Lineworker Career Guide in South Carolina
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Carolina.
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How to Become a Lineworker in South Carolina
Candidates can enter SELCAT’s registered outside-line apprenticeship or utility and electric-cooperative training programs. Technical-college electrical programs provide useful preparation for apprenticeship selection.
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 South Carolina
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South Carolina 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 South Carolina is approximately $15,690 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in South Carolina
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 South Carolina
South Carolina lineworkers generally qualify through a utility training program or registered outside-line apprenticeship rather than a standalone individual state license.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and satisfy the apprenticeship’s algebra, aptitude, and physical requirements.
- Apply to a registered outside-line apprenticeship, electric cooperative, municipal utility, or investor-owned utility.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit when required.
- Complete training in climbing, overhead and underground distribution, transmission, transformers, rigging, grounding, and energized-work safety.
- Earn first-aid, CPR, OSHA, flagging, and equipment-operation qualifications.
- Complete the required paid field hours and related classroom instruction for journey-level recognition.
Lineworker Training Providers in South Carolina
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Trident Technical College | Charleston | View Program |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Conway | View Program |
| York Technical College | Rock Hill | View Program |
| Greenville Technical College | Greenville | 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 South Carolina
Outside Line Apprenticeship
Organization: Southeastern Line Constructors Apprenticeship and Training
Lineworker Apprenticeship and Cooperative Training
Organization: Central Electric Power Cooperative
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina does not issue a standalone occupational license for individual utility lineworkers. Workers generally qualify through an apprenticeship or utility training program. Contractor licensing may apply to businesses performing covered electrical or utility construction, and a CDL is commonly required.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in South Carolina
South Carolina projects approximately 13% growth for electrical power-line installers and repairers from 2024 to 2034, with about 320 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 South Carolina?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in South Carolina is approximately $76,870 per year, or $36.96 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does South Carolina require lineworker licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for lineworker workers in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
South Carolina projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 13% from 2024 to 2034, with about 320 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
- South Carolina Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Carolina Lineworker Wages
- South Carolina Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Carolina Lineworker Employment Trends
- South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board — Licensing authority. South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board