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How much does a Lineman III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lineman III in the United States is $107,764 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, a Lineman III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $123,915
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $94,012 to $116,218
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $81,492

Key Factors That Influence Lineman III Salaries

A Lineman III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Lineman III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lineman III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Lineman Apprentice (0-1 years): $63,040
  • Lineman (1-3 years): $88,092
  • Lineman III (3-5 years): $107,764
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Lineman Apprentice0-1 years$63,040
Lineman1-3 years$88,092
Lineman III3-5 years$107,764

Top Paying Cities for Lineman III

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $135,923
  • San Francisco: $134,435
  • Oakland: $131,601

Lineman III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Lineman III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,089. While startup companies pay approximate $100,077.

Lineman III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $100,077
Growth Stage 51~500 $105,796
Established 501~5000 $114,087
Enterprise 5000+ $118,089

Lineman III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lineman III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lineman positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Telecom. typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lineman III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lineman III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$140,093$67.030%
Construction$118,540$57.010%

Lineman III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lineman III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$94,012
Average $107,764/year
$116,218
$7,834
Average $8,980/month
$9,685
$1,808
Average $2,072/week
$2,235
$45
Average $52/hour
$56
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $116,218 $9,685 $2,235 $56
Average $107,764 $8,980 $2,072 $52
25th Percentile $94,012 $7,834 $1,808 $45

Lineman III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Lineman III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lineman IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $128,564 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Lineman III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Lineman III

Here are companies hiring for Lineman III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Lineman III

1. Where can a Lineman III earn the most?

A Lineman III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Lineman III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Lineman III is $135,923.

2. What is the highest pay for Lineman III?

The highest pay for Lineman III is $123,915.

3. What is the lowest pay for Lineman III?

The lowest pay for Lineman III is $81,492.

4. What are the responsibilities of Lineman III?

Installs, maintains, inspects, and repairs overhead and underground power lines and related equipment to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity. Constructs and replaces poles, conductors, transformers, insulators, and other distribution and transmission components. Troubleshoots line faults, locates outages, and completes repairs to restore service under both routine and emergency conditions. Operates bucket trucks, digger derricks, and specialized tools to perform work at heights and in confined or energized environments. Follows established safety procedures, switching and clearance protocols, and regulatory standards while working on lines. Documents completed work, inspection findings, and materials used in maintenance and reporting systems. Typically requires a high school diploma. Requires Driver's License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Lineman III?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Lineman III roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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