Careers in the trades have been gaining popularity in recent years, and electrical line work is one such trade that offers good salaries, stable employment, and opportunities for growth. But how much does a lineman earn? In this blog post, we will explore the salary range of electrical linemen, factors that influence their compensation, and the job outlook for this profession.
The median annual wage for electrical linemen was $71,960, as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the salary range varied widely, from $40,900 for the lowest-paid linemen to over $111,000 for the highest-paid. The salaries also depended on the linemen’s experience, location, and industry. For example, electric power generation, transmission, and distribution employed the most linemen and offered the highest wages.
Experience is a crucial factor that affects a lineman’s salary. Entry-level linemen with less than one year of experience earn around $44,000 per year, while those with 10 or more years of experience earn over $85,000 per year. Some linemen may also receive additional compensation for working overtime, on-call shifts, or in hazardous conditions.
Location is another factor that influences lineman salaries. Highly industrialized states like Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Washington paid the highest average wages for linemen, ranging from $82,000 to $114,000 per year. On the other hand, states with lower costs of living, such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas, had lower average salaries, ranging from $52,000 to $62,000 per year.
Industry is also a determinant of lineman salaries. The electric power industry, including utilities and power plants, employs the majority of linemen and offers the highest wages, averaging $77,000 to $98,000 per year. Other industries that employ linemen include construction, local government, telecommunications, and mining.
Job outlook for linemen remains positive, with an expected 8-percent employment growth from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. This growth is attributable to the increasing demand for electric power and the aging workforce of linemen who will retire in the next decade. Additionally, the push for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power may also create job opportunities for linemen.
Conclusion:
Electric line work is a challenging and rewarding career that offers good compensation, job security, and chances for advancement. The salary of a lineman may depend on factors like experience, location, and industry. However, regardless of these variables, linemen are essential workers who safeguard our power supply, often in harsh weather conditions and high-risk environments. As the demand for electricity grows, so does the need for skilled and trained linemen, making this profession a promising and fulfilling career choice.
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