Linemen are electricians who work on the electrical systems that deliver electricity from the power source to the end user. These electricians typically work in outdoor environments and frequently high above the ground, either in a bucket truck or on a pole. Most linemen learn their trade through a formal paid apprenticeship program, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Apprentice linemen are usually paid a percentage of a journey worker's wages. The apprentice's wages increase as he progresses through the program.
A first-year apprentice lineman's wages varies based on the program where he is enrolled. Starting wages for apprentices in the Tennessee Valley Authority's Lineman Apprentice Program are $36,450 per year. Those enrolled in the Northwest Line's Outside Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship start out at 60 percent of a journey worker's wages of $44.73 per hour as of February 2012. First-year apprentices in the California-Nevada Power Lineman Apprenticeship program also start at 60 percent of a journey worker's wages. California journey workers earned $47.87, while Nevada journey workers made $39.43.
Wages represent only a portion of a first-year apprentice lineman's total compensation package. The type of benefits a first-year apprentice lineman receives is dependent on the program where he is enrolled. The Northeastern Joint Apprenticeship and Training program offers medical insurance to lineman apprentices and their families, after a waiting period of from three to six months. The California-Nevada Power Lineman Apprenticeship program offers apprentices the option of participating in two retirement and pension plans. Completion of a formal lineman apprenticeship program might qualify the apprentice for up to 25 hours of college credit through the American Council on Education.
First-year apprentice linemen can typically look forward to pay raises after completing the initial phase of training. Apprentices in the Northwest Line's Outside Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship receive an increase from 60 percent to 63 percent of a journey worker's wages after completing 1,000 hours of training. Those enrolled in the Northeastern Joint Apprenticeship program get a five percent pay raise after 1,000 hours. Wages for lineman apprentices at the TVA increase from $36,450 to $38,370 after completing their first step of training.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 23 percent growth in new jobs for electricians between 2010 and 2020. Linemen who are trained in emerging alternative energy generation systems, including wind- and solar-powered systems might have increased employment opportunities, but the statistic bureau warns these job are dependent on continued federal government support.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Electricians Do
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become an Electrician
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook
- Northwest Line: Wages and Benefits
- Northeastern Joint Apprenticeship and Training: Wages
- Tennessee Valley Authority: Lineman Apprentice Program
- California-Nevada Joint Apprenticeship and Training: Wages and Benefits
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