Lineman
01
Keep the lights on for the whole country
Linemen build and repair the power lines that carry electricity from power plants to every home, hospital, and factory in America. You will climb poles, work from bucket trucks, string new cable, and replace transformers, often high above the ground and in all kinds of weather.
When storms knock out power, linemen are the crews who roll in and restore it, sometimes working long shifts far from home. Most start as apprentices with a utility or contractor and learn on the job over several years, earning while they train.
02
What it takes to build the trade
- Climbing and rigging.
- Working safely at height from poles, towers, and bucket trucks with harnesses and fall protection.
- Electrical knowledge.
- Understanding voltage, circuits, and grounding to work around energized lines without getting hurt.
- Physical stamina.
- Lifting heavy equipment and handling long storm-restoration shifts outdoors.
- Crew teamwork.
- Communicating clearly with your crew, because every job depends on everyone following the plan.
03
The numbers behind the opportunity
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, experience, and employer.
- $95,320
- Median annual wage, May 2025
- 10,900
- Projected openings each year, 2025–35
- 10.3%
- Projected employment growth, 2025–35
See where you stand
Take our skills assessment or upload your resume to see how your strengths map to a career in the trades.
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