How to become a lineman

1. 1Finish high school with algebra

   Time: 4 years (high school)Sources 1

   Apprenticeship programs commonly ask for a diploma or GED and at least a year of algebra, and some employers like to see trigonometry. Physics, electricity or shop classes help with the electrical theory you will study later. Staying in good physical shape matters too, since you will need to climb, lift heavy gear and work long days outdoors. Many programs also require a drug screen.

2. 2Get a commercial driver's license

   Time: A few weeks to a few monthsCost: Varies by stateSources 2, 3, 1

   Line crews drive heavy trucks, so most employers want a CDL, often Class A, before or soon after hiring. Federal rules require you to be 21 to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines; most states issue CDLs at 18 for driving within the state. First-time Class A or B applicants must complete entry-level driver training from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before taking the skills test.

3. 3Consider a pre-apprentice lineworker program

   Time: Up to 1 yearCost: $4,277/yr median public in-state tuitionSources 1, 5

   Community colleges and line schools offer certificate programs, and some associate degrees, covering electrical theory, line construction, climbing, rigging and pole-top and bucket rescue. They are not required, but they help you pass climbing tests and stand out when utilities and contractors hire apprentices. Many include CDL training. Ask whether graduates actually get hired into apprenticeships before you pay.

4. 4Get hired as a groundman or apprentice

   Time: Varies; openings can be competitiveCost: Paid workSources 1, 4

   Utilities, line contractors and joint union-employer programs hire apprentices. Expect an aptitude test, a climbing or physical ability test and a drug screen. Many people start as a groundman, loading trucks, digging, rigging and handing up material, while waiting for an apprenticeship slot. Search registered programs on Apprenticeship.gov and check local utilities and contractors directly.

5. 5Complete the line apprenticeship

   Time: About 3-4 yearsCost: Paid; wages rise in stepsSources 1, 4, 7

   Apprentices work on a crew under journeymen while taking classroom instruction in electrical theory, safety rules, rigging, grounding and line construction. You move from de-energized work to energized work, and from distribution lines toward more complex jobs, with wage increases as your skills progress. Programs typically test your knowledge and skills before you are classed as a journeyman lineman who can work without close supervision.

6. 6Work as a journeyman and specialize

   Time: OngoingSources 1

   Journeyman linemen work independently on crews and can move into specialties such as transmission, underground, substation or live-line barehand work. Experienced linemen become crew foremen, trainers or safety specialists. Some travel with contractors for storm and construction work; others stay with one utility for steady hours. Keep your CDL, medical card and employer safety training current.

Programs, tuition and graduates’ earnings

U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (most recent cohorts, released 2026-10-15). Scorecard groups programs by 4-digit field, so a row can include related programs. Tuition is the median published undergraduate tuition and fees of the colleges offering the program (shown only for undergraduate credentials); debt is the median of programs’ median federal loan debt at completion; earnings are the national median for the field and credential four years after completion.

Requirements differ by state. Check your state’s rules in the CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor) before you enroll.

Comfort at heights

Much of the job is done near the top of a pole, tower or bucket boom, often in wind or rain.

Safety discipline

One skipped step, such as a missing ground or a glove not tested, can mean electrocution, so linemen follow procedures every time.

Physical strength and stamina

Climbing with tools, pulling conductor and working long storm shifts take real fitness.

Electrical knowledge

You need to understand transformers, phasing, voltage and fault current to restore power without creating new hazards.

Color vision

Wires, tags and markings are color coded, and misreading them can lead to dangerous mistakes.

Crew teamwork

Groundmen, linemen and the foreman depend on each other for rigging, switching and rescue, so clear communication keeps everyone alive.

O*NET 31.0 rates these skills as most important for the occupation: active listening, monitoring, critical thinking, reading comprehension, active learning.

Training cost

$0–$4.3K

Before financial aid

Time

3-5 years to journeyman

Typical path

Median pay

$95,320

All US jobs: $50,980

Payback once qualified

Under 1 year

Pay above the all-jobs median vs. cost

Low: an employer or union apprenticeship is paid on-the-job training, so tuition can be zero if you are hired directly. High: 1 year x College Scorecard median public in-state tuition for electrical and power transmission installer certificate programs, $4,277. Not included: CDL training and state CDL fees, which vary by state, climbing gear and boots, and living costs while in school.

Rough guide only: ignores taxes, aid, interest and earnings given up during training. How we calculate it.

• Line foreman or crew leader

  Experienced journeymen who show judgment and leadership are promoted to run crews, plan jobs and handle safety briefings.

• Lineman trainer or safety specialist

  Senior linemen teach apprentices or move into utility safety roles, sometimes with added safety certifications.

• Electrician$63,190 median

  Requires a separate electrical apprenticeship and, in most states, an electrician license, since building wiring falls under different rules than utility lines.

• Utility supervisor or operations manager

  Usually takes years as a foreman; an associate or bachelor's degree helps for management roles.