What are the pros and cons of being a lineman? (2024)

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of being a lineman? ›

The pros and cons of being a lineman include good pay, and paid apprenticeship working with your hands, but it is also very hard work, both physically and emotionally demanding, and there's also the harsh working conditions with the potential for injury and death.

To be a lineman, you must have incredible physical and mental strength. Working on the line means hauling gear, pulling thick cable and wire, and not minding having to work long hours day or night. Every day is different, from challenging jobsites to working in all types of extreme weather.

Electricity has a major role in the modern world and requires skilled people to ensure it continues operating effectively. A lineman is someone who constructs and maintains the power systems and transmission lines that deliver electricity to a specific area.

Storm Work Impacts the Pay of Lineman Jobs

Storm work for lineman is high paying for lineman jobs for several reasons: Utilities companies are in high demand as their customers are without power. Hourly pay is increased for both overtime work as well as travel time in some circ*mstances.

Power Line Experience and Maturity: Assets, Not Obstacles

Age does not dictate your ability to learn or adapt to the intricacies of the trade. Line work training programs are designed to accommodate individuals of various ages and backgrounds, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to succeed.

In order to start a line training program and apprenticeship the requirements have nothing to do with gender. You will need a high school diploma or GED and must be at least 18 years of age by enrollment date.

Algebra: Line workers will use algebra the most in their daily work. This type of math will help line workers calculate basic measurements when it comes to tool and equipment selections. Geometry: Properly setting up power lines requires at least a working understanding of calculating angles.

It's not uncommon for lineworkers to experience back and knee pain, especially later in life after they've been working for years climbing poles, repairing cables, digging holes, and handling heavy materials.

The Challenges Facing Today's Linemen

That's because this kind of utility job exposes workers to all types of hazards, including: Risk of electrocution. Falling while working at significant height. Being struck by dropped objects.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year a certain profession is our working quietly behind the scenes so we can enjoy the modern comforts of electricity. Power lineman deal with it all, heights, cold weather and high voltage electricity, all to provide power to big cities and small towns.

Are lineman in high demand? ›

Are lineman in demand? Yes, the demand for lineman is expected to climb by 8.5% by the year 2026 according to labor statistics. It is estimated there will be 21,500 lineman job openings in 2024 alone. Each year over the past five years has seen gradual increases in lineman job openings.

Stamina – working as a lineman takes stamina to climb power lines and transformer towers. They will also pull heavy cable and lift materials to perform their duties. It is a long but satisfying day of work. Agility – as a lineman, you will need to move quickly and efficiently to keep up with other line workers.

The best Journeyman Lineman jobs can pay up to $136,000 per year. A journeyman lineman builds and maintains the electrical power system.

In their study of NFL linemen's hearts, Croft and Belanger (5) discovered that linemen had a 52% greater risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population and a 3.7-fold greater risk of death from heart disease when compared to other position players.

The bulk of a lineworker's day is spent in the field. Tasks can range from routine maintenance of power lines and poles to responding to emergency calls for repairs.

Not every lineman has to travel but it is very common for apprentices to get on a moving crew that can cover multiple states, depending on the employer.

Lineman jobs also have quite a bit of travel especially early on in a career. But is it possible to spend time with family while working as a lineman? Absolutely yes.