Lineworker Career Guide in Texas
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Texas.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Texas
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 Texas complete utility lineworker training programs, electrical technology courses, or employer-sponsored apprenticeships. Training includes overhead and underground power systems, electrical distribution networks, pole climbing, transformers, transmission lines, equipment 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 Texas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Texas 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 Texas is approximately $15,000 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Texas
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 Texas
Texas lineworkers commonly complete a utility-, contractor-, or union-sponsored apprenticeship. Training covers overhead and underground distribution, climbing, rigging, grounding, transformers, protective equipment, energized-line procedures, and hurricane or storm restoration.
The employer must verify that workers are qualified for their assigned duties. Individuals or businesses independently performing work outside a utility exemption should confirm whether Texas electrical contractor, master electrician, or other licensing requirements apply.
Electrical Distribution Systems
Workers learn how electrical distribution networks operate, including power lines, transformers, substations, and utility equipment.
Pole Climbing & Line Construction
Training includes climbing techniques, bucket truck operation, pole installation, overhead line construction, and maintenance procedures.
Electrical Safety & High Voltage Training
Programs teach electrical hazards, grounding procedures, personal protective equipment, and safe work practices around energized systems.
Storm Restoration & Emergency Response
Lineworkers learn emergency repair techniques for restoring power after hurricanes, storms, and other disasters.
Transmission & Underground Systems
Training covers high-voltage transmission lines, underground electrical systems, cable installation, and utility infrastructure maintenance.
Lineworker Training Providers in Texas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Technical College | Waco | View Program |
| North Texas Electrical Training Center | Grand Prairie | View Program |
| South Plains College | Levelland | View Program |
| Austin Community College | Austin | View Program |
| Lone Star College | Houston Area | 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 Texas
Electrical Lineworker Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Northwest Lineman College
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Texas
Texas does not require a standalone statewide Lineworker license. However, electrical utility work must comply with Texas electrical safety regulations and utility industry standards. Lineworkers typically complete apprenticeship programs, employer training, and safety certifications. Many employers prefer candidates with OSHA safety training, CPR certification, and specialized utility lineworker training.
Texas does not issue a separate statewide occupational license that every utility lineworker must hold. Employees performing qualifying work for electric utilities or authorized utility contractors generally follow employer apprenticeship, supervision, qualification, and safety requirements.
Electrical contractor and electrician licensing may apply when work falls outside an applicable utility exemption. A CDL may be required for workers who operate bucket trucks, digger derricks, or other commercial vehicles.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Texas
Texas has excellent demand for Lineworkers due to rapid population growth, expanding electrical infrastructure, extreme weather events, renewable energy development, and ongoing utility grid modernization. Large utility networks operated by companies such as Oncor, CenterPoint Energy, and AEP Texas create strong employment opportunities across the state.
Texas projects employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers to increase from approximately 11,870 workers in 2022 to 13,570 workers in 2032, an increase of about 14%. The state projects approximately 1,130 openings per year.
Population growth, expansion of transmission and distribution capacity, grid-resilience projects, renewable-energy connections, hurricane restoration, and replacement of aging infrastructure may support demand.
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 Texas?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Texas is approximately $77,560 per year, or $37.29 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Texas require lineworker licensing?
Licensing or credential requirements for lineworker workers in Texas 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 Texas?
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 Texas?
Texas projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 14% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,130 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
- Texas Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Texas Lineworker Wages
- Texas Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Texas Lineworker Employment Trends
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Electricians Program — Licensing authority. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Electricians Program