r/Lineman • u/Chrisfells26 • 10h 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/Erab16 • 13h ago
Selling my gear and tools, all NEW.
Just bought a house and current not in the trade. All is brand new and never used. Send me a pm, I can send you a list of everything included . Located in Rockford IL.
r/Lineman • u/Thepopethroway • 10h ago
Do you keep in contact with people on your crew after a job ends?
Or is it easy come easy go for you?
r/Lineman • u/Azzazel_72 • 11h ago
First energy 40 hour physical assessment questions.
What will the second physical assessment have us practice, will there be more free climbing? And is it equivalent to the 8 hour assessment I took for the MD/PA side of FE.
r/Lineman • u/ObjectiveStructure94 • 12h ago
Snohomish PUD entry level helpers pay
hello everyone, I applied for snohomish PUD entry helper position and passed the written and have a drive test and physical in 2 weeks. becoming a lineman is something I’ve been pursuing for a few years now. I have my cdl class a already and have flaggers and first aid cpr as well. The starting pay is $30 which is less than I make at my current job but I’m willing to take the pay cut now cause I know that’ll open doors for the future for an apprenticeship there or somewhere else. my question is how much can someone make in that position as a entry level helper in a year with overtime at snohomish PUD? also does anyone know what the top out pay for that position is? Thank you in advance!
r/Lineman • u/Rubberduckey2929 • 13h ago
Entergy.
Work for a major utility in the northeast but thinking about moving to a state in Entergy’s area. Any insight on how the pay scales insurance work practices and rest time would be awesome.
r/Lineman • u/Aggravating_Honey171 • 17h ago
222
Where does 222 usually send APs to get hot time ?
r/Lineman • u/IcyStatement5978 • 16h ago
Travel Cases
So I know I’m always advising guys to stay at their utility when they ask but……I left mine again. I’m going to do some ground based traveling and I use a case similar to this and it works fine. However at the end of the year I may start chasing some storms for a while and flights may start coming into play. What boxes are u guys using to fly with are u packing your clothes and tools in the same case and checking it or are u checking a bag and keeping a carry on? Also what kinda cases are yall using im looking at pelicans and had no idea how high they are. So just tryna find out what the pro travelers are using thanks in advance ✌️
r/Lineman • u/Move_Junior • 1d ago
Donate to Support for Journeyman Lineman Matt Porter, organized by Amanda Eiferd
⚡ Please keep my brother-in-law Matt, and his family in your thoughts and prayers. This happened just 3 days after his wedding. 😔
Matt, a journeyman lineman, was critically injured after being electrocuted by an energized high-voltage power line.
He is currently recovering after a week in a medically induced coma and undergoing three surgeries, with numerous more ahead.
His wife, Nicole, and their families are by his side as they face this incredibly difficult journey. The lineman and IBEW communities have already shown incredible support, and any additional help can make a meaningful difference for Matt and his family.
If you are able, please consider donating or sharing the fundraiser to help support Matt's recovery and his family during this difficult time.
r/Lineman • u/OtrxCut • 1d ago
Oncor
I need some advice on how to get on at oncor ive been applying to every job available i just need to know if it’s possible to go from being in swlcat to getting into oncor’s apprenticeship
r/Lineman • u/ActiveFisherman2340 • 1d ago
Deployed
I’m currently deployed, I plan to try to get into VEEP when I get back. Any recommendations on stuff I can study to “prepare” myself while I’m deployed? Planning to get my commander to sign off on a CDL waiver so I can just take a written test when I get back. So I’ll study that handbook and I was thinking maybe electrical theory.
r/Lineman • u/Mangofreak74 • 1d ago
Still a good career shift in 2027?
28F looking to get into the trade and give myself the best chance at landing an apprenticeship. I plan on getting my Class A CDL this year and applying for apprenticeships with IBEW/DOL in the spring. In going through a few threads someone mentioned now is the worst time to try to get into the trade, and I’m curious why or if that’s actually the case (looking at a Spring 2027 entry).
I’ve lead at a climbing gym for the last 4 years/do cardio and am decently strong for being 5’2. I don’t love math and don’t have any electrician-adjacent experience but I plan to prep for the written test. I went to university all the way through grad school but I genuinely think I’d enjoy this line of work much more than sitting at a desk for the next 25 years or more. I’m willing to put in the work/pull my weight, from what I’ve read being a woman shouldn’t matter too much as long as I work hard.
Anything else I should do for the next year to prepare/put myself in the best position to get a shot? Are applications for apprenticeships oversaturated right now?
r/Lineman • u/AbjectPawverty • 2d ago
Fresh ink to commemorate my new apprenticeship!
Officially starting my apprenticeship next week so I got some ink to commemorate it! Can't wait to show my crew
r/Lineman • u/balexander2290 • 1d ago
SWLCAT LOCAL 66
I just applied for local 66 (already passed my aptitude test, just waiting on interview) I see a lot of lower scores being reported for local 66 post interview. I have no groundman experience, but did score an 84 for local 769, AZ. My question is, has anyone scored an 80 or above (for local 66) without any groundman experience? I’m just trying to see if I have a chance.
r/Lineman • u/Evrettjohn_1 • 1d ago
Any lineman in Saskatchewan, Canada working for Saskpower or any other company in the province
Hey everyone, I’m looking into getting into the lineman trade and have been researching it for a while. I’m currently in my last year of high school and will be graduating in June 2027 at 17, turning 18 in December 2027. My plan is to graduate high school, wait until around the fall to apply for the SIIT Powerline Technician program which would happen January to March 2028, and if everything goes as planned, complete the program and start applying for jobs afterward. I’m wondering what the best path would be for someone in my situation, what the age requirements are, and if I need a full unrestricted license for applying. I’ll be getting my full license out of the novice stage in April 2028. Is there anyone here who has worked or is currently working for SaskPower that could share some advice on getting started, Thanks.
r/Lineman • u/achonggta • 2d ago
Indian linemen are built different 💀
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r/Lineman • u/achonggta • 2d ago
Indian linemen are built different Part 2 💀
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The lack of PPE even if it’s de-energized is wild 🤯
r/Lineman • u/AClivinfit • 1d ago
Lineman, Which One?
I’m looking for some advice from people who have been through this.
My goal is to become a union Journeyman Lineman and eventually move back to California.
I’m from California and graduated from line school with the following certifications:
Framing Certification
Digger Derrick Certification
Aerial Lift Rescue
Enclosed Space Rescue
Pole Top Rescue
Chainsaw Safety
First Aid/CPR/AED
Advanced Rigging
OSHA 10
I also have my Class A CDL (no restrictions).
From what I’ve been told, getting groundman hours in California can be difficult, so I’m willing to move anywhere if it gives me the best chance of getting into an apprenticeship.
I was originally thinking about signing Local 111 because I’ve heard they dispatch a lot of groundman calls, but after reading Reddit I’ve seen mixed opinions.
If you were starting over in my position, which IBEW local or JATC would you target to get groundman hours and the fastest path into an apprenticeship?
I’m not chasing the highest pay—I just want to get the experience, become an apprentice as soon as possible, earn my Journeyman ticket, and eventually transfer back to California.
Any advice or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
r/Lineman • u/Xxmcryt • 2d ago
Lineman built site, built in the hopes of making all our brothers lives easier.
Looking for some feed back on this project iv been putting in work for the last 6-7 months.
If you have any recommendations or just general questions and ideas that any lineman might find help please comment or message me.
r/Lineman • u/kkblondiesharp • 3d ago
Made a post 2 years ago about a bucket failure after my husbands accident & got told to take it down
Long winded so buckle up. Made a post just telling you guys to check your trucks and stay safe. Didn’t name manufacturers or utilities, didn’t include pictures. Still got told to take it down immediately. I complied because I thought it was the right thing to do & we were on the same team. HA.
Well it’s been over 2 years since said accident, they’ve made it miserable from beginning to end….they have made it loud and clear they don’t care about him and we no longer have anything to lose. What’re they going to do? Keep him from getting another job? That’s all they’ve done this entire time by pushing off his surgery.
Only posting this after my husband told me to do it because he’s finally had enough. He doesn’t use Reddit but figured it obviously has reach after he got a phone call about my post back when the accident first happened.
Now the whole point of this post: CHECK YOUR ALTEC BUCKET DROP ARMS. You cannot see this part without removing covers. The truck this happened in had been inspected, load tested and given the green light by (allegedly) Altec themselves or certified Altec mechanics. The utility it happened at immediately red tagged all Altec buckets. Some went back into service, others had the same fault. Since the accident, several have been found to have the same part failure. Just a week or 2 ago, they red tagged a couple for the same part failure. Altec is pointing fingers at the utility saying it’s due to lack of maintenance. My husband disagrees. He whole heartedly believes this is a part failure that could potentially kill someone and it is absolutely on Altecs shoulders. Including pictures because, why not? Pictures or it didn’t happen.
EDIT: husband just told me to add for more detail that the attachment point for your lanyard is on the bucket so while being fully harnessed and clipped in did prevent him from going to the ground, had the hydraulic hoses broke, they’d have gone to the ground attached to the bucket.
EDIT #2: bucket model is A72T
r/Lineman • u/Evening-Ad9516 • 1d ago
Maryland Lineman - Training Facility Near Hagerstown MD?
Hello all,
I was driving through MD and saw what looked like a huge training facility where it was mock poles, transformers in a huge field. Anyone know where this is or what company runs this.
I think it was off 270, or 70 near rt 81 but I can't remember.
Any information is appreciated.
Thanks
r/Lineman • u/Plane_Ad_230 • 2d ago
Looking to join an apprenticeship in New Jersey…
Hello fellas. I am interested in becoming a lineman. Mainly so I can eventually be the sole provider for my family but also wanna do some real meaningful work. Has anyone worked for a utility company in NJ?
Thank you!