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

A data-driven look at the costs, earnings, and return on investment of a electrical power-line installers (linemen) career in Tennessee — compared to a 4-year college degree.

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) in Tennessee

ROI Analysis

Payback Period

$0

out of pocket

Excellent
Median Salary$80,160
Job Growth (10yr)+8%
Annual Openings19,800
Take-Home/Month$5,379
Training Cost$0 (earn while learning)
Training Time4-5 years
Avg. Debt$0
After Housing$4,232/mo

Apprenticeship Available — Earn While You Learn

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) apprentices earn ~$297,394 during 4-5 years of training with $0 tuition.

Training Cost Breakdown

Training Cost

FREE

Training Time

4-5 years

Debt

$0

Payback

Instant

Typical path: IBEW/NEAT apprenticeship or lineman school; CDL required

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) vs. College Degree

Training Cost

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
$0
College Degree
$108,000

Average Debt

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
$0
College Degree
$37,088

Time to First Paycheck

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
4.5 years
College Degree
4.5 years

Cumulative Earnings Over 30 Years

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) vs. 4-year college degree (2.5% annual raises)

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)s start earning immediately

By the time a college graduate starts working, a electrical power-line installers (linemen) has already earned $265,330. After 25 years, the trade path nets $2,471,410 vs. $1,359,148 for a college degree — a clear financial advantage.

Debt Advantage

$37,088

less debt

Head Start

0 years

earning sooner

25-Year Trade

$2.5M

cumulative

25-Year College

$1.4M

cumulative

Salary Details in Tennessee

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Annual wages by percentile

Salary by Percentile

Annual salary distribution from entry-level to top earners

$45,950 (entry)$80,160 (median)$101,200 (top)

Purchasing Power in Tennessee

Nominal Salary

$80,160

COL-Adjusted

$73,339

RPP: 109.3

Monthly Take-Home

$5,379

after taxes

After Housing

$4,232

rent: $1,147/mo

Employment Outlook

10-Year Growth

+8%(Faster than average)

Annual Openings

19,800

Current Employment

124,500

Education: High school diploma or equivalent · Training: Long-term on-the-job training

Tennessee Economy

Median Income

$63,750

Median Home

$272,000

Unemployment

3.7%

Bachelor's Rate

33.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a electrical power-line installers (linemen) in Tennessee through an apprenticeship costs $0 in tuition. Apprentices earn approximately $297,394 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 Tennessee is $80,160 ($38.54/hr). Salaries range from $45,950 (10th percentile) to $101,200 (90th percentile) based on experience and specialization.
Financially, electrical power-line installers (linemen)s in Tennessee earn $2,471,410 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.

Related ROI Analyses

Other trades in Tennessee

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) in other states

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Find electrical power-line installers (linemen) training programs, apprenticeships, and trade schools near you in Tennessee.

Links go to official government resources (DOL, CareerOneStop). Free to use.