Overview and Insights on the Current State of Powerline Labor
The methodology employed for this report is both comprehensive and data-driven, aimed at providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date insights into the powerline industry in 2023. At Lineman Central, our unique position in the industry, with 17,000 job seekers actively engaged on our platform, grants us unparalleled access to the pulse of the workforce. We work closely with over 180 employers, diligently monitoring over 300 job postings every week, sourced from a wide network of employers, utilities, unions and contractors spanning the entire continent. In addition, our partnerships with 180+ training programs further enrich our understanding of the industry's training landscape. To ensure the reliability and relevance of our findings, this report combines survey data with analytical insights, providing a comprehensive view of the industry's current state and future prospects. Our commitment to data-driven analysis ensures that you receive the most valuable and trustworthy information in the field of powerline jobs and training.
2023 Powerline Stats
- 12,400 projected job openings in 2024
- Estimated that 4,300+ line workers have retired or left the workforce
- State of largest number of powerline workers: Texas
- Total projected increase of 91,000 miles of new transmission lines in the U.S. within the next 13 years.
- An estimated 18,000+ line workers consider themselves "passive job seekers"
- The median salary for lineman is $79,843 or around $41.50 an hour.
- Six new lineman training programs or technical college programs launched in 2023.
Top Rated Powerline Employers in 2023
Lineman Central is proud to present our national survey findings on the top-rated powerline employers in 2023. Our comprehensive and data-driven methodology has allowed us to compile the most accurate insights into the powerline industry. With an engaged community of 17,000 job seekers and close collaborations with over 180 employers, we have our finger on the pulse of the workforce. By combining survey data with analytical insights, our report offers a holistic view of the industry's current state and future prospects.
- Alabama: Central Alabama Electric Cooperative
- Alaska: Golden Valley Electric Association
- Arizona: SRP
- Arkansas: Entergy
- California: Southern California Edison
- Colorado: CORE Electric Cooperative
- Connecticut: Eversource
- Delaware: Delaware Electric Cooperative
- Florida: NextEra Energy
- Georgia: Southern Company
- Hawaii: Hawaiian Electric Company
- Idaho: Idaho Power Company
- Illinois: Ameren
- Indiana: The AES Corporation
- Iowa: Mid American Energy Company
- Kansas: Evergy
- Kentucky: Mears Construction
- Louisiana: Chain Electric Company
- Maine: Central Maine Power
- Maryland: Choptank Electric Cooperative
- Massachusetts: Eversource
- Michigan: Consumers Energy
- Minnesota: Xcel Energy
- Mississippi: Team Fishel
- Missouri: Ameren
- Montana: Northwestern Energy
- Nebraska: Nebraska Public Power District
- Nevada: NV Energy
- New Hampshire: Eversource
- New Jersey: PSEG
- New Mexico: Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative
- New York: Rochester Gas & Electric
- North Carolina: Duke Energy
- North Dakota: Xcel Energy
- Ohio: Davis H Elliot Company
- Oklahoma: Aspen Utility Company
- Oregon: PacifiCorp
- Pennsylvania: Central Electric Cooperative
- Rhode Island: National Grid
- South Carolina: Infratech Corporation
- South Dakota: Brink Constructors
- Tennessee: Appalachian Electric Company
- Texas: Tri-County Electric Cooperative
- Utah: PacifiCorp
- Vermont: Green Mountain Power
- Virginia: Dominion Energy
- Washington: Bonneville Power Administration
- West Virginia: PennLine Energy T&D
- Wisconsin: Xcel Energy
- Wyoming: Lower Valley Energy
Wage Changes For Lineman in 2023
- Average posted wage for jobs on Lineman Central decreased compared to inflation
- Average posted wage for jobs on Lineman Central increased equal to inflation
- Average posted wage for jobs on Lineman Central increased faster than inflation
Spotlight on Future Tech
Previewing the cutting edge technology unveiled in 2023 that will impact the powerline jobs of tomorrow.
Fast Forward
Fast Forward is streamlining the thermography inspection workflow to enable over 5000 poles per day with a single inspector. The technology helps electric utility companies automate thermal and visual inspections of power lines using proprietary data collection software leveraging artificial intelligence and computer vision. Inspectors install a roof mounted thermal camera on a vehicle to speed the inspection process by 10 times.
SkySkopes
SkySkopes is bringing Mobile Mapping to the next level. SkySkopes deploys the Ranger HA (High Accuracy) LiDAR system for mobile mapping projects. This system meets some of the most challenging survey projects by its measurement and INS/GNSS performance. The Ranger HA can scan 360 degrees while providing a very high pulse repetition rate.
6 TON INLINE 60MM CUTTING TOOL FROM HUSKIE
Huskie Tools rolled out an impressive cutting tool this past year with precision machined blades for ultra clean cuts with minimal distortion, 18v Brushless Motor and stress tested under 75KV.
Spotlight on Training Programs
Lineman Central partners with over 180+ training programs across the country. Here are some of the most notable ones activity in 2023
New Program
James Sprunt Lineman Training
The Electrical Lineworker Training Program is a 14-week course designed to prepare you for a successful and rewarding career as an Electrical Lineworker. Graduates of the JSCC Electrical Lineworker will develop many skills through the provided training. The course will cover the following objectives: electrical systems, basic transformers and operation, basic electricity/ electrical theory, personal protective equipment, basic line construction, line truck operations, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, and NC Flagger.
Fast Growing
PrimeLine Academy
“Prime Line Academy” is a proactive school that yields results. With the programs exclusive class sizes, you get more one-on-one time with instructors, affordable tuition, and hands-on learning, in order to gain the skills apprenticeships are looking for…in less time. Instructors at “Prime Line Academy” have over twenty combined years of outdoor line experience, throughout the United States. Each day your task and team will be different, gaining not only the necessary skills but also the ability to work well with others.
Strong Reviews
Durham Technical College
The Electrical Line Technician course is designed to train persons that wish to become entry-level electrical line technicians for private and public utility companies and related employers. Students will learn academic and field skills necessary for entry-level workers. Safe work practices are a foundation of program. This program is approved for national certification by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
T&D Projects in 2023
In the coming years, a wave of significant infrastructure initiatives promises to reshape the electrical grid and enhance its efficiency and resilience. To make these projects a reality, there is a critical need for a highly-trained and dedicated workforce. From installing new transmission lines to maintaining and upgrading distribution networks, these endeavors require a wide range of specialized skills and expertise. Explore the Hiring and Career Center for National Lineworkers.
345-kV Line
Minnesota Energy Connection
Xcel Energy is proposing to construct two new 345-kilovolt transmission lines, connecting renewable-rich regions in southern and southwest Minnesota to the existing grid at the Sherco power plant. This initiative is part of their strategy to retire coal generation at the Sherco plant by the end of the decade. The proposal entails the construction of a double-circuit transmission line utilizing a single pole structure, with wires positioned on either side of the pole.
345-kV Line
Colorado Power Pathway
The Colorado Power Pathway project involves the construction of transmission lines and substations across various counties in Colorado. This initiative aims to enhance the state's electrical grid infrastructure, connecting renewable-rich areas and supporting the transition away from coal generation.
500-kV Line
SunZia Transmission Project
The SunZia Transmission Project is composed of two planned 500-kilovolt transmission lines located across approximately 520 miles of federal, state and private lands between central New Mexico and central Arizona. When completed, this project will transport up to 4,500 megawatts of primarily renewable energy from New Mexico to markets in Arizona and California.
100-kV
Big Ferguson
The Big Ferguson Transmission Line Project will help strengthen the grid and increase electric capacity for customers now and in the future. The project includes constructing a new 100-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and new substation. The Big Ferguson Substation will be located at the intersection of Green Pond Road and South Carolina Highway 417. A new transmission line will be required to connect the new substation to the existing energy network.Construction of the Big Ferguson Substation expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027.
Looking for the current edition? Read the 2025 State of Power Line Jobs.
