What is an aerial lineman and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Aerial linemen primarily install, maintain, operate, and repair overhead or buried power lines or cabling for electrical or power distribution systems. They install and remove numerous anchor systems while ensuring all installation work is done according to quality standards. Aerial linemen earn a median sum of $78,000 annually or $37 per hour.

Aerial linemen assist in the coordination between local utility companies when necessary and assist with work overflow. They follow all company policies and procedures while performing the other duties as assigned. Due to the nature of the job, aerial linemen need to have reliable communication and analytical skills.

They typically hold a high school diploma or equivalent with some years of related experience and training. Candidates hoping to venture into the field may endeavor to attend a program at a vocational school. Gaining experience with installation and network upgrades and proficiency in pole climbing and working from hooks/gaffs can prove advantageous in the long run.

ScoreAerial LinemanUS Average
Salary
5.4

Avg. Salary $68,702

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.2

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%

Asian 4.16%

Black or African American 6.66%

Hispanic or Latino 19.63%

Unknown 6.30%

White 62.39%

Gender

female 2.26%

male 97.74%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress Level
7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.2

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.9

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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Aerial Lineman career paths

Key steps to become an aerial lineman

  1. Explore aerial lineman education requirements

    Most common aerial lineman degrees

    High School Diploma

    47.7 %

    Bachelor's

    15.9 %

    Certificate

    13.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific aerial lineman skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Bucket Truck15.10%
    CDL13.25%
    Ladders13.03%
    Hand Tools8.63%
    DOT7.22%
  3. Complete relevant aerial lineman training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New aerial linemen learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an aerial lineman based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real aerial lineman resumes.
  4. Research aerial lineman duties and responsibilities

    • Dig in anchors and install down guys.
    • Operate ariel truck in placement of telephone cables.
    • Operate bucket truck, ditch witch, augers, boring machine.
    • Inspect and correct violations on poles to meet NESC requirements (Centurylink).
  5. Prepare your aerial lineman resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your aerial lineman resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an aerial lineman resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Aerial Lineman Resume templates

    Build a professional Aerial Lineman resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Aerial Lineman resume.
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    Aerial Lineman Resume
    Aerial Lineman Resume
    Aerial Lineman Resume
    Aerial Lineman Resume
  6. Apply for aerial lineman jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an aerial lineman job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Aerial Lineman Job

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Average aerial lineman salary

The average Aerial Lineman salary in the United States is $68,702 per year or $33 per hour. Aerial lineman salaries range between $49,000 and $95,000 per year.

Average Aerial Lineman Salary
$68,702 Yearly
$33.03 hourly

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How do aerial linemen rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

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2 Stars

1 Star

Aerial Lineman reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2023
Pros

Love giving back to the community by keeping the lights on and a happy community

Cons

You could put yourself in danger if you're not careful.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

Taking pride on what you do


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

The opportunities that will come with education provided as well a new working environment , overall just learning something new. Being able to look forward to a new line of work.

Cons

None at this time


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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