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

Becoming a electrical power-line installers (linemen) in South Dakota through an apprenticeship costs $0 in tuition. Apprentices earn approximately $341,543 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 South Dakota is $92,060 ($44.26/hr). Salaries range from $61,390 (10th percentile) to $102,500 (90th percentile) based on experience and specialization.

Financially, electrical power-line installers (linemen)s in South Dakota earn $2,838,299 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.