In short
Lineman apprenticeships usually take three to four years or more, combining paid crew work with classroom and climbing instruction. Utilities, line contractors and outside IBEW/NECA programs run them. Many require a CDL or permit and some prior groundman or lineworker school experience. Electrical power-line installers and repairers earned a median $95,320 in May 2025, per BLS.
| Middle pay | $95,320 a year, roughly $45.83 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then long-term on-the-job training |
| People in the trade | About 131,900 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 10.3% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 10,900, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
What you learn
- Pole climbing and bucket work
- Rigging and setting poles
- Energized line work under strict rules
- Underground and overhead systems
- Storm restoration
Getting in
A lineman school and a CDL can make you a stronger applicant.
Find lineworker training
Tell us your ZIP and we will send programs and apprenticeship leads nearby.
Straight answers
How long is a lineman apprenticeship?
Often three to four years or more.
Do I need a CDL for a lineman apprenticeship?
Many programs require it or require you to get one early.
Are lineman apprenticeships competitive?
Yes. Prior climbing training and a CDL help.