As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Lineman in the United States is $87,938 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Lineman's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lineman's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lineman's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lineman Apprentice | 0-1 years | $62,972 |
| Lineman | 1-3 years | $87,938 |
| Lineman, Senior | 3-5 years | $107,553 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Linemans. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 4.01% |
| Housekeeping | 4.01% |
| Foodservice | 2.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Safety Standards
|
$90,576 |
3%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$89,697 |
2%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$89,697 |
2%
|
|
Planning
|
$89,697 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$88,817 |
1%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$88,817 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Linemans enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Lineman with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $91,592 and $95,035).
Lineman Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 66.7% |
| High School | 66.7% |
| Associates | 33.3% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Lineman's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a Lineman, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lineman, Senior role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,553 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Lineman can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $71,596 in 2023 to around $70,925 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lineman salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $71,596 |
| 2024 | $71,503 |
| 2025 | $70,925 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Lineman and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Lineman's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Lineman earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Lineman is $110,916.
The highest pay for Lineman is $101,663.
The lowest pay for Lineman is $67,313.
Constructs, maintains, and repairs overhead and underground transmission lines. Performs site preparation tasks, including digging holes or trenches, installing anchors, climbing poles, and using equipment like digger derricks, aerial lifts, pulling and tensioning equipment, forklifts, and dump trucks. Installs wire and cable. Follows all safety regulations and procedures. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires a valid Driver's License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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