility training, and safety certifications. Many employers prefer candidates with CDL licenses, OSHA safety training, CPR certification, and specialized electrical lineworker training.
New York does not issue a single statewide occupational license that every utility lineworker must hold. Utilities and line-construction employers establish apprenticeship, qualified-worker, supervision, and safety requirements.
New York City and other local jurisdictions license certain premises electricians and electrical contractors, but those credentials should not automatically be applied to employees working on utility transmission and distribution systems. A CDL may be required for qualifying vehicles.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in New York
New York has steady demand for Lineworkers due to aging electrical infrastructure, grid modernization projects, renewable energy expansion, severe weather restoration needs, and increasing electricity demand. Major utilities such as Con Edison, National Grid, and NYSEG provide employment opportunities throughout the state.
New York projects employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers to increase from approximately 3,820 workers in 2022 to 3,950 workers in 2032, an increase of about 3%. The published projection reports approximately 10 growth-related openings per year.
This published openings figure primarily reflects the average annual employment increase implied by the projection and may not capture all hiring caused by retirements, occupational transfers, or other replacement needs. Actual hiring may therefore be higher.
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 New York?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in New York is approximately $117,500 per year, or $56.49 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does New York require lineworker licensing?
Licensing or credential requirements for lineworker workers in New York are primarily employer-specific. Employers may require particular certifications, training, driving credentials, or documented experience.
How long does it take to become a lineworker in New York?
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 New York?
New York projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032. 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
- New York Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New York Lineworker Wages
- New York Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New York Lineworker Employment Trends
- New York State Department of Public Service — Licensing authority. New York State Department of Public Service