Lineworker
Builds and repairs the power lines and equipment that carry electricity to homes and businesses.
Market pay — 65,740–126,610 USD/yr.
People who aren't afraid of heights or rough weather, work carefully as a team, and know electricity isn't to be trifled with.
A day in the life
Climbs poles or works from a bucket, strings and connects cables, replaces gear, and restores power after faults.
Who it fits
People who aren't afraid of heights or rough weather, work carefully as a team, and know electricity isn't to be trifled with.
Try it in a week
- Watch 2–3 “a day in the life of a Lineworker” videos to see the real day-to-day, not the job-post version. ↗
- Take a free intro course to find out whether the topic clicks before you spend money or time on it. ↗
- Find someone doing it on LinkedIn or an industry group and ask 5 pointed questions: the daily grind, the money, and how they got in.
- Do a small real job at home from a video guide — fix, build, or install something with your own hands. ↗
How to get there
- Aug Build your college list and start your essays (summer before senior year)
- Oct FAFSA opens (typically Oct 1) - apply for federal financial aid
- Nov Early Action / Early Decision deadlines (many schools)
- Jan Regular Decision deadlines (often Jan 1-15)
- Mar Admission decisions arrive (mid-March to early April)
- May National College Decision Day - commit and pay your deposit
Approximate pathways. Requirements and test policies vary by state and school - always verify on the college's or program's official site.
Frequently asked
How much does a Lineworker earn?
65,740–126,610 USD/yr — BLS. This is the middle band of the market: a beginner usually sits closer to the lower end, an experienced specialist closer to the top. A lot also depends on where you are. ~124k jobs in the US (BLS OEWS, May 2024)
How do you become a Lineworker?
Most often through these fields: Electrical Lineworker. See specific programs and requirements in the “How to get there” section below.
Who is this profession a good fit for?
People who aren't afraid of heights or rough weather, work carefully as a team, and know electricity isn't to be trifled with.