Lineman Salary in 2026
Install and maintain electrical power lines and telecommunications cables.
Median Salary
$72,000
$6,000/mo
Entry Level
$48,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$98,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
Lineman Overview
Install and maintain electrical power lines and telecommunications cables.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
3-4 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
120K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$34.62/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,000
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
$81,000
$6,750/month · $3,115/biweekly · $38.94/hr
Lineman Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Lineman field.
Entry-level Linemans earn around $48,000, while the top 10% earn $108,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Linemans
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $85,000 | +$13,000 |
| New York | $83,000 | +$11,000 |
| Alaska | $78,000 | +$6,000 |
| Texas | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Linemans
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $85,000 | +$13,000 |
| Los Angeles | $81,000 | +$9,000 |
| Anchorage | $78,000 | +$6,000 |
| Miami | $73,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Lineman Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Lineman from entry level to expert.
$48,000
0-2 years
$73,000
3-7 years
$98,000
8-14 years
$118,000
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 $72,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $48,000, while senior professionals earn up to $98,000. Top earners in the field can make $118,000 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 120K 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 $85,000. 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 $48,000 to $98,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Lineman Salary
How we calculate Lineman salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $72,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Lineman in the Trades sector.
- Entry-level ($48,000) and senior-level ($98,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 120K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Trades sector wages.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $72,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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