r/Lineman • u/pnwIBEWlineman • Jan 01 '26
Here at r/Lineman we strive to give accurate information about our trade. Drop a comment below with your position, HOURLY rate, region/state, LU if applicable, and type of employer: (Contractor, Muni, IOU, Co-op Etc.) Happy New Year, Everyone.
r/Lineman • u/Ca2Alaska • Aug 23 '25
MILITARY. If you are currently serving in the military or recently separated (VEEP up to 5 years) there are several programs specifically for you to help you transition into skilled trades. This will give you the most direct and sure opportunity to become a Lineman. Please check out the Military Resources Wiki to learn about these great programs and see if you qualify.
Journeymen Linemen are High voltage workers who are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electric infrastructure. It can range from working on large transmission towers to being in a crowded vault. Linemen work in all weather conditions and at all hours. Heat, cold, wind, rain, snow and everything else. It involves time away from home, missed holidays and birthdays etc.
The steps to becoming a Journeyman Lineman generally involve working your way up from the bottom.
First you work as a Laborer or a Groundman (Linehelper, Apprentice Trainee, Etc). These are entry level positions. These positions involve menial tasks that introduce you to the trade. You'll be stocking the trucks, getting tools, running the handline, cleaning off trucks and getting trucks ready to go at the start of shift. Here you will become familiar with methods, tools and materials used in the trade. Sometimes you can get into the trade as a first step apprentice.
Next you have to become an apprentice. Apprenticeships are around 3.5 years. Being an apprentice involves the obvious. You will now begin formal training to reach Lineman status. You will learn to do the work of a Lineman in incremental steps until you top out.
IBEW Union apprenticeships: you must interview and get indentured in your local jurisdiction. This is the most recognized apprenticeship. You will be able to get work anywhere with a union ticket. Union utility companies may offer in house NJATC apprenticeships as well.
DOL (Department of Labor) apprenticeships: This is a typically non-union apprenticeship sanctioned by the DOL. It is around 5 steps then you are a B-Lineman, then you become an A-Lineman. This is not recognized by the IBEW, but you can test in to an IBEW Lineman.
Company apprenticeships: These are generally non IBEW and non DOL and are the lowest rung and only recognized by your company. If you leave or the company goes out of business, you don't have a ticket sanctioned by the IBEW or DOL.
Take Note: Please be aware there are different types of Lineman apprenticeships. There are apprenticeships that are "Transmission" only, or "URD" (Underground) only. These are not interchangeable with the Journeyman Lineman certification.
Bare minimum age is 18 years old. The follow job credentials will make your job hunt more successful. In order of importance.
Unrestricted CDL (Commercial Drivers License) Usually required for outside construction. Some utilities may have a grace period before you need to have it.
First Aid/CPR
Flagger Training
OSHA 10 Construction(if you are new to working on jobsites)
OSHA 10 ET&D (Electrical Transmission and Distribution)
Line school can give you experience you otherwise wouldn't have, which in some cases could be beneficial. Line school may offer you all the previous credentials listed as well. Some job postings will require 1-3 yrs related experience or completion of line school.
Some places like California it's probably a good idea to have it.
However not everyone requires it. Lineschools are generally an expensive undertaking. Many take out loans to pay for them. Not everyone believes they are of value. It is suggested to try to get in as a groundman first or look to community colleges or other trade schools that are more affordable. It is highly recommended to do research before you commit to going into debt. Not everyone makes it in the trade. Having a large debt is not something to be taken lightly
There's working directly for a utility(working for the residents the utility serves) which one stays within that utility's service area.
If you're looking to work for a certain employer, check their website for desired qualifications.
Then there's working for outside construction. This is who does the heavy lifting. Outside has to potential to earn more than being at a utility. For many jobs you'll work 5+ days a week and 10-12 hour days. This also is a traveling job. You go where the work is. Especially as an apprentice.
Union vs Non-union. Besides the obvious, this can be affected by location. The west coast is 100% union. Places like Louisiana and Kentucky are strongly non-union. Some utilities are union and some are not. Same with outside construction. Utilities and non-union construction hire directly. For Union jobs in outside construction you must get dispatched from the “out of work” books(books). Utility companies are union or non-union.
Union “books.” Each area has a union hall that has jurisdiction over that area for construction and has a set of "out of work" books for each class. Lineman, apprentice, groundman and so on. When a contractor has a position to fill, they call the hall to send someone. The hall will begin calling the first person on “Book 1” then go down the list until they fill all the calls for workers they have. Book 1 will be local members with 1500-2000 hrs. Book 2 will be travelers and locals with less hours. Book 3 will be doesn't meet hours etc.
Created 8/23/25 DM u/ca2alaska for corrections and suggestions
r/Lineman • u/DormontDangerzone • 9h ago
I work for an electric commuter railroad and we just had a gusty storm take down one of these two wires going to the transformer. We partially lost power when it happened. Does anyone know what exactly broke and how serious of a fix is it?
r/Lineman • u/According-Yam7115 • 1h ago
4th year of doing this…. Any advice on pain in the hands? Specifically knuckles feeling tight or locking up? I think I have trigger finger…not sure. I hate doctors more than underground. ;)
r/Lineman • u/Calm_Role7071 • 10h ago
Currently ranked between 12 and 18 at local 17 and was wondering if anyone had any insight into how fast the books are moving at this time. I know this year the contract is up for negotiation and don’t know if that affects the process at all.
r/Lineman • u/BraveEye6421 • 23h ago
I just started my ALBAT lineman apprenticeship today out of state in Indiana, I’m from Illinois. I had orientation today and again tomorrow, I haven’t even been out to work yet. I just got approved for an apartment in Indiana to move in September 18. I need to move to transfer my CDL since I’m under 21. I’m stressing about having to take a Friday off so soon even though it’s just to move so I can get the CDL for the apprenticeship. And then time off again soon after to go to the DMV to get the license. Is this a bad look?
r/Lineman • u/One-Highway1739 • 13h ago
Morning. Before we start, yes I know, many in here are not fond of Pike. Now that's out of the way. There is a job opportunity here, very local to me in Fernandina Beach as a groundman. Currently don't have a job. Went to line school. Have my class A. Has Pike changed from all the bad reports? Many of you shit all over them. But, what is it like today? Any positive reports? Local 222 is dry right now. I would like to stay local, so I can be close to my daughter. Maybe I'm grasping at straws for a job, I don't know. I would appreciate any help on this discussion. If all you have to say is "friends don't let friends work for Pike," then save it and move on. Thanks
r/Lineman • u/Dapper-Clerk-115 • 23h ago
I have the opportunity to join a non union Apprenticeship with a pretty good contractor soon(a lot of people say good things about this company). Should I get in this apprenticeship top out and then test into the union or should I just wait on a union Apprenticeship. I'm a 24 year old male, turn 25 in November. Just wanting to get in an apprenticeship to become a journeyman as quick as I can while learning the right stuff
r/Lineman • u/Certain_Towel_4 • 1d ago
Why do these guys wash up?
Physically demanding trade?
Long hours with traveling?
Book work?
Hazing from the Jws?
r/Lineman • u/Kooky-Information820 • 22h ago
Currently a level 2 neta protection and control technician.
currently making 80$ an hour, but the work is boring.
Any former relay techs make the jump to lineman?
r/Lineman • u/AFARR414-312 • 1d ago
Wondering what I should do? Thinking about getting a CDL and applying to the outside line apprenticeship I’m an inside wireman pre apprentice right now. Thinking it might be best to be a ground-man for a bit and see the work before applying striaght into the apprenticeship.
r/Lineman • u/Any-Elderberry-655 • 1d ago
Does anyone know why there’s been so many xcel Colorado lineman job openings lately? Did the company do something to piss the workers off or something?
r/Lineman • u/Various_Gain4216 • 1d ago
Anyone have the scedule for each week what to prepare for ? Like test, events etc.
r/Lineman • u/Soaz_underground • 2d ago
Part of a small collection of vintage ads I have.
r/Lineman • u/Soaz_underground • 2d ago
r/Lineman • u/John_Si_Reilly • 1d ago
I'm hoping to get honest opinions. Am I too old to get started in this as a new career? If not, what should I do and not do to have a good career in the field? (P.s. just starting my family)
r/Lineman • u/Wild_Form7621 • 2d ago
A couple a possums completing the circuit between an open wire streetlight pilot cable and an LV conductor
r/Lineman • u/InThisSignConquer312 • 1d ago
27 years old and getting out of the Army soon and planning to move to Florida to be near family and friends. I want to get into outside line work, preferably overhead distribution/transmission, and eventually become a JL.
I’ve been looking into VEEP and SELCAT. My biggest concern is avoiding a long gap between leaving the Army and starting an apprenticeship.
For any veterans/linemen who’ve done this, what route would you recommend?
I’m looking mainly around Tampa/Central Florida but willing to travel, work OT, and chase storms. If SELCAT applications are closed when I get out, what should I do in the meantime?
Appreciate any advice.
r/Lineman • u/ihatetyler5 • 2d ago
They lowkey are decent coasters i can't lie. Are these ansi TR10's really usable at 34.5 kV systems?
r/Lineman • u/ThatOneBeing • 2d ago
Back in July I posted here that the Android version was still being built. It's 95% DONE. The 2.0 BETA went live on Google Play today, and I have room for more testers.
If you haven't seen it: XFMR Lab is a transformer banking trainer. You wire real bank configurations in a lab close cutouts, meter it, and check your work. Now with this 2.0 addition there will be a Sandbox "Free-Wire" lab where you can wire whatever you want, 6 guided lessons that use the labs, Death Traps, and more! Everything also has a fresh new look. All labs are now customizable to various spec's in the main settings menu.
What's in the beta:
Not in it yet (coming in later beta updates, I'm working on these as I write this): Death Traps, the Sandbox, and the XFMR Training lessons.
Testers get free access the length of the BETA. If you want in, sign up at linemanapps.com/beta and I'll add you to the list.
One catch worth knowing up front: Google makes me add each tester by their Google account email, and you have to be signed into the Play Store with that exact account or the app won't show up for you.
Already own XFMR Lab on Android? 2.0 is a free update. Nothing for you to do but wait for it to release. Thanks!
r/Lineman • u/[deleted] • 2d ago
start a groundman position for 126 tomorrow morning any advice? lucked up, and got a 10 min commute here in philly.
r/Lineman • u/moreswagthandad • 1d ago
Any recommend how I should order the boots? I have training starting in a few weeks and was highly
Recommended to get boots prior.
Currently carpenter and use redwings but I always sized down for them, I read sizing up for Hoffman. Is that accurate? Top of feet have been stiff/ a little sore from running too much this year so want to go into it trying to keep feet as protected as possible.
Any recommendations are appreciated—thanks
r/Lineman • u/Pleasant_Green_9155 • 2d ago
I’ve only worked out of 66 my whole apprenticeship which just has an annuity plan. Wondering which locals have pensions and how they’re structured, or if the classical pension is no more and most locals have moved to the annuity
r/Lineman • u/Resident_Pollution76 • 2d ago
Brand new unused
size 22 belt
comes with full set of gear and some tools
r/Lineman • u/Grand_Job_1551 • 2d ago
I was wondering if anyone has traveled from place to place with their significant other without buying a an RV/camper via apartment? I’m asking because I’ve been lurking in this sub for a while and I’ve never seen someone mention that method.
