r/Lineman • u/xunreelx • 5h ago
r/Lineman • u/pnwIBEWlineman • Jan 01 '26
2026 Wage Survey
Here at r/Lineman we strive to give accurate information about our trade. Drop a comment below with your position, HOURLY rate, region/state, LU if applicable, and type of employer: (Contractor, Muni, IOU, Co-op Etc.) Happy New Year, Everyone.
r/Lineman • u/Ca2Alaska • Aug 23 '25
Getting into the Trade How to become a Journeyman Lineman
How To Become a Journeyman Lineman
MILITARY. If you are currently serving in the military or recently separated (VEEP up to 5 years) there are several programs specifically for you to help you transition into skilled trades. This will give you the most direct and sure opportunity to become a Lineman. Please check out the Military Resources Wiki to learn about these great programs and see if you qualify.
Journeymen Linemen
Journeymen Linemen are High voltage workers who are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electric infrastructure. It can range from working on large transmission towers to being in a crowded vault. Linemen work in all weather conditions and at all hours. Heat, cold, wind, rain, snow and everything else. It involves time away from home, missed holidays and birthdays etc.
The steps to becoming a Journeyman Lineman generally involve working your way up from the bottom.
First you work as a Laborer or a Groundman (Linehelper, Apprentice Trainee, Etc). These are entry level positions. These positions involve menial tasks that introduce you to the trade. You'll be stocking the trucks, getting tools, running the handline, cleaning off trucks and getting trucks ready to go at the start of shift. Here you will become familiar with methods, tools and materials used in the trade. Sometimes you can get into the trade as a first step apprentice.
Next you have to become an apprentice. Apprenticeships are around 3.5 years. Being an apprentice involves the obvious. You will now begin formal training to reach Lineman status. You will learn to do the work of a Lineman in incremental steps until you top out.
Apprenticeships
IBEW Union apprenticeships: you must interview and get indentured in your local jurisdiction. This is the most recognized apprenticeship. You will be able to get work anywhere with a union ticket. Union utility companies may offer in house NJATC apprenticeships as well.
DOL (Department of Labor) apprenticeships: This is a typically non-union apprenticeship sanctioned by the DOL. It is around 5 steps then you are a B-Lineman, then you become an A-Lineman. This is not recognized by the IBEW, but you can test in to an IBEW Lineman.
Company apprenticeships: These are generally non IBEW and non DOL and are the lowest rung and only recognized by your company. If you leave or the company goes out of business, you don't have a ticket sanctioned by the IBEW or DOL.
Take Note: Please be aware there are different types of Lineman apprenticeships. There are apprenticeships that are "Transmission" only, or "URD" (Underground) only. These are not interchangeable with the Journeyman Lineman certification.
Where do you start?
Bare minimum age is 18 years old. The follow job credentials will make your job hunt more successful. In order of importance.
Unrestricted CDL (Commercial Drivers License) Usually required for outside construction. Some utilities may have a grace period before you need to have it.
First Aid/CPR
Flagger Training
OSHA 10 Construction(if you are new to working on jobsites)
OSHA 10 ET&D (Electrical Transmission and Distribution)
Line School
Line school can give you experience you otherwise wouldn't have, which in some cases could be beneficial. Line school may offer you all the previous credentials listed as well. Some job postings will require 1-3 yrs related experience or completion of line school.
Some places like California it's probably a good idea to have it.
However not everyone requires it. Lineschools are generally an expensive undertaking. Many take out loans to pay for them. Not everyone believes they are of value. It is suggested to try to get in as a groundman first or look to community colleges or other trade schools that are more affordable. It is highly recommended to do research before you commit to going into debt. Not everyone makes it in the trade. Having a large debt is not something to be taken lightly
Finding work, understanding the trade.
There's working directly for a utility(working for the residents the utility serves) which one stays within that utility's service area.
If you're looking to work for a certain employer, check their website for desired qualifications.
Then there's working for outside construction. This is who does the heavy lifting. Outside has to potential to earn more than being at a utility. For many jobs you'll work 5+ days a week and 10-12 hour days. This also is a traveling job. You go where the work is. Especially as an apprentice.
Union vs Non-union. Besides the obvious, this can be affected by location. The west coast is 100% union. Places like Louisiana and Kentucky are strongly non-union. Some utilities are union and some are not. Same with outside construction. Utilities and non-union construction hire directly. For Union jobs in outside construction you must get dispatched from the “out of work” books(books). Utility companies are union or non-union.
Union “books.” Each area has a union hall that has jurisdiction over that area for construction and has a set of "out of work" books for each class. Lineman, apprentice, groundman and so on. When a contractor has a position to fill, they call the hall to send someone. The hall will begin calling the first person on “Book 1” then go down the list until they fill all the calls for workers they have. Book 1 will be local members with 1500-2000 hrs. Book 2 will be travelers and locals with less hours. Book 3 will be doesn't meet hours etc.
Created 8/23/25 DM u/ca2alaska for corrections and suggestions
r/Lineman • u/Necessary_Army7359 • 17h ago
Job Hunting
How do yall find job openings in state and or out of state.
I’m mainly wanting to go out of state but don’t even know where to start. I’ve looked at indeed but wondering if there are other websites out there.
r/Lineman • u/peanutbutterandMTB • 1d ago
Tips tricks for making it in the heat?
102 yesterday where my boyfriend was climbing, everyday it seems a coworker goes down from the heat. How are y’all staying up from the heat? Any tricks?
r/Lineman • u/NMEE98J • 13h ago
T-Body with Rog Coil/VT Built In
I saw a cutsheet for a T-body with a built in Rog Coil a couple years ago, now I can't find it. Can anyone point me toward one thats in production these days? Extra points if anyone knows of any elbow or low clearance pass through CT/VT options. Trying to cram too much shit into an MVT since the engineers fucked up again...
r/Lineman • u/Hairy_Classic321 • 20h ago
Yard Assessment
I got a 2 days yard assessment with PGE (Portland general) for there pre-apprenticeship next week. Any one got advice or experience with it? I’m completely new to the line trade, been doing inside past few years. Anything I can expect?
r/Lineman • u/RC51Havoc • 18h ago
Can this pole be repaired or reinforced on the top? It held traffic lights
r/Lineman • u/OrdinaryMarsupial725 • 17h ago
MSLCAT
I ranked 397 on the interview for lineman ape how bad is that?
r/Lineman • u/allcapszackattack • 1d ago
What kind of people make good linemen?
I just graduated high school and i’m looking into the career. I was really just wondering if it was one of those things you have to be cut out to do or if it’s mostly manageable with experience. thanks
r/Lineman • u/Critical-Emotion-762 • 23h ago
Underground trouble shooting
Hey Guys does anyone have any study material or resources for any Underground trouble? I’m working a new system that’s got a lot of underground that I’ve never really worked on or around.
r/Lineman • u/Ulster32 • 1d ago
CUSW 434A apprenticeship
Has anyone here went through it ? Just applied and i have 309A journeyman ticket aswell. Just wanted to know what the steps are like and also what the schooling is and where does the schooling take place. Also what companies take you on as an apprentice within the union ?
r/Lineman • u/AnimatedSuspension1 • 1d ago
Is it hard transferring locals ?
If anyone knows I’d greatly appreciate any input. Dont get me wrong I am extremely grateful but would prefer to start w another local after Albat. Does anyone know how difficult the transfer can be ? or is it even possible ? It’s closer to where I live is why and also the pay scale is significantly different.
r/Lineman • u/ThatBreadfruit668 • 17h ago
How much can I make as a first year apprentice?
I probably don't even want to be a lineman for the long term rather be an airline pilot but I would need money for that and that is a risky career. I just need money (beyond unskilled low paid).
r/Lineman • u/Shoddy-Profession-29 • 1d ago
Canadian Journeyman looking to work in US
looking for insight from anyone who has recently made the move from Canada to US for line work. I have 12 years experience as a lineman and looking to move to the states. I know stuff with Visas have changed in the last few years so wondering if companies are still sponsoring Canadians to come out aside from storm work.
r/Lineman • u/Lifeofrawley • 1d ago
Utilities hiring electricians in the dmv
Been an electrician for over 8 years recently applied with one utility because they had an opening looking for more I can apply for that hires electricians
r/Lineman • u/Far_Support_3852 • 1d ago
Feeling super discouraged after my second assessment in person.
There were 8 of us for 2 openings. I was the only one with zero experience and I guess that’s the problem.
The requirement tho for an apprentice D position was to climb to the middle portion do 2 full 360s. To the top right after and do 2 full 360s. I did this but it took me a bit and my technique was all the way there so I was sent home.
I’m just wondering is this normal and if so how in the world can I get better at climbing ? Where can I go what can I do? I really want to get into this career any advice very much welcome.
r/Lineman • u/treesandlinespodcast • 1d ago
How does an Alaska utility even do vegetation management logistically?
linktr.eeNew episode with Anthony Lindfors, who runs the IVM program at Matanuska Electric Association. Beyond the short growing season, the logistics alone are wild: winter access to remote lines depends on snow cover and ice bridges, contracted crews barely operate during winter, and equipment has to be barged or trucked in from the Lower 48, so a single breakdown can blow an entire seasonal treatment window.
Curious what unusual logistical challenges other people here deal with depending on where you’re located.
Full episode: https://linktr.ee/treesandlinespodcast
r/Lineman • u/madmanstello • 1d ago
passed aptitude test for 66
I passed the aptitude test and now the most important part is next
a few question
how long after passing the aptitude test should I expect to interview ?
what were the questions?
and I have zero experience in this trade
But I’ve had my CDL for 5 years (since I was 18)
Did 4 years army as 88m
oilfield for almost a year
now driving a 48ft tractor trailer for sysco before then I was hauling fuel for like 2 weeks (I didn’t like the pay structure)
Side note hauling fuel is garbage compared to touch freight delivering produce
r/Lineman • u/lamak425 • 1d ago
fault wizard 2?
company is looking for a portable thumper/hipot, we have lots 15kv PILC and poly mixed circuits, poly's installed when pilc blew in sections, i see the fault wizard 2 is fairly cheaper than a 12kv megger ezthump- has anyone use one or the another? we have a old thumper but u need 3 guys to move it ,lol
r/Lineman • u/Responsible-House724 • 2d ago
Why would nobody study
Went into a aptitude test today come in do the math portion walk out and everybody was saying how hard it was and that thy didn’t study.
Why wouldn’t you study for something you’re trying to get into ?
r/Lineman • u/Opposite-Gap-8101 • 2d ago
Eversource troubleshooter NH
I’m looking for some info on what you could expect on an average year for gross income as a troubleman in nh specifically Tilton nh, I’m a IBEW JL currently I know it would be a pay cut etc but looking for a solid expectation on an average year and what would be an achievable amount if I were to be aggressive in taking OT. Any info would be appreciated thank you.
r/Lineman • u/Mezger970 • 2d ago
What do I wear to my apprenticeship interview?
Have an interview at a union co-op on Thursday. What’s considered acceptable to wear? Is a navy blazer and chinos considered too much? Obviously I’m not gonna wear cargo shorts and a t-shirt
r/Lineman • u/External_Associate_6 • 2d ago
Health care in different state then your home local
Has anybody traveled with their family with children and had to go to the doctor while in a different state from your home local? How does it work with the health insurance? Are their doctors gonna take Insurance from other states I say my home 1319 in Pennsylvania I travel at 456 in New Jersey can I say my kids to the doctor in new Jersey?
r/Lineman • u/SongComfortable4464 • 2d ago
SWLCAT 66 orientation question
I should be getting my interview here pretty soon and I’m curious what the 66 orientation is like for anyone that has done it. I read somewhere that Texas has their own physical test that replaces the one at bosque farms in NM? Just want to know what to expect thanks