Lineman Salary in 2026
Install and maintain electrical power lines and telecommunications cables.
Median Salary
$95,320
$7,943/mo
Entry Level
$63,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$129,700
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (SOC 49-9051) at a national median of $95,320 per year (mean $91,970), or $45.83 per hour, with 131,070 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Lineman Overview
Install and maintain electrical power lines and telecommunications cables.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
3-4 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
131K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$45.83/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,943
Lineman Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Lineman salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Lineman Salary
$107,000
$8,917/month · $4,115/biweekly · $51.44/hr
Lineman Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Lineman field.
Entry-level Linemans earn around $63,500, while the top 10% earn $142,950 or more.
Top Paying States for Linemans
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $112,000 | +$16,680 |
| New York | $110,000 | +$14,680 |
| Alaska | $103,000 | +$7,680 |
| Texas | $93,000 | $-2,320 |
| Florida | $93,000 | $-2,320 |
Top Paying Cities for Linemans
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $112,000 | +$16,680 |
| Los Angeles | $107,000 | +$11,680 |
| Anchorage | $103,000 | +$7,680 |
| MiamiBLS metro | $96,240 | +$920 |
| Houston | $94,000 | $-1,320 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers in that city's metropolitan statistical area (1 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Lineman Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Lineman from entry level to expert.
$63,500
0-2 years
$97,000
3-7 years
$129,700
8-14 years
$156,200
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Lineman Salary FAQ
How much does a Lineman make in 2026?
The median salary for a Lineman in the United States is $95,320 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (SOC 49-9051); the mean is $91,970. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $63,500, senior professionals around $129,700, and top earners at $156,200 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Lineman?
A Lineman typically requires a Apprenticeship with 3-4 years of experience. Key skills include Electrical Systems, Pole Climbing, Cable Splicing. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman Lineman License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Linemans?
The job market for Linemans is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 131K Lineman positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Linemans the most?
The highest-paying states for Linemans include California, Texas, Florida. In California, the median salary is approximately $112,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Lineman salary?
To increase your Lineman salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Electrical Systems and Pole Climbing. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman Lineman License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 3-4 years of experience, you can progress from $63,500 to $129,700 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Lineman Salary
How we calculate Lineman salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (SOC 49-9051), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $95,320, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers; BLS mean $91,970; BLS hourly median $45.83.
- Entry-level ($63,500) and senior-level ($129,700) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 131,070 Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $95,320; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Lineman compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Lineman job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Lineman salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Electrical Systems, Pole Climbing, Cable Splicing), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.