Is Becoming a Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) Worth It in California? ROI Analysis

Becoming a electrical power-line installers (linemen) in California through an apprenticeship costs $0 in tuition. Apprentices earn approximately $454,549 during their 4-5 years of training. This is the most common and recommended path.

The median annual salary for electrical power-line installers (linemen)s in California is $122,520 ($58.91/hr). Salaries range from $67,690 (10th percentile) to $160,860 (90th percentile) based on experience and specialization.

Financially, electrical power-line installers (linemen)s in California earn $3,777,410 in cumulative earnings over 25 years, compared to $1,359,148 for the average college graduate. The trade path has a 0-year head start on earning income and $37,088 less in student debt. However, the right choice depends on your interests, career goals, and personal situation.

With an apprenticeship, there's no cost to pay back — you earn while you learn. This makes the electrical power-line installers (linemen) career path one of the best financial investments available.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +8% employment growth for electrical power-line installers (linemen)s over the next decade (Faster than average). There are approximately 19,800 annual job openings nationwide.