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Lineman Salary in the United States

How much does a Lineman make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lineman in the United States is $88,076 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101,705
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $77,179 to $95,210
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,258
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Lineman Salaries

A Lineman'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Lineman Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lineman'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): $63,033
  • Lineman (1-3 years): $88,076
  • Lineman, Senior (3-5 years): $107,742
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Lineman Apprentice0-1 years$63,033
Lineman1-3 years$88,076
Lineman, Senior3-5 years$107,742
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How Do Linemans Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Linemans. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $97,518.
  • California: $97,148.
  • Massachusetts: $95,853.

Top Paying Cities for Lineman

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: $111,090
  • San Francisco: $109,874
  • Oakland: $107,558

What Skills Can Increase a Lineman's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 4.01% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • Housekeeping (Mentioned in 4.01% Job Postings): Housekeeping department is keeping the venue clean and sanitary as part of customer service. Cleaners vacuum rugs and furniture in hallways, rooms and public areas. They collect trash and empty wastebaskets, change the sheets and make the beds.
  • Foodservice (Mentioned in 2.88% Job Postings): The foodservice or catering industry includes the businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 4.01%
Housekeeping 4.01%
Foodservice 2.88%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Lineman's salary.

  • Directs Work: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Directs Work $99,526
13%
Innovation $93,361
6%
Commitment $93,361
6%
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Lineman Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Lineman salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $96,657. While startup companies pay approximate $81,925.

Lineman Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $81,925
Growth Stage 51~500 $86,607
Established 501~5000 $93,389
Enterprise 5000+ $96,657

Lineman Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lineman 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 Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lineman positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lineman as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lineman

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$114,499$55.030%
Business Services$105,691$51.020%

How Education impacts an Lineman's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lineman enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Lineman with a Bachelor's Degree is between $92,158 and $95,363.

Lineman Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Lineman
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 66.7%
High School 66.7%
Associates 33.3%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Lineman'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 August 01, 2026
$77,179
Average $88,076/year
$95,210
$6,432
Average $7,340/month
$7,934
$1,484
Average $1,694/week
$1,831
$37
Average $42/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $95,210 $7,934 $1,831 $46
Average $88,076 $7,340 $1,694 $42
25th Percentile $77,179 $6,432 $1,484 $37

Lineman Salary Growth & Career Path

Lineman

Next Role

For a Lineman, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lineman, Senior role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,742 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Lineman

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

Common company salaries for Lineman

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

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FAQ about Lineman

1. Where can a Lineman earn the most?

A Lineman'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 earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Lineman is $111,090.

2. What is the highest pay for Lineman?

The highest pay for Lineman is $101,705.

3. What is the lowest pay for Lineman?

The lowest pay for Lineman is $67,258.

4. What are the responsibilities of Lineman?

Constructs, maintains, and repairs overhead and underground transmission lines. Performs site preparation tasks, including digging holes or trenches, installing anchors, climbing poles, and using equipment like digger derricks, aerial lifts, pulling and tensioning equipment, forklifts, and dump trucks. Installs wire and cable. Follows all safety regulations and procedures. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires a valid Driver's License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Lineman?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Lineman 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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