Lineworker: high school, then an apprenticeship of about 3–4 years
Lineworkers typically need a high school diploma, then technical instruction and on-the-job training; apprenticeships are common and reach journey level after 3 or 4 years. Workers who drive heavy vehicles usually need a CDL.
For: Strong, calm, safety-minded people who don't mind heights, weather and high voltage.
Route 1: Apprenticeship → journey-level lineworker Common
Programs of up to 3 years combine on-the-job training with technical instruction, sometimes run jointly by the employer and the union.
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Start here
High school diploma + 1 year of algebra
Entry may also need an aptitude test score, a substance abuse screening and a fitness test.
BLS
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Find a program
A Registered Apprenticeship
Validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
USDOL
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?U.S. Department of Labor (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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6,000–8,000 hours
Line Erector (RAPIDS 0281) or Line Maintainer (RAPIDS 0283)
Time-based minimum terms: Line Erector 6,000 hours; Line Maintainer 8,000 (newer version 7,000).
USDOL
Approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship (spreadsheet: RAPIDS code, type, minimum term)U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Linked from apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations. Term lengths are hours of on-the-job learning; time-based programs list one figure, hybrid programs a range.
View source -
Certificate
Commercial driver's license (CDL)
For heavy vehicles; crews that cross state lines need an interstate CDL.
BLS
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Journey-level lineworker
After 3 or 4 years; can do most tasks without supervision.
BLS
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Lineworker certificate or associate degree first Optional head start
Some community colleges teach electrical distribution, line construction and pole top and bucket rescue, sometimes with an internship.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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1–2 years
1-year certificate or 2-year associate degree
BLS
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Then
Apprenticeship or employer training
BLS
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Electrical power-line installer and repairer
BLS
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
National certifications and federal rules
Federal rules apply in every state; voluntary certifications are ones employers may ask for. State rules are in the matrix below.
- Lineworker certification
Optional - Available but not mandatory.
BLS
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State rules
Medical and other certifications and the minimum age vary by state; check with your state. BLS
View source
Where to go next
Every trade on one matrix: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and the tools of the trade.