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Skilled Trades
How to Become a Lineman
If you enjoy working outdoors, aren’t afraid of heights, and want a high-paying skilled trade with strong job security, becoming a lineworker could be the right move. And you don’t even need a college degree.
Electrical Lineworker Job Overview
Electrical lineworkers (also known as linemen) install, maintain, and repair the power lines that keep homes and businesses running. They work in all kinds of weather, often at heights or in bucket trucks, and play an invaluable role in restoring power to communities after storms or outages.
Job Duties
- Build and maintain overhead and underground power lines
- Install or replace poles, transformers, and other equipment
- Work with high-voltage systems and safety gear
- Respond to outages and emergencies
- Interpret technical diagrams and follow strict safety protocols
Salary Information
- Entry Level: $50,020
- Median Annual Salary: $92,560
- Experienced: $126,610
Get Trained
Becoming a lineman starts with formal training and on-the-job experience. You don’t need a college degree, but you do need the right foundation to work safely in this high-risk field.
Here’s how most people get started:
Attend a line school: These programs teach climbing, pole-top rescue, electrical theory, and hands-on skills. They typically take 3–6 months to complete.
Join an IBEW apprenticeship: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers paid apprenticeships that include classroom learning and thousands of hours of on-the-job training. This is one of the most respected paths in the trade.
Prepare physically: You’ll need strength, balance, and the ability to work at height. Some programs include fitness assessments as part of the application.
Tip: Many employers prefer candidates who already hold an Unrestricted CDL, OSHA 10 Construction, or OSHA 10 ET&D card before applying. Your trade school or apprenticeship can help you earn these certifications.
Resources for Your Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a lineman?
Most lineworkers start by attending a line school or entering an IBEW apprenticeship. From there, you’ll complete classroom training and log thousands of hours in the field.
Do you need a degree to become a lineworker?
No. Most employers look for candidates with line school experience, a CDL, and safety certifications, not a college degree.
How long does it take to become a lineman?
Line schools typically take 3–6 months. Apprenticeships can take 3–4 years but are paid and often lead directly to full-time work.
What’s the difference between a lineman and a lineworker?
They’re the same job: “lineman” is the traditional term, while “lineworker” is now more commonly used to be gender-inclusive.
Is being a lineworker dangerous?
It can be. That’s why safety training and certifications like OSHA 10 and fall protection are so important. You’ll learn how to manage risk and use proper gear to stay safe.
Are there union and non-union paths into the trade?
Yes, but union apprenticeships—especially through the IBEW—are widely recognized, offer strong pay and benefits, and prepare you to work anywhere in the U.S.
Get Certified
Lineman Certifications
Unrestricted commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Required by many employers so you can operate large trucks and equipment on job sites.
OSHA 10 Construction
Covers job site safety essentials and is often required for apprenticeships or job sites.
OSHA 10 ET&D
A more specialized OSHA card focused on electrical safety in utility environments. Often required for utility work.
