Electrical linemen in the US earn $82,340 on average — with storm chasers and overtime warriors regularly earning $150,000-$250,000+.
Average Lineman Salary in 2026
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average salary | $82,340 |
| Median salary | $78,310 |
| Entry level (groundman) | $40,000-$55,000 |
| Apprentice | $55,000-$75,000 |
| Journeyman | $80,000-$120,000 |
| Hourly rate | $39.59 |
Note: These figures don’t include overtime, which can add $30,000-$100,000+ annually for many linemen.
Lineman Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Years | Base Salary | With OT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groundman/Helper | 0-1 | $40,000-$55,000 | $50,000-$70,000 |
| 1st Year Apprentice | 1-2 | $50,000-$62,000 | $65,000-$85,000 |
| 2nd Year Apprentice | 2-3 | $58,000-$72,000 | $75,000-$100,000 |
| 3rd Year Apprentice | 3-4 | $68,000-$82,000 | $90,000-$120,000 |
| Journeyman Lineman | 4+ | $85,000-$120,000 | $120,000-$200,000+ |
| Foreman | 7+ | $100,000-$140,000 | $140,000-$220,000 |
Lineman Salary by State
| State | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $111,600 | $53.65 | +36% |
| Alaska | $105,200 | $50.58 | +28% |
| New York | $102,800 | $49.42 | +25% |
| Massachusetts | $98,400 | $47.31 | +20% |
| Illinois | $96,700 | $46.49 | +17% |
| Oregon | $95,200 | $45.77 | +16% |
| Connecticut | $94,800 | $45.58 | +15% |
| Washington | $93,500 | $44.95 | +14% |
| New Jersey | $92,100 | $44.28 | +12% |
| Nevada | $90,800 | $43.65 | +10% |
| Texas | $78,500 | $37.74 | -5% |
| Florida | $72,400 | $34.81 | -12% |
| Georgia | $70,200 | $33.75 | -15% |
| Mississippi | $65,800 | $31.63 | -20% |
Lineman Salary by Employer Type
| Employer Type | Base Salary | Total w/OT | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor-Owned Utility | $90,000 | $130,000+ | Excellent |
| Municipal Utility | $85,000 | $115,000+ | Excellent |
| Electric Cooperative | $80,000 | $110,000+ | Good |
| Contractor (Union) | $95,000 | $150,000+ | Good |
| Contractor (Non-Union) | $75,000 | $120,000+ | Varies |
Storm Work and Overtime
Storm restoration is where linemen make exceptional money:
| Storm Type | Duration | Typical OT Pay | Total Storm Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local outage | 1-2 days | $1,000-$3,000 | Add to base |
| Major storm | 1-2 weeks | $8,000-$20,000 | Per event |
| Hurricane | 2-4 weeks | $25,000-$60,000 | Per event |
| Ice storm | 1-3 weeks | $15,000-$40,000 | Per event |
“Storm chasers” who travel for restoration work can earn $200,000-$300,000+ in bad weather years.
Annual Earnings Examples
| Scenario | Base | OT/Storm | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steady utility job, minimal OT | $90,000 | $15,000 | $105,000 |
| Active utility with regular OT | $90,000 | $40,000 | $130,000 |
| Contractor, moderate travel | $95,000 | $60,000 | $155,000 |
| Storm chaser, heavy travel | $95,000 | $100,000+ | $195,000+ |
How to Become a Lineman
| Step | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma/GED | — | — |
| Line school (optional but helpful) | 10-15 weeks | $8,000-$20,000 |
| CDL Class A | 2-4 weeks | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Groundman position | 6 months-2 years | Paid ($20-26/hour) |
| Apprenticeship | 3-4 years | Paid ($25-40/hour) |
| Journeyman certification | Test after apprenticeship | $200-$500 |
Physical requirements:
- Climb 40+ foot poles
- Lift 50-80 lbs regularly
- Work in extreme weather
- No fear of heights
- Pass drug tests
Lineman Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% growth for electrical power-line installers through 2032 — faster than average.
Major demand drivers:
- Grid modernization
- Renewable energy connections
- EV charging infrastructure
- Aging workforce retirements
- Storm damage (climate change)
- Undergrounding projects
Union Representation
Most linemen are represented by unions:
- IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers)
- UWUA (Utility Workers Union of America)
Union linemen earn 20-40% more than non-union with superior benefits.
Risks and Challenges
Linework is one of the most dangerous jobs in America:
- Electrocution risk (high voltage)
- Falls from heights
- Extreme weather work
- Traffic hazards
- Heavy physical demands
- Long hours during emergencies
The danger premium is reflected in high wages.
How to Maximize Lineman Earnings
- Complete an apprenticeship — IBEW or utility-sponsored
- Get your CDL — Required for most positions
- Be willing to climb — Field work pays more than substation
- Take storm calls — Where the big money is
- Consider traveling — Contractor linemen earn more
- Work for investor-owned utilities — Generally highest base pay
- Move to high-cost states — CA, NY, MA pay 20-35% more
Related Salaries
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, IBEW wage data, utility surveys, job posting analysis. Updated March 2026.