Lineman salary
BLS occupation: Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers · also called power-line installer · Installation, maintenance and repair · data for May 2025
Median salary $95,320 a year, US
Median hourly pay $45.83 an hour
Middle half earn $67,270–$109,740 25th to 75th percentile
Linemen employed 131,070 +10.3% projected by 2035
How much does a lineman make?
- The median lineman salary in the US is $95,320 a year ($45.83 an hour): half of the 131,070 linemen BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $91,970.
- The middle half earn between $67,270 and $109,740. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $51,470 and the top 10% more than $128,690.
- That is 87% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Hawaii pays linemen the most (median $134,340), followed by Washington ($133,060) and Oregon ($131,090). Arizona pays the least ($75,420).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Idaho, where the median is worth $131,328 in typical US prices, then Oregon and Washington. Hawaii's higher pay is offset by its prices (110.0 vs a US average of 100).
- In 246 of the 258 metro areas with data, the median lineman salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of linemen to grow 10.3% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 10,900 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what linemen are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Lineman salary range
Half of linemen earn between $67,270 and $109,740 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $51,470
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $67,270
Median Yearly pay: $95,320
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $109,740
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $128,690
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $51,470 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $67,270 |
| Median | $95,320 |
| Top 25% earn over | $109,740 |
| Top 10% earn over | $128,690 |
Lineman salary by state
Hawaii pays linemen the most; Arizona the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($95,320), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $134,340 median |
| Washington | $133,060 median |
| Oregon | $131,090 median |
| California | $129,040 median |
| Connecticut | $126,850 median |
| Idaho | $125,410 median |
| New Jersey | $121,580 median |
| New York | $121,280 median |
| Montana | $110,320 median |
| Massachusetts | $110,210 median |
| Vermont | $108,520 median |
| Illinois | $108,120 median |
| Michigan | $106,890 median |
| Pennsylvania | $106,230 median |
| Maryland | $106,090 median |
| North Dakota | $105,870 median |
| Wisconsin | $105,820 median |
| Rhode Island | $104,620 median |
| Minnesota | $104,180 median |
| Colorado | $103,980 median |
| New Hampshire | $102,170 median |
| Indiana | $102,040 median |
| Kansas | $101,620 median |
| District of Columbia | $101,240 median |
| Utah | $101,220 median |
| Iowa | $100,200 median |
| South Dakota | $97,310 median |
| Delaware | $97,180 median |
| Nevada | $96,560 median |
| Missouri | $96,360 median |
| Wyoming | $93,860 median |
| Ohio | $93,150 median |
| Alaska | $92,470 median |
| Nebraska | $92,150 median |
| Alabama | $92,030 median |
| Florida | $86,870 median |
| West Virginia | $83,810 median |
| Tennessee | $83,660 median |
| Maine | $83,090 median |
| Arkansas | $81,450 median |
| Georgia | $80,080 median |
| Texas | $78,940 median |
| North Carolina | $77,270 median |
| Kentucky | $77,020 median |
| South Carolina | $76,870 median |
| Virginia | $76,590 median |
| New Mexico | $76,470 median |
| Louisiana | $76,410 median |
| Oklahoma | $76,010 median |
| Mississippi | $75,890 median |
| Arizona | $75,420 median |
Where lineman pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Linemen' pay goes furthest in Idaho once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Idaho | $131,328 |
| Oregon | $126,827 |
| Washington | $124,340 |
| Connecticut | $122,430 |
| Hawaii | $122,182 |
| North Dakota | $119,010 |
| Montana | $116,562 |
| California | $116,546 |
| Iowa | $114,172 |
| Kansas | $112,826 |
Lineman pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $134,340 | $64.59 | $81,120 | $144,170 | 600 | $122,182 |
| Washington | $133,060 | $63.97 | $80,640 | $147,810 | 2,340 | $124,340 |
| Oregon | $131,090 | $63.02 | $77,330 | $153,860 | 1,640 | $126,827 |
| California | $129,040 | $62.04 | $77,350 | $167,090 | 8,930 | $116,546 |
| Connecticut | $126,850 | $60.99 | $46,960 | $135,730 | 940 | $122,430 |
| Idaho | $125,410 | $60.29 | $75,770 | $131,140 | 860 | $131,328 |
| New Jersey | $121,580 | $58.45 | $81,470 | $126,350 | 1,310 | $111,741 |
| New York | $121,280 | $58.31 | $58,740 | $141,160 | 5,840 | $112,378 |
| Montana | $110,320 | $53.04 | $73,220 | $125,010 | 680 | $116,562 |
| Massachusetts | $110,210 | $52.99 | $81,470 | $127,620 | 2,350 | $104,211 |
| Vermont | $108,520 | $52.17 | $89,450 | $125,680 | 270 | $110,782 |
| Illinois | $108,120 | $51.98 | $72,820 | $129,230 | 3,090 | $108,165 |
| Michigan | $106,890 | $51.39 | $65,480 | $131,570 | 2,800 | $111,093 |
| Pennsylvania | $106,230 | $51.07 | $64,550 | $122,510 | 4,150 | $108,873 |
| Maryland | $106,090 | $51.00 | $62,160 | $124,750 | 1,830 | $101,078 |
| North Dakota | $105,870 | $50.90 | $61,020 | $121,990 | 740 | $119,010 |
| Wisconsin | $105,820 | $50.88 | $58,330 | $119,850 | 2,520 | $112,461 |
| Rhode Island | $104,620 | $50.30 | $72,710 | $125,200 | 120 | $102,288 |
| Minnesota | $104,180 | $50.09 | $78,390 | $122,110 | 2,190 | $105,637 |
| Colorado | $103,980 | $49.99 | $59,170 | $131,360 | 2,370 | $100,901 |
| New Hampshire | $102,170 | $49.12 | $67,030 | $126,870 | 560 | $98,085 |
| Indiana | $102,040 | $49.06 | $53,290 | $116,720 | 2,540 | $109,334 |
| Kansas | $101,620 | $48.86 | $50,510 | $122,970 | 1,610 | $112,826 |
| District of Columbia | $101,240 | $48.67 | $67,750 | $132,900 | 150 | $92,119 |
| Utah | $101,220 | $48.66 | $49,380 | $124,180 | 1,030 | $102,383 |
| Iowa | $100,200 | $48.17 | $65,310 | $109,980 | 1,390 | $114,172 |
| South Dakota | $97,310 | $46.78 | $63,840 | $118,530 | 740 | $109,848 |
| Delaware | $97,180 | $46.72 | $48,570 | $119,790 | 330 | $97,367 |
| Nevada | $96,560 | $46.42 | $65,000 | $134,930 | 920 | $96,580 |
| Missouri | $96,360 | $46.33 | $59,900 | $115,740 | 3,440 | $106,103 |
| Wyoming | $93,860 | $45.13 | $49,820 | $119,810 | 670 | $101,261 |
| Ohio | $93,150 | $44.78 | $58,840 | $111,760 | 4,260 | $100,405 |
| Alaska | $92,470 | $44.46 | $52,040 | $139,750 | 490 | $90,339 |
| Nebraska | $92,150 | $44.30 | $52,930 | $118,040 | 1,490 | $102,272 |
| Alabama | $92,030 | $44.25 | $44,150 | $105,400 | 2,730 | $103,611 |
| Florida | $86,870 | $41.76 | $50,690 | $109,300 | 6,420 | $84,002 |
| West Virginia | $83,810 | $40.29 | $47,760 | $115,350 | 1,260 | $93,646 |
| Tennessee | $83,660 | $40.22 | $58,240 | $105,000 | 3,900 | $91,063 |
| Maine | $83,090 | $39.95 | $52,190 | $121,950 | 1,160 | $85,616 |
| Arkansas | $81,450 | $39.16 | $51,150 | $115,120 | 1,510 | $93,689 |
| Georgia | $80,080 | $38.50 | $50,440 | $116,900 | 4,960 | $83,163 |
| Texas | $78,940 | $37.95 | $46,760 | $107,550 | 17,280 | $81,334 |
| North Carolina | $77,270 | $37.15 | $48,180 | $105,430 | 5,650 | $81,918 |
| Kentucky | $77,020 | $37.03 | $47,770 | $102,400 | 2,930 | $85,427 |
| South Carolina | $76,870 | $36.96 | $48,890 | $102,860 | 2,690 | $81,996 |
| Virginia | $76,590 | $36.82 | $49,520 | $106,860 | 2,920 | $75,754 |
| New Mexico | $76,470 | $36.76 | $46,640 | $105,590 | 1,020 | $82,928 |
| Louisiana | $76,410 | $36.74 | $46,200 | $117,990 | 2,520 | $86,626 |
| Oklahoma | $76,010 | $36.54 | $48,630 | $117,020 | 3,290 | $86,529 |
| Mississippi | $75,890 | $36.49 | $45,620 | $98,200 | 2,290 | $87,277 |
| Arizona | $75,420 | $36.26 | $48,760 | $124,300 | 3,360 | $74,913 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Lineman salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes lineman pay: 259 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $157,620
- Eugene, OR $140,270
- San Francisco, CA $137,180
- Olympia, WA $135,450
- Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY $135,400
- Portland, OR $135,300
- Honolulu, HI $135,080
- El Centro, CA $134,950
- Salem, OR $134,500
- Fresno, CA $134,150
Where the pay goes furthest
- Pocatello, ID $143,635
- San Jose, CA $142,742
- El Centro, CA $141,793
- Lewiston, ID $139,162
- Eugene, OR $138,105
- Binghamton, NY $136,944
- Utica, NY $133,473
- Fresno, CA $131,316
- Grand Forks, ND $131,198
- Olympia, WA $130,655
All 259 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $157,620 | 300 | $142,742 | 29% |
| Eugene, OR | $140,270 | 120 | $138,105 | 15% |
| San Francisco, CA | $137,180 | 770 | $118,654 | 30% |
| Olympia, WA | $135,450 | 50 | $130,655 | 18% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $135,400 | 240 | $123,741 | 20% |
| Portland, OR | $135,300 | 810 | $128,343 | 16% |
| Honolulu, HI | $135,080 | 450 | $121,736 | 27% |
| El Centro, CA | $134,950 | 40 | $141,793 | 16% |
| Salem, OR | $134,500 | 180 | $129,765 | 15% |
| Fresno, CA | $134,150 | 230 | $131,316 | 18% |
| Seattle, WA | $134,150 | 1,010 | $120,711 | 20% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $133,220 | 40 | $129,079 | 17% |
| Kahului, HI | $132,370 | – | $121,004 | 29% |
| Bend, OR | $132,010 | 80 | $127,414 | 20% |
| Oxnard, CA | $131,050 | 200 | $118,561 | 27% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $130,440 | 2,140 | $114,858 | 27% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $130,080 | 130 | $121,725 | 27% |
| Riverside, CA | $128,750 | 1,580 | $120,958 | 24% |
| Albany, OR | $128,690 | 40 | $126,043 | 15% |
| Boulder, CO | $128,300 | 40 | $121,956 | 21% |
| Medford, OR | $128,030 | 50 | $126,221 | 17% |
| Pocatello, ID | $127,700 | 30 | $143,635 | 10% |
| Albany, NY | $127,580 | 460 | $128,136 | 16% |
| Spokane, WA | $127,490 | 210 | $127,050 | 14% |
| Binghamton, NY | $127,170 | 100 | $136,944 | 15% |
| Sacramento, CA | $127,160 | 650 | $119,209 | 21% |
| Lewiston, ID | $126,860 | 30 | $139,162 | 14% |
| Boise, ID | $126,840 | 340 | $128,914 | 18% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $126,670 | 280 | $125,558 | 17% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $125,890 | 90 | $128,076 | 17% |
| Syracuse, NY | $124,970 | 250 | $130,528 | 16% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $124,110 | 100 | $119,503 | 17% |
| Utica, NY | $123,700 | 120 | $133,473 | 14% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $123,650 | 170 | $113,862 | 27% |
| Chicago, IL | $123,430 | 1,830 | $119,147 | 21% |
| Reno, NV | $122,890 | 130 | $121,656 | 20% |
| New York, NY | $122,480 | 3,850 | $108,810 | 35% |
| Longview, WA | $122,240 | 60 | $125,317 | 14% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $121,260 | 440 | $120,217 | 16% |
| San Diego, CA | $120,870 | 740 | $108,029 | 29% |
| Yakima, WA | $119,850 | 30 | $125,438 | 14% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $119,460 | 1,420 | $116,485 | 19% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $116,570 | 50 | $122,094 | 18% |
| Worcester, MA | $116,460 | 380 | $113,594 | 22% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $114,820 | 90 | $113,539 | 21% |
| Hartford, CT | $114,640 | 400 | $111,576 | 21% |
| Casper, WY | $114,170 | 60 | $121,679 | 15% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $113,700 | 70 | $131,198 | 12% |
| Providence, RI | $113,120 | 190 | $111,149 | 23% |
| Vallejo, CA | $112,990 | 360 | $104,158 | 26% |
| Boston, MA | $111,490 | 1,550 | $102,978 | 32% |
| Pueblo, CO | $110,290 | 90 | $120,191 | 14% |
| Lawrence, KS | $110,180 | 30 | $122,093 | 17% |
| Buffalo, NY | $109,350 | 270 | $114,092 | 16% |
| Canton, OH | $109,300 | 90 | $122,251 | 13% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $109,220 | 40 | $110,483 | 23% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $109,000 | 530 | $112,444 | 17% |
| Traverse City, MI | $108,970 | 60 | $116,705 | 20% |
| Topeka, KS | $108,720 | 300 | $122,405 | 14% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $108,660 | 80 | $115,091 | 16% |
| Billings, MT | $108,200 | 70 | $115,690 | 15% |
| Wheeling, WV | $108,060 | 140 | $122,346 | 10% |
| Green Bay, WI | $108,000 | 130 | $116,022 | 12% |
| Allentown, PA | $107,500 | 300 | $107,534 | 21% |
| La Crosse, WI | $107,420 | 110 | $117,055 | 15% |
| Norwich, CT | $107,410 | 40 | $106,934 | 23% |
| Appleton, WI | $107,370 | 160 | $116,177 | 13% |
| Baltimore, MD | $107,170 | 930 | $102,568 | 22% |
| Little Rock, AR | $106,960 | 350 | $119,690 | 14% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $106,860 | 180 | $106,110 | 20% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $106,840 | 1,130 | $101,925 | 19% |
| Springfield, IL | $106,630 | 80 | $114,971 | 14% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $105,590 | 1,030 | $111,534 | 17% |
| Rochester, MN | $105,440 | 80 | $116,096 | 18% |
| York, PA | $105,340 | 120 | $109,729 | 16% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $105,300 | 650 | $110,036 | 17% |
| Rochester, NY | $105,110 | 310 | $108,322 | 17% |
| Fargo, ND | $104,920 | 100 | $115,460 | 13% |
| Bismarck, ND | $104,800 | 90 | $115,134 | 15% |
| Watertown, NY | $104,410 | 50 | $119,067 | 17% |
| Detroit, MI | $104,360 | 860 | $104,050 | 17% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $104,220 | 30 | $113,724 | 13% |
| Madison, WI | $104,220 | 360 | $107,126 | 20% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $104,030 | 170 | $108,879 | 19% |
| North Port, FL | $104,020 | 180 | $101,565 | 24% |
| St. Louis, MO | $103,960 | 910 | $109,330 | 16% |
| South Bend, IN | $103,790 | 130 | $111,773 | 15% |
| Janesville, WI | $103,560 | 60 | $110,519 | 15% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $103,550 | 40 | $111,429 | 15% |
| Manhattan, KS | $103,540 | 50 | $114,838 | 15% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $103,080 | 100 | $115,868 | 14% |
| The Villages, FL | $103,060 | 140 | $120,645 | 20% |
| Iowa City, IA | $103,000 | 40 | $112,557 | 20% |
| Wichita, KS | $102,920 | 200 | $115,711 | 14% |
| Waterloo, IA | $102,680 | 50 | $117,946 | 12% |
| Gainesville, FL | $102,650 | 110 | $106,117 | 19% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $102,600 | 130 | $113,206 | 15% |
| Birmingham, AL | $102,470 | 490 | $111,813 | 16% |
| Mobile, AL | $102,380 | 140 | $116,211 | 15% |
| Sioux City, IA | $102,340 | 90 | $118,375 | 15% |
| Des Moines, IA | $102,230 | 200 | $111,482 | 15% |
| Omaha, NE | $101,960 | 370 | $110,933 | 16% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $101,810 | 100 | $109,979 | 15% |
| Kansas City, MO | $101,740 | 980 | $109,938 | 18% |
| Duluth, MN | $101,660 | 170 | $114,523 | 16% |
| Springfield, MA | $101,540 | 190 | $105,704 | 23% |
| Deltona, FL | $101,460 | 100 | $102,106 | 21% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $100,340 | 90 | $116,158 | 12% |
| Manchester, NH | $100,210 | 80 | $94,845 | 26% |
| Ames, IA | $100,170 | 40 | $112,766 | 14% |
| Niles, MI | $99,850 | 60 | $108,098 | 17% |
| Montgomery, AL | $99,800 | 140 | $111,282 | 17% |
| Knoxville, TN | $99,780 | 440 | $107,790 | 21% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $99,650 | 50 | $115,767 | 12% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $99,470 | 80 | $113,509 | 15% |
| Mankato, MN | $99,170 | 40 | $109,032 | 15% |
| Greeley, CO | $99,010 | 200 | $98,836 | 20% |
| Anniston, AL | $98,840 | 60 | $114,998 | 12% |
| Lawton, OK | $98,840 | 40 | $115,009 | 14% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $98,720 | 110 | $107,254 | 19% |
| Dover, DE | $98,590 | 40 | $101,111 | 22% |
| Lakeland, FL | $98,520 | 200 | $101,420 | 22% |
| Bangor, ME | $98,230 | 120 | $101,784 | 18% |
| Springfield, MO | $98,090 | 160 | $110,730 | 15% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $97,910 | 60 | $109,712 | 16% |
| Joplin, MO | $97,670 | 160 | $113,943 | 15% |
| Davenport, IA | $97,640 | 90 | $109,611 | 12% |
| Columbia, MO | $97,390 | 80 | $108,891 | 18% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $97,290 | 180 | $97,069 | 28% |
| Memphis, TN | $97,150 | 340 | $105,393 | 17% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $96,890 | 540 | $96,682 | 21% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $96,720 | 200 | $109,940 | 13% |
| Johnson City, TN | $96,530 | 40 | $109,783 | 18% |
| Daphne, AL | $96,510 | 190 | $101,922 | 21% |
| Akron, OH | $96,340 | 240 | $103,181 | 16% |
| Miami, FL | $96,240 | 1,370 | $84,306 | 33% |
| Youngstown, OH | $95,490 | 110 | $109,264 | 13% |
| Washington, DC | $95,480 | 1,530 | $87,690 | 30% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $95,380 | 30 | $95,149 | – |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $95,290 | 90 | $108,627 | 21% |
| Rapid City, SD | $95,220 | 120 | $106,797 | 18% |
| St. George, UT | $94,970 | 80 | $97,584 | 23% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $94,800 | 70 | $110,376 | 14% |
| Decatur, AL | $94,690 | 120 | $108,575 | 14% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $94,520 | 70 | $100,538 | 17% |
| Tampa, FL | $94,510 | 950 | $93,676 | 25% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $94,480 | 70 | $100,406 | 20% |
| Cleveland, TN | $93,910 | 60 | $106,619 | 18% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $93,150 | 730 | $97,672 | 20% |
| Morristown, TN | $92,250 | 50 | $106,815 | 20% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $91,770 | 90 | $95,107 | 20% |
| Pensacola, FL | $91,680 | 210 | $93,822 | 23% |
| Cleveland, OH | $91,120 | 440 | $97,016 | 19% |
| Denver, CO | $91,090 | 1,180 | $86,111 | 25% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $90,490 | 90 | $96,091 | 21% |
| Dayton, OH | $90,290 | 200 | $97,407 | 18% |
| Florence, AL | $90,000 | 110 | $106,111 | 14% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $89,480 | 70 | $102,108 | 17% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $88,360 | 70 | $102,893 | 17% |
| Ogden, UT | $87,390 | 120 | $87,086 | 22% |
| Huntsville, AL | $87,080 | 200 | $93,562 | 19% |
| Bremerton, WA | $86,740 | 60 | $82,135 | 28% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $85,900 | 40 | $97,104 | 21% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $84,840 | 50 | $91,511 | 23% |
| Grand Island, NE | $84,450 | 90 | $97,453 | 19% |
| Monroe, LA | $84,340 | 100 | $100,889 | 17% |
| Toledo, OH | $83,870 | 210 | $91,706 | 18% |
| Clarksville, TN | $83,760 | 140 | $92,098 | 19% |
| Atlanta, GA | $83,570 | 2,660 | $83,522 | 26% |
| Ocala, FL | $83,330 | 100 | $87,500 | 23% |
| Nashville, TN | $83,230 | 1,260 | $86,394 | 26% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $82,820 | 30 | $86,833 | 20% |
| Houston, TX | $82,710 | 4,380 | $83,860 | 24% |
| Yuma, AZ | $82,550 | 80 | $89,045 | 21% |
| Gainesville, GA | $82,190 | 80 | $84,937 | 25% |
| Austin, TX | $82,120 | 1,270 | $83,740 | 23% |
| Columbus, OH | $81,760 | 1,260 | $85,640 | 22% |
| Charlotte, NC | $81,740 | 1,130 | $83,967 | 25% |
| Anchorage, AK | $81,530 | 300 | $77,338 | 28% |
| College Station, TX | $81,390 | 100 | $89,488 | 22% |
| Valdosta, GA | $81,390 | 50 | $92,205 | 20% |
| Lincoln, NE | $81,220 | 180 | $88,687 | 19% |
| Jackson, TN | $80,940 | 110 | $94,642 | 21% |
| Tulsa, OK | $80,880 | 740 | $90,658 | 20% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $80,860 | 470 | $81,279 | 25% |
| Waco, TX | $80,610 | 110 | $87,099 | 21% |
| Tucson, AZ | $80,530 | 180 | $83,110 | 22% |
| Augusta, GA | $80,520 | 190 | $87,614 | 22% |
| Orlando, FL | $80,510 | 920 | $79,384 | 29% |
| Beaumont, TX | $80,500 | 320 | $89,399 | 19% |
| Longview, TX | $80,490 | 160 | $89,948 | 17% |
| Asheville, NC | $80,220 | 150 | $83,124 | 25% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $80,180 | 120 | $85,371 | 22% |
| Crestview, FL | $79,850 | 160 | $82,293 | 30% |
| Shreveport, LA | $79,840 | 140 | $94,189 | 19% |
| Huntington, WV | $79,810 | 290 | $90,260 | 16% |
| Staunton, VA | $79,780 | 60 | $87,547 | 22% |
| El Paso, TX | $79,760 | 140 | $88,709 | 23% |
| Abilene, TX | $79,600 | 80 | $88,088 | 30% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $79,490 | 200 | $77,666 | 28% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $79,470 | 720 | $87,902 | 21% |
| Morgantown, WV | $79,290 | 170 | $84,963 | 20% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $79,240 | 360 | $82,934 | 23% |
| Greensboro, NC | $79,190 | 190 | $85,274 | 21% |
| Raleigh, NC | $78,930 | 550 | $80,412 | 25% |
| Kingsport, TN | $78,860 | 110 | $91,224 | 20% |
| Paducah, KY | $78,510 | 70 | $91,202 | 18% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $78,430 | 190 | $85,854 | 24% |
| Lubbock, TX | $78,320 | 190 | $85,767 | 20% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $78,240 | 550 | $85,542 | 23% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $78,190 | 140 | $91,075 | 21% |
| Richmond, VA | $78,110 | 490 | $79,820 | 26% |
| Portland, ME | $78,100 | 280 | $76,675 | 35% |
| San Antonio, TX | $78,030 | 1,310 | $82,383 | 22% |
| New Orleans, LA | $77,980 | 370 | $84,214 | 24% |
| Dallas, TX | $77,910 | 3,930 | $75,575 | 26% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $77,770 | 250 | $83,921 | 22% |
| Greenville, SC | $77,700 | 500 | $83,315 | 24% |
| Lexington, KY | $77,700 | 600 | $83,648 | 25% |
| Farmington, NM | $77,650 | 120 | $88,533 | 22% |
| Columbus, GA | $77,640 | 60 | $86,947 | 21% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $77,540 | 80 | $79,109 | 31% |
| Midland, TX | $77,390 | 290 | $80,797 | 24% |
| Lewiston, ME | $77,120 | 50 | $81,405 | 25% |
| Louisville, KY | $77,020 | 650 | $82,751 | 21% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $77,010 | 670 | $84,831 | 21% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $76,660 | 150 | $84,195 | 23% |
| Alexandria, LA | $76,410 | 390 | $89,174 | 16% |
| Killeen, TX | $76,150 | 90 | $83,560 | 21% |
| Dothan, AL | $75,640 | 90 | $90,227 | 19% |
| Charleston, SC | $75,570 | 300 | $74,850 | 32% |
| Auburn, AL | $75,490 | 50 | $85,849 | 25% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $75,420 | 2,810 | $72,999 | 27% |
| Florence, SC | $75,340 | 70 | $86,823 | 24% |
| Albany, GA | $75,330 | 90 | $85,925 | 17% |
| McAllen, TX | $74,700 | 180 | $86,967 | 18% |
| Columbia, SC | $74,190 | 360 | $79,210 | 25% |
| Victoria, TX | $73,860 | 90 | $82,214 | 19% |
| Sherman, TX | $73,580 | 280 | $78,468 | 22% |
| Panama City, FL | $73,510 | 80 | $75,553 | 28% |
| Dalton, GA | $72,150 | 100 | $80,306 | 23% |
| Durham, NC | $71,400 | 230 | $73,177 | 28% |
| Hickory, NC | $71,290 | 190 | $80,566 | 27% |
| Provo, UT | $70,070 | 160 | $71,331 | 30% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $69,960 | 160 | $69,957 | 32% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $69,420 | 40 | $77,553 | 23% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $68,350 | 420 | $69,787 | 33% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $68,060 | 60 | $72,567 | 27% |
| Odessa, TX | $67,260 | 200 | $71,632 | 28% |
| Lafayette, LA | $67,250 | 190 | $77,114 | 25% |
| Gulfport, MS | $65,960 | 290 | $73,284 | 26% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $65,140 | 270 | $70,821 | 27% |
| Jackson, MS | $64,760 | 530 | $72,725 | 27% |
| Houma, LA | $64,380 | 50 | $75,650 | 24% |
| Wilmington, NC | $63,630 | 230 | $65,991 | 33% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $62,860 | 70 | $71,422 | 24% |
| Greenville, NC | $62,410 | 90 | $70,598 | 28% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $60,420 | 80 | $67,000 | 24% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $59,530 | 60 | $65,989 | 30% |
What the median lineman salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $95,320 |
| Month | $7,943 |
| Every two weeks | $3,666 |
| Week | $1,833 |
| Hour | $45.83 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a lineman: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +10.3% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 10,900 |
| Self-employed | 0.3% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC technician | $61,010 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Diesel mechanic | $61,770 | High school diploma |
| Aircraft mechanic | $79,870 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Maintenance technician | $49,590 | High school diploma |
| Auto mechanic | $50,620 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Millwright | $65,700 | High school diploma |
| Locksmith | $51,320 | High school diploma |
Questions about lineman pay
How much does a lineman make an hour?
The median is $45.83 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $24.74 and the top 10% over $61.87.
How much does a lineman make a month?
About $7,943 a month before taxes at the median salary of $95,320, or $3,666 every two weeks.
What state pays linemen the most?
Hawaii, with a median of $134,340. Washington ($133,060), Oregon ($131,090), California ($129,040) and Connecticut ($126,850) follow.
Where do linemen make the most after cost of living?
Idaho: its median of $125,410 is worth $131,328 at typical US prices. Oregon, Washington and Connecticut come next.
How much do entry-level linemen make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of linemen earn under $51,470 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $67,270, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a lineman?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: long-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 49-9051 (Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.