lineman salary
Lineman salary in the US typically ranges from about mid‑$50,000s to well over $100,000 per year , with recent averages clustering around the high‑$70,000s to low‑$80,000s, depending on source, location, and experience. Overtime, storm work, and working in high‑demand regions can push total compensation into the low‑ to mid‑$100,000s for many experienced linemen.
What a lineman earns today
- Several 2025 salary trackers put average lineman pay around $78,000–$82,000 per year (about $38–$41/hour) across the United States.
- Reported ranges commonly run from about $53,000 for entry‑level to $110,000+ for experienced linemen , not counting unusually high overtime seasons.
- Some sites list slightly lower averages (around $69,000), which reflects how strongly region, union presence, and type of employer affect the numbers.
Pay by experience level
- Apprentice lineman : Often start near the low‑$50,000s per year, with step increases as they progress through the apprenticeship.
- Journeyman lineman : Frequently earn in the mid‑$80,000s or higher , with total pay boosted significantly by overtime and call‑outs.
- Highly experienced / specialty roles : With heavy storm work, travel, or high‑voltage specialties, annual income can reach or exceed $115,000 and, in some cases, around $120,000.
Where linemen earn the most
- Top‑paying states often include Hawaii, Alaska, Massachusetts, California, and New York , where listed averages for linemen cluster roughly from the high‑$90,000s to just over $105,000 per year.
- In some high‑cost or high‑risk regions, average hourly pay in the low‑$40s to mid‑$40s is common, while states with lower costs of living may fall closer to the low‑$30s per hour.
- State income tax also matters: in places like Alaska, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming , linemen may keep more of what they earn because there is no state income tax.
| Lineman role / region | Typical annual pay (approx.) | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice lineman (US) | $52,000–$56,000/year | [3]Earns less but often gets substantial overtime and structured raises. | [3]
| Average lineman (national) | $78,000–$82,000/year | [5][3]Roughly $38–$40/hour before overtime. | [5][3]
| Journeyman lineman | $85,000–$90,000+/year | [1][3]Higher base plus frequent overtime and call‑outs. | [1][3]
| Top earners (US) | Up to ~$119,500/year | [7]Usually travel, storm restoration, or high‑demand specialties. | [7]
| High‑pay states (e.g., HI, AK) | ~$100,000–$106,000/year | [3]Higher cost of living; strong utility and construction demand. | [3]
Why lineman salaries are high
- The work is physically demanding and hazardous , involving high voltage, height, bad weather, and emergency call‑outs.
- Long shifts during storms (often nights, holidays, and 60–80‑hour weeks) can dramatically raise annual income through overtime and double‑time.
- The trade requires specialized training and certification, and utilities and contractors pay more to attract and retain experienced linemen in a tight labor market.
Many linemen describe the job as “great money, but you earn every penny when the storms hit,” highlighting the trade‑off between income and lifestyle.
TL;DR: A lineman salary today is generally strong: expect around $80k per year on average , with a realistic path into the $100k+ range if you reach journeyman level, work plenty of overtime, or base yourself in top‑paying states.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
