As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Telephone Lineman in the United States is $87,968 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Telephone Lineman's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Telephone 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Telephone 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Telephone Lineman | $86,821 |
| Intermediate Level Telephone Lineman | $87,640 |
| Senior Level Telephone Lineman | $90,994 |
| Specialist Level Telephone Lineman | $94,177 |
| Expert Level Telephone Lineman | $94,404 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Telephone Linemans. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 4.01% |
| Housekeeping | 4.01% |
| Foodservice | 2.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Directs Work
|
$99,404 |
13%
|
|
Innovation
|
$93,246 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$93,246 |
6%
|
|
Dedication
|
$92,366 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$92,366 |
5%
|
|
Quality Control
|
$90,607 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Telephone Linemans enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Telephone Lineman with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $91,592 and $95,035).
Telephone Lineman Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Telephone 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Telephone Lineman can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,601 in 2023 to around $72,911 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Telephone Lineman salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $73,601 |
| 2024 | $73,505 |
| 2025 | $72,911 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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