As of August 2024, the utilities sector of the U.S. economy employed nearly 590,000 people, and the industry unemployment rate stood at well below 2%. Job availability and wages have both been on the rise. Average industry hourly wages have increased nearly 25% from January 2019 through summer 2024.
Several factors fuel demand for utility services, including population growth and new infrastructure installation, existing infrastructure replacement, and ongoing maintenance and repair. Thus, there are more employment opportunities in certain parts of the country than in others. Employment opportunities may also vary depending on which segment of the broader utility industry you’re seeking employment in.
Electrical Powerline Installation & Repair professionals install and repair cables used in electrical power and distribution systems. Commonly referred to as linemen, they also erect poles and heavy-duty transmission towers. The latest industry estimate from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests there are a little over 120,000 people employed to do this type of work.
Employment opportunities
The top 10 states and cities in the United States that are employing the most powerline workers in 2025 are:
States
1. Texas
2. California
3. Illinois
4. New York
5. Florida
6. Pennsylvania
7. North Carolina
8. Michigan
9. Ohio
10. Georgia
Cities
1. Houston, Texas
2. New York City, New York
3. Dallas, Texas
4. Chicago, Illinois
5. Los Angeles, California
6. Washington, D.C.
7. Miami, Florida
8. Atlanta, Georgia
9. St. Louis, Missouri
10. Riverside, California
Wages and compensation
The top 10 U.S. states and cities with the best wages and compensation for powerline workers in 2025 are:
States
Powerline workers earn a little over $41 USD an hour as an industry average. Pennsylvania leads the way with an average of roughly $64 USD.
1. Pennsylvania
2. California
3. Washington
4. Oregon
5. Connecticut
6. New York
7. Hawaii
8. Montana
9. Wyoming
10. Alaska
Cities
Again while the average compensation in the utility industry is just above $41 USD, linemen in Redding, California earn the most on average with $60.27 USD. And this is followed by several other California cities that are also paying wages higher than the industry average. The top 10 cities for powerline worker wages are:
1. Redding, California
2. San Jose, California
3. San Francisco, California
4. Bellingham, Washington
5. Stockton, California
6. San Luis Obispo, California
7. Bakersfield, California
8. Visalia, California
9. Los Angeles, California
10. Bridgeport, Connecticut
In conclusion
Choosing the best states and cities to seek employment as a powerline worker largely depends on where you’d like to live and work. Yes, certain states and cities offer more employment opportunities and higher wages. But the industry as a whole is growing, is in urgent need of workers, and is paying higher wages than it has ever paid before. Now is a great time to build a great career as a powerline worker—wherever you choose.
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