How Much Does an Aerial Lineman Make in 2025?
An aerial lineman is responsible for installing and maintaining overhead power line connection, and must respond to any issues or emergencies. Unlike ordinary line workers, they work at heights and in more hazardous conditions.
Other duties or special requirements of being an aerial lineman include lifting heavy objects, standing and walking most of the day, with exposure to extreme temperatures.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects lineman jobs, including aerial linemen, to grow 8% over the next 10 years, with 10,700 openings annually from 2023 to 2033 due to retirements and career changes.
In the United States, the average salary for aerial lineman is $64,650 per year, with top earners making up to $79,494 per year. Below is an overview of the salary for aerial lineman job, including pay ranges, averages, and factors that affect this pay.
What is the Average Aerial Lineman Salary?
As of January 2025, the average aerial lineman salary in the United States is $64,650 per year. For the hourly wage, aerial linemen have an average salary of $31 per hour, with hour rates ranging from $25 to $38.
2025 Aerial Lineman Average Salary: $64,650 per year ($31 per hour)
Meanwhile, the average weekly and monthly salaries for aerial lineman are $1,243 and $5,388, respectively.
What is the Pay Range for an Aerial Lineman?
According to Salary.com report, the salary range for aerial lineman starts at $52,366 and can reach as high as $79,494 per year, with most earning between $58,220 and $72,420.
It's important to note that the salary range for aerial lineman may vary and be affected by factors such as education, level of experience, and geographic location.
Aerial Lineman Salary Range: $52,366 to $79,494 per year ($25 to $38 per hour)
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $25 | $1,007 | $4,364 | $52,366 |
| 25th Percentile | $28 | $1,120 | $4,852 | $58,220 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $31 | $1,243 | $5,388 | $64,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $35 | $1,393 | $6,035 | $72,420 |
| 90th Percentile | $38 | $1,529 | $6,625 | $79,494 |
Aerial Lineman Salary Factors
As mentioned, factors such as education, location, experience, and skills can affect the salary of an aerial lineman. Let us explore these in detail.
Years of Experience
The average salary for aerial lineman, based on years of experience, ranges from $62,997 per year for entry-level to $67,592 per year for linemen with 8+ years of experience.
| Level | Years of Experience | Average Salary per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Aerial Lineman | <1 | $62,997 |
| Intermediate Level Aerial Lineman | 1-2 | $64,140 |
| Senior Level Aerial Lineman | 2-4 | $66,672 |
| Specialist Level Aerial Lineman | 5-8 | $67,017 |
| Expert Level Aerial Lineman | 8+ | $67,592 |
Place of Work
As per the BLS, the workplace or industry significantly impacts the salary of this job title. For example, an aerial lineman working in the federal government earns up to 51% more than one working in the utility system construction industry in 2023.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Federal government | $104,440 |
| Utilities | $98,330 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | $82,360 |
| Specialty trade contractors | $75,030 |
| Utility system construction | $69,000 |
Skill Set
Moreover, aerial linemen with certain skills can increase their salaries. Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report showed that an aerial lineman with technical training skills can earn 17.36% more than those without.
An aerial lineman with electrical systems skills is more likely to experience a salary increase of 16.98% compared to those without this skill. Also, skills like preventative maintenance, with a 6.92% demand, are more likely to lead to job opportunities due to their higher demand.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Technical training | 1.7% | +17.36% |
| Electric systems | 2.82% | +16.98% |
| Pumping equipment | 4.17% | +11.49% |
| Business operations | 1.22% | +9.97% |
| Preventative maintenance | 6.92% | +8.53% |
| Forklift operation | 1.42% | +8.01% |
Aerial Lineman Salary by City and State
The location, whether city or state, can also influence the potential salary for aerial lineman. They can use this data to identify the most strategic locations for both living and working.
Highest Paying States for Aerial Lineman
Based on Salary.com salary data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for aerial lineman in the United States, at $71,950 per year.
- District of Columbia: $71,950 (or $31 per hour)
- California: $71,310 (or $31 per hour)
- New Jersey: $70,850 (or $31 per hour)
- Alaska: $70,400 (or $31 per hour)
- Massachusetts: $70,340 (or $31 per hour)
Aerial Lineman Salary by State
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $70,400 |
| Alabama | $59,410 |
| Arkansas | $58,900 |
| Arizona | $62,970 |
| California | $71,310 |
| Colorado | $65,940 |
| Connecticut | $69,430 |
| District of Columbia | $71,950 |
| Delaware | $65,620 |
| Florida | $61,420 |
| Georgia | $62,520 |
| Hawaii | $67,560 |
| Iowa | $61,870 |
| Idaho | $60,320 |
| Illinois | $66,140 |
| Indiana | $62,710 |
| Kansas | $61,550 |
| Kentucky | $60,830 |
| Louisiana | $61,480 |
| Massachusetts | $70,340 |
| Maryland | $66,650 |
| Maine | $62,900 |
| Michigan | $63,810 |
| Minnesota | $66,140 |
| Missouri | $61,610 |
| Mississippi | $57,670 |
| Montana | $60,380 |
| North Carolina | $62,060 |
| North Dakota | $64,000 |
| Nebraska | $60,900 |
| New Hampshire | $65,750 |
| New Jersey | $70,850 |
| New Mexico | $59,610 |
| Nevada | $64,910 |
| New York | $68,920 |
| Ohio | $63,230 |
| Oklahoma | $59,800 |
| Oregon | $65,680 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,520 |
| Rhode Island | $67,490 |
| South Carolina | $61,030 |
| South Dakota | $58,120 |
| Tennessee | $59,870 |
| Texas | $63,290 |
| Utah | $61,480 |
| Virginia | $64,840 |
| Vermont | $63,420 |
| Washington | $69,690 |
| Wisconsin | $63,870 |
| West Virginia | $58,180 |
| Wyoming | $62,000 |
Highest Paying Cities for Aerial Lineman
Salary.com also reported that the city of San Jose, California is the highest-paying city for aerial lineman with $81,130 per year or $39 per hour.
- San Jose, California: $81,130 (or $39 per hour)
- San Francisco, California: $80,810 (or $39 per hour)
- Oakland, California: $78,870 (or $38 per hour)
- New York, New York: $75,510 (or $36 per hour)
- Queens Village, New York: $74,990 (or $36 per hour)
Ways to Increase Your Salary as an Aerial Lineman
An aerial lineman has several opportunities to increase their salary. This includes gaining more experience, learning in-demand skills, and pursuing growth within the role.
- Consider completing more specialized certifications to your portfolio, like CPR, First Aid, and other safety training. Also, you can pursue advanced electrical certifications, such as fiber optic splicing, high-voltage safety, or project management to take on leadership roles.
- Consider proceeding with gaining experience as this can lead to higher pay. For example, entry-level linemen earn $62,997, while those with 8+ years earn $67,592.
- If you're in an industry that offers low pay, consider transitioning to a sector with higher earning potential. For example, employers from the federal government could provide an annual average salary of $104,440, according to 2023 BLS data.
- Geographic location can significantly influence your salary as an aerial lineman. Consider relocating to areas that offer higher pay, such as the District of Columbia or California.
- Learn highly compensated skills, such as advanced technical training and expertise in electrical systems, to increase your salary.
- Know your worth. Review and negotiate your salary by researching the market for your position and experience. As of this writing, the salary range for an aerial lineman in the United States is between $52,366 and $79,494.
Average National Salaries by Source
As of January 17, 2025, the following are the reported salaries for aerial linemen from five top salary-reporting sites, averaging $57,737.2 (unweighted) across these sources.
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$64,650 /year
TALENT.COM AVG. SALARY
$52,920/year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$67,009/year
COMPARABLY AVG. SALARY
$48,312/year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$55,795/year
