Lineworker: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the technical expertise needed to install, maintain, and repair electric power and communication infrastructure across diverse environments, from urban networks to remote rural areas. Graduates are prepared for hands-on roles in the energy and telecommunications sectors, where precision, safety, and compliance with industry standards are critical.
- Cable Installation and Repair: Mastery of techniques for deploying, splicing, and restoring electrical and fiber-optic cables under varying environmental and operational conditions.
- Fibre-Optic Technology: In-depth training in the principles, deployment, testing, and troubleshooting of high-speed data transmission systems using optical fibers.
- Trenching and Excavation: Practical skills in digging and preparing trenches for underground cable placement, including soil analysis and safety protocols.
- Mobile Equipment and Crane Operation: Certification-ready instruction in operating heavy machinery used in line construction, including cranes, diggers, and utility trucks.
- High-Voltage Systems: Specialized knowledge in handling, testing, and maintaining high-voltage transmission and distribution systems safely and effectively.
- Maintenance and Inspection Protocols: Training in systematic evaluation of infrastructure integrity, predictive maintenance strategies, and diagnostic procedures.
- Safety Standards and Practices: Emphasis on OSHA-compliant safety measures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response in high-risk environments.
- Remote Communications Systems: Understanding of telemetry, SCADA systems, and real-time monitoring tools used in utility network operations.
- Industry Codes and Regulations: Familiarity with national and local codes, including the National Electrical Code (NEC), utility standards, and permitting requirements.
Lineworker Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Lineworker Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Lineworker degrees, including Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers and First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 724,360 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers 49-9051 | $92,560 | $50,020 - $126,610 | 123,680 | $44.50 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 49-1011 | $78,300 | $48,460 - $124,280 | 600,680 | $37.64 |
Lineworker Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $68,625 in Mississippi to $109,265 in Washington—a 59% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, California, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 724,360 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Lineworker by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 74 institutions offering Lineworker programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Lineworker is found at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (421 graduates), Trinidad State College (TSC) (117 graduates), Alpena Community College (ACC) (99 graduates), Nash Community College (96 graduates), and Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) (94 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,731 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
421 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Trinidad State College (TSC) |
Other Award
|
117 | Trinidad, Colorado | Public | trinidadstate.edu |
| Alpena Community College (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
99 | Alpena, Michigan | Public | alpenacc.edu |
| Nash Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
96 | Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Public | nashcc.edu |
| Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
94 | Mitchell, South Dakota | Public | mitchelltech.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
92 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
82 | Fergus Falls, Minnesota | Public | minnesota.edu |
| North Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
74 | Clarkesville, Georgia | Public | northgatech.edu |
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) |
Associate's
|
71 | Okmulgee, Oklahoma | Public | osuit.edu |
| Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
67 | Sheldon, Iowa | Public | nwicc.edu |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) |
Other Award
|
65 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | hgtc.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
62 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
60 | Butte, Montana | Public | mtech.edu |
| South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) |
Other Award
|
54 | Americus, Georgia | Public | southgatech.edu |
| Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51 | Rosemount, Minnesota | Public | dctc.edu |
| Metropolitan Community College Area (MCC) |
Associate's
|
44 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | mccneb.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (KKC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
42 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Marshalltown Community College (MCC) |
Residency
Other Award
|
42 | Marshalltown, Iowa | Public | mcc.iavalley.edu |
| State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) |
Associate's
|
42 | Linn, Missouri | Public | statetechmo.edu |
| Bismarck State College (BSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
41 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Public | bismarckstate.edu |
| Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) |
Associate's
|
40 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | otc.edu |
| University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
39 | North Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uaptc.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Other Award
|
39 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
39 | Fennimore, Wisconsin | Public | swtc.edu |
| Colorado Mesa University (CMU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
37 | Grand Junction, Colorado | Public | coloradomesa.edu |
| York Technical College (York Tech) |
Other Award
|
36 | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Public | yorktech.edu |
| Northern Michigan University (NMU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
35 | Marquette, Michigan | Public | nmu.edu |
| Northeast Community College |
Associate's
|
34 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
33 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | cvtc.edu |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
32 | Granite Falls, Minnesota | Public | mnwest.edu |
| Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
32 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Public | morainepark.edu |
| Warren County Career Center (WCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
32 | Lebanon, Ohio | Public | mywccc.org |
| Arkansas State University (ASUN) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
31 | Newport, Arkansas | Public | asun.edu |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) |
Other Award
|
29 | Senatobia, Mississippi | Public | northwestms.edu |
| Tulsa Welding School (TWS) |
Other Award
|
29 | Irving, Texas | Private | tws.edu |
| Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) |
Other Award
|
28 | Waycross, Georgia | Public | coastalpines.edu |
| Trident Technical College (TTC) |
Other Award
|
27 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | tridenttech.edu |
| Central Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
27 | Drumright, Oklahoma | Public | centraltech.edu |
| Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
24 | Beaumont, Texas | Public | lit.edu |
| Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
23 | Fairfield, Maine | Public | kvcc.me.edu |
| Marion Technical College (MTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
20 | Marion, Ohio | Public | mtc.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
20 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| South Florida State College (SFSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
18 | Avon Park, Florida | Public | southflorida.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
18 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| New Mexico State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | dacc.nmsu.edu |
| Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Scottsbluff, Nebraska | Public | wncc.edu |
| Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15 | Janesville, Wisconsin | Public | blackhawk.edu |
| Mid-EastCTC |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15 | Zanesville, Ohio | Public | adulted.mideastctc.org |
| Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Thomasville, Georgia | Public | southernregional.edu |
| Manchester Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Public | mccnh.edu |
| Sussex County Community College (SCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Newton, New Jersey | Public | sussex.edu |
| New River Community and Technical College (NRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
13 | Beaver, West Virginia | Public | newriver.edu |
| Yavapai College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Prescott, Arizona | Public | yc.edu |
| Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) |
Residency
|
12 | Brecksville, Ohio | Public | cvccworks.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Rock Springs, Wyoming | Public | westernwyoming.edu |
| Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District |
Other Award
|
12 | Chillicothe, Ohio | Public | pickawayross.com |
| Jackson College |
Other Award
|
11 | Jackson, Michigan | Public | jccmi.edu |
| Buckeye Joint Vocational School |
Other Award
|
11 | New Philadelphia, Ohio | Public | buckeyecareercenter.org |
| Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Newark, Ohio | Public | c-tec.edu |
| Scioto County Career Technical Center (SCCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Lucasville, Ohio | Public | sciototech.org |
| Mid-America Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Wayne, Oklahoma | Public | matech.edu |
| Northeast Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Pryor, Oklahoma | Public | netech.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (SUNY Delhi) |
Associate's
|
9 | Delhi, New York | Public | delhi.edu |
| Pontotoc Technology Center (Pontotoc Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Ada, Oklahoma | Public | pontotoctech.edu |
| Buckeye Hills Career Center (BHCC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Rio Grande, Ohio | Public | buckeyehills.net |
| Grays Harbor College (GHC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Aberdeen, Washington | Public | ghc.edu |
| Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Troy, New York | Public | hvcc.edu |
| Meridian Technology Center (Meridian Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | meridiantech.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Other Award
|
3 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Albany, Oregon | Public | linnbenton.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Leesburg, Florida | Public | lssc.edu |
| Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Chandler, Arizona | Public | cgc.maricopa.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Lineworker programs
How much can I earn with a Lineworker degree?
Salaries for Lineworker graduates vary by role and location. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers earn a median of $92,560 annually, while First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers earn around $78,300. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $109,265 compared to $68,625 in Mississippi. Approximately 724,360 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Lineworker programs?
Currently 74 accredited institutions offer Lineworker degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (421 graduates), Trinidad State College (TSC) (117 graduates), and Alpena Community College (ACC) (99 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Lineworker growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,329 in 2010 to 2,731 in 2023-24. This represents a 105% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Lineworker degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers, First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers, . Related occupations employ approximately 724,360 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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