Tennessee Career Guide | 2026 103 isting infrastructure or constructing new transmission or distribution systems. What Kind of Person is Best Suited? A power line worker must be comfortable in a dangerous work environment, which includes working with electricity, usually at great heights. The role of a line worker is very physically demanding. They prefer hands-on work which is done in all weather conditions. They must be prepared for long hours and travel. This is a career where teamwork is not only valued, but vital for the safety of everyone on the crew. What Kind of Education is Generally Required? Most line workers attend a trade school or community college or join an apprentice- ship program. A trade school can provide you with electrical theory classroom coursework, hands-on training with jour- neyman lineman instructors, and real- world simulations. You can earn certifications in as little as 4 months at a trade school, as they don’t require addi- tional coursework in subjects not pertain- ing to this field. Those that attend a community college of- fering a course in line work will sometimes earn an associate’s degree, which requires the student to pass other subjects such as math, English, and science, in addition to the hands-on training. An apprenticeship consists of classroom and on-the-job-training over the course of about 4 years. An apprentice works under the guidance of journeyman line workers, learning skills and gaining experience as they progress through their apprenticeship. Once the apprentice completes the re- quired hours of training, they would be considered a journeyman. What is the Average Salary? According to the Bureau of Labor Statis- tics, the median annual wage for a line worker is $92,560. This equals about $44.50 per hour. Pay scales will vary by lo- cation, company, experience level, over- time wages, and allotted per diem pay. A journeyman line worker could expect to make well over $100,000 each year. Those working in emergency storm situa- tions also have a greater potential for much higher wages. What Growth is Possible and How Much Demand For This Career Demand in this field is high, with growth in employment being faster than all other oc- cupations. Linework has a projected growth of 8% from 2023-2033. There is a need for maintenance on existing power grids as they age. Developing tech- nologies are being consistently implemented in the infrastructure. There is an increased demand for solar and wind energy sources, which require new construction. The in- crease in population also requires new infra- structure projects as cities grow. What is the Greatest Challenge and Greatest Reward in this Career? Line workers do face challenges in their ca- reers. There are many potential risks and dangers, and it is a physically demanding profession. They are also sometimes away from their families for long periods of time. Most people who follow this career path find that, even though it can be difficult at times, the rewards are great. They have pride in their work and enjoy the cama- raderie of working in a crew. They realize the importance of restoring power to com- munities that have been affected by torna- does, extreme winter weather, wildfires, and hurricanes. They are grateful that they have a role in keeping your homes, as well as your communities’ hospitals, busi- nesses, and schools, powered. This fulfilling and indispensable career can give you a very high earning potential, job security, and the opportunity to be part of a group of highly skilled men and women that are providing a crucial neces- sity across the country. Tennessee’s Top Careers North American Lineman Training Center is located in middle Tennessee, an hour west of Nashville. It is one of the largest pre-apprentice lineman training academies in the US. Our students receive industry-recognized certifications, enabling them to work anywhere in the country. We also have an in-house CDL program. Our instructors are all journeyman lineman, each having many years of experience in different backgrounds of line work. We have worked with hundreds of contractors, co-ops, municipalities and contractors. Many recruit specifically and only from NALTC because they are aware of the value our graduates will bring to their companies. NALTC is currently enrolling, so call us today or learn more at www.naltc.com. The Information on this career is submitted and sponsored by
