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
ExcellentApprenticeship 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
Average Debt
Time to First Paycheck
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
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
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
Related ROI Analyses
Other trades in Wisconsin
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.