Most lineworkers start with a pre-apprenticeship line program or an entry-level groundworker job, then complete a paid apprenticeship of about three to four years to reach journeyman status. Utilities and line contractors usually expect a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and the job means climbing poles, working at heights and handling high-voltage lines under strict safety rules. State licenses are uncommon; training and safety credentials are what count.
What lineworkers do
- Building and maintaining: setting poles, stringing wire and installing transformers on overhead and underground power lines.
- Storm restoration: when the power goes out, lineworkers go in, often working long shifts in bad weather.
- Two main employers: utilities, where you usually work in one service area, and line contractors, which can mean travel to job sites and storm work far from home.
- The conditions: heights, heat, cold, bucket trucks, heavy equipment and constant attention to safety procedures.
Getting trained
- Pre-apprentice line school: programs of several weeks to several months at community colleges and trade schools, teaching climbing, rigging, safety and often CDL preparation.
- Groundworker job: working on the ground supporting a crew is a common way to get noticed and move into an apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeship: usually three to four years of paid on-the-job training plus classroom work, run by utilities, contractor groups or joint labor-management committees.
- Related experience: tree trimming near power lines, construction and military engineering roles all help.
Our guides on choosing a trade and trade school vs college can help if you are comparing paths.
CDL, safety training and journeyman status
Most employers expect a Class A CDL, or for you to earn one early, because line crews drive heavy trucks to every job. Expect safety training covering first aid and CPR, OSHA standards and work around energized lines, plus pre-employment drug testing and a physical. Completing the apprenticeship earns journeyman lineworker status. A few states license some electrical work in ways that can touch line work, so check your state licensing board, but most of the trade’s credentials come from apprenticeship and employer training.
From high school to the line
- Stay physically fit, take math and any shop or electrical class, and keep a clean driving record.
- Get comfortable with heights, and be honest with yourself if you are not.
- After graduation, enroll in a pre-apprentice line program or take a groundworker or tree crew job.
- Earn your CDL as soon as you can; it makes you a stronger apprenticeship applicant.
- Apply to apprenticeship programs, which often include aptitude tests, climbing tests and interviews.
- Complete the apprenticeship and reach journeyman status, then choose between utility and contractor work.
See if it suits you
- Work a season on a construction, tree trimming or groundworker crew.
- Visit a line school and watch climbing training.
- Ask lineworkers for informational interviews, and ask their families too, about storm calls, travel and time away.
Who lasts, and why some leave
Lineworkers who stay are physically strong, comfortable at heights, calm under pressure and committed to doing safety steps every time. People leave because of injury risk, long storm deployments, time away from family and the toll on the body over years. Experienced lineworkers often move into foreman, supervisor, safety, training or estimating roles.
Changing careers into line work
Military veterans, construction workers and tree crew workers make the move often. The physical demands are real, so get honest about fitness and heights before you pay for line school. If you are starting over with little related experience, read our guides on getting hired with no experience and planning a career change. For current pay and outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor helps a young adult decide whether line work fits, line up the CDL and line school in the right order, stay accountable through training and apprenticeship applications, and handle the first job. Mentors are not credentialed career counselors, admissions counselors or licensing experts; they help you plan and follow through. Learn about our career and education mentoring and young adult mentoring.
Related
- Career paths: guides to more careers
- How to become an electrician
- How to become a truck driver
- How to become a carpenter
Common questions
How long does it take to become a lineworker?
Pre-apprentice line school can take several weeks to several months, and an apprenticeship usually runs three to four years. You are paid during the apprenticeship.
Do lineworkers need a CDL?
Most employers require a Class A CDL or expect you to earn one early, because crews drive heavy trucks and equipment to job sites.
Is line school required?
No, but it helps. Some people start as groundworkers and move into apprenticeships, while line school can make you a stronger applicant.
Is being a lineworker dangerous?
It carries serious risks from electricity, heights and weather, which is why training and safety procedures are strict. Following them every time is a core part of the job.
Get started
Interested in line work or another skilled trade and want a plan? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.