Lineworker Career Guide in Wisconsin
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Wisconsin.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers dedicated electrical power-distribution education and registered lineworker apprenticeships. Programs include pole climbing, distribution construction, transformers, equipment operation, electrical theory, safety, and paid field experience.
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 Wisconsin
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is approximately $8,200 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin lineworkers generally enter the occupation through an electrical power-distribution program followed by a registered utility or outside-line apprenticeship.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent and meet apprenticeship algebra and physical requirements.
- Complete a lineworker technical program or enter a registered apprenticeship directly.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license or commercial learner’s permit when required.
- Complete supervised training in pole climbing, line construction, transformers, rigging, grounding, underground systems, and energized-work practices.
- Maintain first-aid, CPR, OSHA, and employer-required safety qualifications.
- Obtain an electrical credential if performing separately regulated premises-wiring work outside utility-line exemptions.
Lineworker Training Providers in Wisconsin
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay | View Program |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire | View Program |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee | View Program |
| Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton | 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 Wisconsin
Line Maintainer Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Outside Line Apprenticeship
Organization: American Line Builders Apprenticeship Training
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not issue a standalone statewide lineworker license for normal utility distribution and transmission work. Workers qualify through apprenticeship and employer training. Electrical credentials may apply to nonutility premises wiring, and a CDL is commonly required.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin projects approximately 5% growth for electrical power-line installers and repairers from 2024 to 2034, with about 210 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 Wisconsin?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Wisconsin is approximately $100,760 per year, or $48.44 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Wisconsin require lineworker licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for lineworker workers in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 210 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
- Wisconsin Wages for Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Lineworker Wages
- Wisconsin Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Lineworker Employment Trends
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Licensing authority. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services