Utilities are hiring at levels not seen in decades. A 2025 Deloitte report notes that workforce shortages are becoming a bottleneck to infrastructure development, especially in transmission and distribution where utilities are investing record sums to modernize the grid.

For job-seekers, this translates into thousands of opportunities that don’t always require a four-year degree.

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Some energy careers demand advanced training — but many, like linework, provide on-the-job learning, entry through apprenticeships, or pathways for mid-career workers with transferable skills.

If you’ve been impacted by layoffs, automation, or shifts in your field, the Real Career Opportunities series is designed to show how your existing skills could translate into stable, future-facing careers in energy.

Each week, Positive Current will spotlight one job — what the role entails, the skills required, who’s hiring, and how much you can expect to earn. You’ll see how your background might fit and what steps could open the door.

This week: Lineworkers.

Lineworkers

Lineworkers are the backbone of the electric grid. They install, maintain, and repair overhead cables and electrical equipment — often climbing poles or using bucket trucks to manage live wires during storms or emergencies. It’s physically demanding and safety-critical work, but deeply vital: they’re the boots on the ground ensuring the lights stay on and the grid remains resilient.

Salary Snapshot:

Who’s a Fit:

  • Individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent ready to enter an apprenticeship program
  • People with physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to work outdoors in all conditions
  • Military veterans with technical training or maintenance/operations experience
  • Mid-career professionals from construction, HVAC, or other skilled trades

Who’s Hiring: At the time of this posting, utilities and contractors such as Exelon, NiSource, PacifiCorp, Xcel Energy, and union firms like Henkels & McCoy are actively recruiting for linework roles, particularly across the Sun Belt, Midwest, Southeast, and Western U.S.

Job postings may not always use “lineworker” in the title — look also for listings such as lineman, crew leader, overhead electrician, or electrical line installer on company career sites.

The Bottom Line

Linework isn’t just a job — it’s a frontline career keeping the energy grid alive. With each extreme weather event or new infrastructure project, lineworkers are in demand. This role offers a strong starting salary, clear pathways through apprenticeships, and the chance to build a future-proof career in one of the most essential trades of the energy transition.

Disclaimer: Salary ranges are based on reported averages as of 2024. Employer demand reflects postings available at the time of publication and may change. Check company career sites directly for the most current opportunities.

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