Electrical Lineman Salary Guide and Career Resources

• Training and Experience: As with other skilled trades jobs, electrical linemen with more experience, training and certifications tend to have higher salaries. For instance, an entry-level or apprentice lineman may earn a salary in the range of $45,000 to $50,000 or more per year. However, with additional years of experience and training, a journeyman lineman could see their salary increase to $80,000 or more annually. Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics for estimates of the average salary of a electrical lineman of various skill levels and locations.

• Geographic Location: A journeyman lineman salary can be significantly impacted by the city and state that they live in. For example, certain areas with higher costs of living or increased demand for journeyman linemen may offer higher wages to attract and retain skilled journeyman utility lineman.

• Industry and Job Responsibilities: An electrical lineman typically works on high voltage transmission wires for the electrical utility industry. Working on high voltage transmission wires can be dangerous and requires advanced training and experience. Therefore, specific job responsibilities such as electrical lineman with leadership roles as project managers, crew leaders or foreman may allow a journeyman lineman to earn a higher salary due to the increased skill and certification requirement.

The following websites provide examples of the salary and benefits of a union journeyman lineman and apprentice lineman. Also, an electrical lineman apprentice typically receives pay increases as they progress through their apprenticeship program and become a journeyman lineman.

Ibew 1245 wage rates northern and central California and areas in Nevada - www.ibew1245.com

Ibew 611 wage rates New Mexico - www.ibew611.org

Ibew 309 wage rates Collinsville Illinois - www.ibew309.com

Northeastern Joint Apprenticeship and Training - www.neat1968.org

Visit the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Ibew) for more information on how to become a union apprentice outside lineman. www.ibew.org

• Education: The minimum requirement for entry into the utility lineman career field is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, completing training from a trade school or an utility lineman apprenticeship program can improve your ability in obtaining a rewarding utility lineman job. Furthermore, these structured training programs offer comprehensive training in reading blueprints, OSHA standards, safety procedures, high voltage transmission wiring, installing, repairing and maintaining electrical power systems. Therefore, completing an electrical lineman apprenticeship or attending a trade school can set you on the right path of an interesting and rewarding electrical lineman career.

• Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship: Joining a union lineman apprenticeship program is a common pathway for an entry level lineman apprentice. Also, these programs provide a structured combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training under the guidance of experienced union journeyman linemen. An electrical lineman apprenticeship program typically can last 4-5 years and provides valuable training and experience. For this reason, becoming an apprentice lineman is a great way to get started in a rewarding lineman job. For more information on how to become a union apprentice lineman visit the following website - www.ibew.org 

• Certifications: Obtaining certificates or licenses from successfully completing an apprenticeship or trade school program may be required for certain work locations. These credentials demonstrate proficiency and can open up additional opportunities for advancement and can increase a journeyman lineman salary.