Utilities
Lineworker / Utility Technician
Lineworkers (also called utility technicians) are tough, safety-focused, and hands-on people who enjoy working with electricity and heights. This role suits reliable individuals who like outdoor physical work and critical infrastructure. You should be strong, alert, and committed to safety. No college degree is needed. It’s an excellent career for job seekers wanting high-paying, stable work in an essential industry with strong job security.
Median wage
$45.83/hr
Physical demands
high
Drug test
Yes
National wages & job outlook
National figures for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers, shown as published by the source below.
Entry (10th–25th pct)
$24.74–$32.34/hr
Median
$45.83/hr
Experienced (75th–90th pct)
$52.76–$61.87/hr
Projected openings / year
10,700
+7% growth, 2024–2034
Wage data: 2025. National figures; local pay varies.
Source: CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Starting requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Good physical fitness and ability to work at heights
- Valid driver’s license (often CDL)
- Clean background and drug screening
- Strong safety mindset and willingness to train
Training structure
Training usually starts with a 4 to 5-year paid apprenticeship through unions or utility companies. Programs combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience in climbing, electrical systems, safety, and line maintenance. Many include pre-apprenticeship boot camps to help you get started.
Top credentials
- Lineworker Certification
- CDL Class B
- OSHA 30
- First Aid / CPR
Licenses & certifications
Licenses are state-specific and certifications vary by specialty. Look up the exact ones for this path in your state.
Open the license & certification finderAdvancement path
Entry: Lineworker apprentice
Mid-Level: Journeyman lineworker
Advanced: Crew foreman, supervisor, trainer, or substation specialist
With experience, you can reach high earnings and leadership positions in a vital field.
Typical employers
Electric utilities, public works departments, co-ops, contractors
A day in the life
You begin with safety briefings and equipment checks. Your day may include climbing poles or using bucket trucks to install or repair power lines, restoring service after storms, and performing maintenance. The work is outdoor, team-based, and physically active. You finish knowing you helped keep electricity flowing for homes and communities.