Updated 2025 · Electrical
How to Become a Electrical Power-Line Tech
Electrical power-line technicians install and maintain the electrical transmission and distribution lines that deliver power from generating stations to consumers.
Steps to Become a Electrical Power-Line Tech
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Electrical Power-Line Tech apprenticeships last 4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: Journeyman lineman certification, CDL Class A, OSHA 10/30-Hour, Live-line tools certification, CPR and first aid.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Electrical Power-Line Tech Do?
Electrical power-line technicians install and maintain the electrical transmission and distribution lines that deliver power from generating stations to consumers.
Daily Duties
- Install and maintain overhead and underground power lines
- Work with high-voltage transmission systems
- Respond to storm damage and outages
- Install transformers and substations
- Test and inspect electrical equipment
Skills Needed
- High-voltage line work
- Pole climbing and bucket truck operation
- Transformer installation
- Underground cable installation
- Storm restoration
Required Certifications
- Journeyman lineman certification
- CDL Class A
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
- Live-line tools certification
- CPR and first aid
Electrical Power-Line Tech Salary (2025)
The national median electrical power-line tech salary is $87,867 per year. Pay ranges from $74,485 in the lowest-paying metro to $113,734 in the highest-paying metro. See the full electrical power-line tech salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Electrical Power-Line Tech apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $35,147 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $50,084 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $64,143 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $79,080 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $87,867 |
Union vs Non-Union Electrical Power-Line Tech Pay
Union electrical power-line techs earn 26% more than non-union workers — $43.50/hour union vs $34.52/hour non-union. Approximately 30.8% of electrical power-line techs are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Power-line technicians work outdoors at extreme heights on utility poles and transmission towers. One of the most dangerous occupations. Storm restoration requires long hours and travel.
Career Outlook
Strong demand driven by grid modernization, renewable energy interconnection, and aging workforce. Significant overtime opportunities during storm season.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a electrical power-line tech is $87,867 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $74,485 to $113,734 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a electrical power-line tech apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a electrical power-line tech. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: Journeyman lineman certification and CDL Class A.
Electrical Power-Line Tech earns a Trade Pay Score grade of A, meaning it rates well on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Strong demand driven by grid modernization, renewable energy interconnection, and aging workforce. Significant overtime opportunities during storm season.
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