6 answers
Jace
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
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what are the pros and cons of being a lineman?
just curious
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6 answers
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
185
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Jace. Being a lineman has many great benefits. You earn good pay, enjoy job stability, and work outside with a talented team. You also get to build strong technical skills. While the job can be physically tough and sometimes dangerous, and you may face all kinds of weather with long or irregular hours, it is a challenging yet rewarding career!
Shawndra Winter
Content Strategist, Organizational Development
12
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Shawndra’s Answer
One of our good family friends is a lineman. I've heard a lot about the position! Good fit if: You like physical work, don’t mind the outdoors, and want a clear path to good pay without a desk job. Not a great fit if: You want predictable hours, avoid physical risk, or prefer indoor, routine work. The job is physically demanding and can be dangerous. Long hours and emergency call-outs are common, especially after storms. It can be hard on your body over time, and the schedule can strain family and social life. You also need to be comfortable with risk and strict safety rules. Being a lineman pays well, often very well with overtime. You don’t need a traditional four-year degree, and many people earn while they learn through apprenticeships. The work is hands-on and meaningful!
Cassie Valle
Executive Concierge
4
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Cassie’s Answer
Hi there!
Pros:
One big pro is the pay. Linemen usually make good money, especially with overtime and storm work. The job is always in demand, so there’s strong job security. It can also feel really rewarding because you’re doing important work and helping restore power for communities. If you like working outdoors and staying active, this job is a good fit since you’re not stuck behind a desk. There’s also a strong sense of teamwork, and many linemen enjoy the brotherhood/sisterhood that comes with the job.
Cons:
The work can be dangerous and physically demanding. You’re climbing poles, working at heights, and dealing with electricity, which means safety is a constant concern. Long hours are common, especially during storms or emergencies, and you might have to travel or be on call a lot. The job can also be hard on your body over time, leading to aches, injuries, or burnout. You also have to work in all kinds of weather, whether it’s extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.
Pros:
One big pro is the pay. Linemen usually make good money, especially with overtime and storm work. The job is always in demand, so there’s strong job security. It can also feel really rewarding because you’re doing important work and helping restore power for communities. If you like working outdoors and staying active, this job is a good fit since you’re not stuck behind a desk. There’s also a strong sense of teamwork, and many linemen enjoy the brotherhood/sisterhood that comes with the job.
Cons:
The work can be dangerous and physically demanding. You’re climbing poles, working at heights, and dealing with electricity, which means safety is a constant concern. Long hours are common, especially during storms or emergencies, and you might have to travel or be on call a lot. The job can also be hard on your body over time, leading to aches, injuries, or burnout. You also have to work in all kinds of weather, whether it’s extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.
Anil Adyanthaya
Attorney
3
Answers
Newton, Massachusetts
Updated
Anil’s Answer
I am not a lineman, but I have a relative who is. The pros as I see it is that it is a very important job, so if you want a career that matters, this might check that box. Just think about a time that your electricity went out and how hard that was and how good it felt to have your power restored. It is linemen who got your power back. If you like being outside and not stuck behind a desk, a career as a lineman can provide you with the opportunity to be outside. If you like seeing different parts of the U.S., linemen are often sent to different parts of the country. My relative lives in the Northeast, but frequently has to travel down south if there is a natural disaster and the power is down. Because it is an important job, it may pay pretty well for a job that does not require a college degree. However, you still need to take courses and get the proper training.
Some of the cons might be pros depending on your perspective (and vice versa). But some things to think about before embarking on a career as a lineman is safety. Because you're working with electricity and in situations where electrical lines have been damaged, the work can be quite dangerous. Also, you're often coming into places where there has been a natural disaster, so you won't always have the creature comforts of home when you arrive for a job. Getting to the job can be difficult, as you may have to drive many hours to get to the job site. Because getting the electricity back up is so crucial, you won't have a regular 9 to 5 schedule. Instead, you may fine yourself working outside in the middle of the night and working until the job is done.
The above is based on my relative's career as a lineman, so there may be other "flavors" of this career that may have different pros and cons.
Check out this site to find out more about lineman careers: https://www.linemancentral.com/job-of-a-lineman#:~:text=Power%20lineman%2C%20also%20known%20as,electricity%20to%20homes%20and%20businesses.
Some of the cons might be pros depending on your perspective (and vice versa). But some things to think about before embarking on a career as a lineman is safety. Because you're working with electricity and in situations where electrical lines have been damaged, the work can be quite dangerous. Also, you're often coming into places where there has been a natural disaster, so you won't always have the creature comforts of home when you arrive for a job. Getting to the job can be difficult, as you may have to drive many hours to get to the job site. Because getting the electricity back up is so crucial, you won't have a regular 9 to 5 schedule. Instead, you may fine yourself working outside in the middle of the night and working until the job is done.
The above is based on my relative's career as a lineman, so there may be other "flavors" of this career that may have different pros and cons.
Anil recommends the following next steps:
Maximus Alexander
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Maximus’s Answer
Pros of Being a Lineman:
Good Pay: Linemen earn competitive salaries, with the potential for overtime.
Job Stability: There’s steady demand for linemen, as power and communication lines are essential.
Outdoor Work: If you enjoy working outside and staying physically active, this job offers that.
Opportunities for Growth: With experience, you can move up to supervisory roles or specialize in certain areas.
Great Benefits: Many linemen are part of unions, which provide good health benefits, pensions, and job security.
Cons of Being a Lineman:
Physically Demanding: The work can be tough and requires strength and endurance.
Dangerous Work: Working with high-voltage power lines can be risky, even with proper safety measures.
Irregular Hours: You may need to work nights, weekends, or be on call, especially during emergencies.
Harsh Weather Conditions: Being outdoors means you'll sometimes work in challenging weather, like rain or snow.
Stressful: In emergencies, you may have to work quickly to restore services, which can be stressful.
It’s a rewarding job if you’re comfortable with physical work and enjoy problem-solving in outdoor environments. However, it’s important to consider the physical and safety aspects before committing.
Good Pay: Linemen earn competitive salaries, with the potential for overtime.
Job Stability: There’s steady demand for linemen, as power and communication lines are essential.
Outdoor Work: If you enjoy working outside and staying physically active, this job offers that.
Opportunities for Growth: With experience, you can move up to supervisory roles or specialize in certain areas.
Great Benefits: Many linemen are part of unions, which provide good health benefits, pensions, and job security.
Cons of Being a Lineman:
Physically Demanding: The work can be tough and requires strength and endurance.
Dangerous Work: Working with high-voltage power lines can be risky, even with proper safety measures.
Irregular Hours: You may need to work nights, weekends, or be on call, especially during emergencies.
Harsh Weather Conditions: Being outdoors means you'll sometimes work in challenging weather, like rain or snow.
Stressful: In emergencies, you may have to work quickly to restore services, which can be stressful.
It’s a rewarding job if you’re comfortable with physical work and enjoy problem-solving in outdoor environments. However, it’s important to consider the physical and safety aspects before committing.
Zee C
HR Manager
4
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Zee’s Answer
A career as a lineman comes with many benefits and is often a family tradition. This job offers strong career stability because utility companies always need line workers. During storms or bad weather, there's a chance to earn more money. Line workers usually receive good pay and benefits, and those wanting extra income often join mutual assistance programs. Some work in emergency roles all year. The job can be physically tough, so staying fit and healthy is important. Travel may be required, depending on whether you work for a company or as a contractor. Many utility companies offer apprenticeship programs, which is the one of the best ways to get started. You can also visit the International Lineman's Rodeo website for more information on entering the field. If you choose this career, know that line workers are highly valued for their vital contributions to the community.