Lineworker Career Guide in Tennessee
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Tennessee
Candidates may complete a technical-college lineworker program followed by paid employer training or enter a SELCAT outside-line apprenticeship directly. Apprentices learn distribution and transmission construction, climbing, equipment operation, grounding, and electrical safety.
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 Tennessee
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Tennessee 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 Tennessee is approximately $8,900 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Tennessee lineworkers normally qualify through technical-college training, utility employment, or a registered outside-line apprenticeship.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the program’s algebra, aptitude, and physical requirements.
- Complete a pre-apprenticeship lineworker program or enter a registered apprenticeship with a participating contractor or utility.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit as required by the employer or apprenticeship.
- Complete training in pole climbing, distribution systems, transmission work, rigging, grounding, transformers, and electrical safety.
- Earn first-aid, CPR, OSHA, and equipment-operation qualifications.
- Complete paid supervised work hours and related classroom instruction to reach journey-level status.
Lineworker Training Providers in Tennessee
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Murfreesboro | Murfreesboro | View Program |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Oneida/Huntsville | Huntsville | View Program |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga | View Program |
| Cleveland State Community College | Cleveland | 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 Tennessee
Outside Line Apprenticeship
Organization: Southeastern Line Constructors Apprenticeship and Training
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee does not issue a separate statewide occupational license for utility lineworkers. Lineworkers typically qualify through utility or registered apprenticeship training. Contractor licensing and local electrical permits may apply to businesses, and a CDL is commonly required.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Tennessee
Tennessee projects employment to increase from approximately 6,110 lineworkers in 2024 to 7,240 in 2034. This represents 19% growth and approximately 610 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 Tennessee?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Tennessee is approximately $83,660 per year, or $40.22 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Tennessee require lineworker licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for lineworker workers in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 19% from 2024 to 2034, with about 610 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
- Tennessee Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Lineworker Wages
- Tennessee Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Lineworker Employment Trends
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Licensing authority. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors