Linemen have a job that offers some excitement. They are high above the ground and they need to work on the power lines. They will install and repair the lines. At times, the job can be dangerous. The linemen will need to be highly trained and follow safety measures at all times. These linemen do get paid well for their work. The average Lineman salary is $56,000 annually.

Starting Salary

Lineman that were paid an hourly rate made an average of $27 an hour. Those that are just starting out in the industry make around $39,000 to start. As they gain experience, they will see an increase in their responsibilities as well as their salary. This information is based off of figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Top Industries

The largest number of linemen worked in the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution industry. There is a demand for electric line installers and those that are qualified to repair these electrical lines. Building contractors and those that are able to work for local government organizations are also in high demand.

Top Paying Employers

Based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics the natural gas industry pays the best to their linemen and they make an average of $79,000 a year. The Federal government also pays their linemen well and they may one average $67,000. Those that work for the electric companies make an average of $59,000 which is the same amount that those that work on the pipelines for natural gas make.

Benefits

Most linemen that work a full-time position get benefits with their employment. Some of the linemen are able to join the union and get union membership. They may be able to get a pension plan so they can have retirement benefits. Most linemen get health insurance coverage for them and their dependents. They may also have access to legal services. Depending on the company that the lineman works for he may have a flextime option or may even have education reimbursement. There may be additional compensation and bonuses and this will vary from the different companies.

Best Paying States for Linemen

There are some states where the linemen can make more money if they are willing to relocate for their field. California has the highest salary for a linemen and most of the work is in electric power line installation and repair. The average lineman makes $77,000 a year working in the state of California. Oregon pays close to this salary range. Alaska is a state that pays well followed by New York. Linemen can also make good money working in the state of Hawaii and handling the needs on the island. They make an average of $70,000 in Hawaii.

Job Growth Predictions

It is suggested that there will be a 23 increase in the demand for skilled linemen by the year 2020. This field is growing faster by 14 percent than most other industries. There is a demand for those that will work on the electrical lines. There is also a demand for linemen that will work with new methods of fuel and new ways of generating electricity.

The work of a lineman can be dangerous when they are fixing electrical and other lines. They need safety and training when it comes to their jobs. With the risk there is a reward. The lineman has an average salary that will allow them to have a family sustaining wage and enjoy.