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

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

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) in Wisconsin

ROI Analysis

Payback Period

$0

out of pocket

Excellent
Median Salary$104,420
Job Growth (10yr)+8%
Annual Openings19,800
Take-Home/Month$6,340
Training Cost$0 (earn while learning)
Training Time4-5 years
Avg. Debt$0
After Housing$5,233/mo

Apprenticeship Available — Earn While You Learn

Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) apprentices earn ~$387,398 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 $345,630. After 25 years, the trade path nets $3,219,370 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

$3.2M

cumulative

25-Year College

$1.4M

cumulative

Salary Details in Wisconsin

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

Annual wages by percentile

Salary by Percentile

Annual salary distribution from entry-level to top earners

$48,190 (entry)$104,420 (median)$117,960 (top)

Purchasing Power in Wisconsin

Nominal Salary

$104,420

COL-Adjusted

$97,316

RPP: 107.3

Monthly Take-Home

$6,340

after taxes

After Housing

$5,233

rent: $1,107/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

Wisconsin Economy

Median Income

$61,499

Median Home

$262,400

Unemployment

3.7%

Bachelor's Rate

33.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a electrical power-line installers (linemen) in Wisconsin through an apprenticeship costs $0 in tuition. Apprentices earn approximately $387,398 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 Wisconsin is $104,420 ($50.20/hr). Salaries range from $48,190 (10th percentile) to $117,960 (90th percentile) based on experience and specialization.
Financially, electrical power-line installers (linemen)s in Wisconsin earn $3,219,370 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

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Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) in other states

Ready to Get Started?

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

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