The Top 5 Reasons to Become an Electrical Lineman

If you’re looking for a hands-on career with strong job security, great pay and opportunities for growth, becoming an electrical lineman might be the perfect fit. Linemen, also known as electrical power-line installers and repairers, are the backbone of the power industry, working to install, maintain and repair the electrical lines that keep homes, businesses and entire communities running.

At the Imagine America Foundation, we understand that choosing a career path is a big decision. That’s why we’re here to help you explore your options and connect with schools in your area offering the right training programs. If you’re considering a skilled trade, here are the top five reasons to consider becoming an electrical lineman.

1. High demand and strong job security

The demand for electrical linemen is strong and growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the field to grow faster than average through 2033. As the country’s electrical grid continues to expand and aging infrastructure needs upgrades, skilled linemen are essential. The steady job growth for lineworkers predicted by the BLS is expected to continue past 2033 as well, especially as many experienced linemen retire in the coming years.

Additionally, major weather events — like hurricanes, snowstorms, and wildfires — highlight the critical need for linemen who can restore power quickly and safely. No matter where you live, communities rely on skilled electrical workers, making this a career with long-term job security.

2. Great earning potential

A career as an electrical lineman offers excellent earning potential, even early on. The median salary for lineworkers is well above the national average for all occupations ($85,420 in 2023, according to the BLS), with experienced linemen earning even more. Overtime opportunities, hazard pay and union benefits can significantly increase total compensation.

Unlike many other careers that require a four-year degree and student loans, becoming a lineman typically involves a training program at a career college. That means you can start earning sooner while avoiding the heavy debt and lengthy time commitment that often comes with traditional college education.

3. Hands-on work and adventure

If you enjoy working with your hands and don’t want to commit to a traditional office job for the rest of your life, this career is for you. Linemen work outdoors in a variety of conditions, from small neighborhood repairs to large-scale power restoration projects. The job often involves climbing utility poles, working from bucket trucks and troubleshooting electrical systems in diverse environments.

If you really crave excitement and adventure, storm response work can be particularly rewarding. Traveling to different areas to help restore power after natural disasters is both challenging and fulfilling, knowing that your work makes an immediate difference in people’s lives.

4. Opportunities for advancement

Starting as an apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced journeymen linemen. With time and additional training, you can move up the ranks to become a journeyman, crew leader or even a supervisor. Some linemen eventually transition into safety, training or management roles within utility companies.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, there are also opportunities to start your own contracting business. The skills you develop as a lineman — problem-solving, teamwork and leadership — are highly transferable, opening doors to many career paths within the electrical and energy industries.

5. A rewarding and essential career

Linemen are true community heroes. Every time there’s a storm, a power outage or an infrastructure upgrade, linemen are on the front lines ensuring people have access to electricity. Hospitals, schools, businesses and family homes are all reliant on their expertise.

Knowing that your work directly impacts people’s daily lives brings a strong sense of pride and fulfillment. When you restore power after an outage, you’re not just fixing electrical lines — you’re helping families stay safe, businesses keep running and communities support their people.

How to get started as an electrical lineman

If this career sounds like a good fit for you, you’re in the right place. Many linemen begin their careers through a trade school or career college, where they receive foundational training before entering an apprenticeship. And the Imagine America Foundation offers scholarships to help students afford career training, making this path even more accessible.

With hands-on training, strong earning potential, and a job that makes a real impact, becoming an electrical lineman is a career choice worth considering.