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1St Class Lineman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Line Foreman

Marietta, GA ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

High school diploma or equivalent * 8+ years in electric utility line construction/maintenance * 3+ years as a Journeyman/First Class Lineman * Advanced knowledge of: * Live-line work (overhead ...

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1St Class Lineman information

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$14

$41

$60

How much do 1st class lineman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st class lineman in the United States is $41.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $53.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 1st class lineman?

A 1st Class Lineman is a highly skilled electrical worker responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing high-voltage power lines and related equipment. They are considered journeyman-level professionals, having completed years of training and apprenticeship. Their work involves climbing poles or towers, working with live electrical wires, and ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electricity. Due to the hazardous nature of the job, 1st Class Linemen must follow strict safety protocols and often work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st class lineman, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 1st Class Lineman, you need extensive knowledge of electrical systems, safety procedures, and climbing techniques, generally acquired through an apprenticeship and a journeyman lineman certification. Familiarity with tools like hydraulic equipment, bucket trucks, and safety gear, as well as understanding of utility maps and outage management systems, is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills set top performers apart in this demanding role. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safe and reliable maintenance of power lines, minimizing downtime, and protecting both workers and the public.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st class lineman, and how can they be managed on the job?

1st Class Linemen often encounter challenges such as working in extreme weather conditions, managing physically demanding tasks, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols while working at heights or with high-voltage equipment. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as linemen frequently coordinate with crew members and supervisors to troubleshoot outages and complete repairs efficiently. Staying up-to-date with safety training, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintaining physical fitness are important strategies to manage these challenges and perform the role safely and effectively.

What is the difference between 1St Class Lineman vs Journeyman Lineman?

Aspect1St Class LinemanJourneyman Lineman
CredentialsTypically requires completion of an apprenticeship and licensingRequires completion of an apprenticeship and licensing
Work EnvironmentOverhead and underground power lines, utility companiesOverhead and underground power lines, utility companies
Industry UsageCommonly used in utility and electrical industriesCommonly used in utility and electrical industries

The main difference between a 1St Class Lineman and a Journeyman Lineman lies in their certification and experience level. A 1St Class Lineman often has more advanced qualifications and may take on higher responsibilities, but both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments within the utility industry.

Are 1st Class Lineman in high demand right now?

First Class Linemen are currently in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades, maintenance needs, and the skilled nature of the work. Employment opportunities are often steady in utility companies and construction projects, especially for those with certifications and experience working with high-voltage equipment and climbing tools.
More about 1St Class Lineman jobs

What cities are hiring for 1St Class Lineman jobs?

Cities with the most 1St Class Lineman job openings:

What states have the most 1St Class Lineman jobs?

States with the most job openings for 1St Class Lineman jobs include:

Infographic showing various 1St Class Lineman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,590 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Apprentice through 1st Class Lineworker in Rutland

Green Mountain Power

Rutland, VT โ€ข On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

*Internal posting criteria - if no internal candidates ARE qualified at 1st Class level, 2nd Class candidates will be considered, then 3rd Class, then Apprentice.
General Summary
The Lineworker Apprentice position is primarily responsible for developing the technical skills necessary to perform a variety of functions related to the construction, installation and maintenance of underground and overhead high and low voltage electric distribution systems. Work is varied in nature and incumbent applies basic knowledge of electricity to work performed. Incumbent works under immediate supervision and in compliance with established policies, procedures and regulations.
Essential Functions
  • Serves as an apprentice member in team effort to construct, install and maintain overhead and underground lines, transformers and associated equipment, including the setting and removal of meters.
  • Must be able to safely climb poles and comfortably work at heights.
  • Digs pole and anchor holes and assists in setting, removing, loading, unloading, transporting and framing poles.
  • Performs maintenance of distribution and service poles and de-energized attachments.
  • Installs cross-arms, secondary racks and devices, anchors and guys as well as installs hardware and fittings for a vertical type construction including insulators.
  • Performs minor vehicle maintenance; contacts Lead Mechanic to schedule routine and major vehicle maintenance or repair.
  • Enrolls in, maintains satisfactory progress in and completes the state approved Apprentice Line Maintainer training program and equivalent Company study, educational requirements and completes appropriate reports in a timely manner.
  • Required to act in a safe and courteous manner conducive to good public relations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment maintenance principles including safety and regulatory requirements
  • Basic knowledge of hazardous material handing requirements and environmental regulations related to the maintenance and operation of transmission and distribution facilities.
  • Valid Vermont drivers license with a driving record suitable for insurability. Completion of Class A Commercial Drivers License is required within 180 days after hire.
  • Sound written, oral and interpersonal communication skills as well as math (algebra) and computer (MS Office Suite, CAD, Oracle Time Entry, etc.) skills
  • Must advance to T D Lineworker Class 1 within 4.5 years upon starting in Apprentice Step 3 role.
  • Must have the ability to serve and satisfy internal and external customers and be a strong customer service advocate for the company.

This level of knowledge is normally acquired through completion of a Lineworker College certificate program or the equivalent in related experience.
Working Conditions
Internal Little or no work is performed indoors. Incumbent participates in clearing the clutter in the stockroom, garage, general office space, work vehicles, other line areas or any other communal environment as needed.
External Work is routinely performed where there is exposure to outside atmospheric conditions or extreme heat/cold or moisture and exposure to traffic while performing line work functions. Work is occasionally performed at heights exceeding 100 feet and around water, on uneven and slippery terrains in unsafe environments near rivers.
Special Frequently work requires scheduled and unscheduled overtime and incumbent will be on call after hours and on weekends to respond to emergency calls regarding line maintenance/service restoration
Physical Demands
Work involves standing and walking for most of the time, and occasionally requires working at heights exceeding 100 feet above ground. Work routinely includes pushing, pulling, or carrying objects weighing up to 120 pounds, lifting objects weighing up to 75 pounds above your head and working with objects at shoulder height such as tools, crossarms with pins, insulators and braces. Working conditions, equipment failure and workloads during peak periods may cause increased stress levels. Incumbents must have the physical ability to perform difficult manual tasks as required to operate the transmission and distribution system.
Working Relationships/ContactS
Internal Occasional contact with Engineers, Pre-Construction Designers, Meter Services, and Transportation personnel.
External Contact with outside people includes, but is not limited to, customers, contractors, etc.
Accountability
This position is directly responsible for successfully completing assignments related to transmission and distribution operations, repair and maintenance and developing the skills necessary to proceed onto next classification in T & D Linework.
Standard Work Day: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Performs restoration activities as assigned during emergency and service restoration situations, to include after-hours and weekends.
Requirement: Must live within 35 minutes of the assigned district office under normal driving conditions.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power serves more than 275,000 residential and business customers in Vermont with electricity that's 100% carbon free and 80% renewable on an annual basis. GMP is partnering with customers to provide solutions that deliver resiliency and affordability while cutting carbon and costs for all. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. GMP was named to Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies in the World list, the sixth time earning that honor. In 2024, 2023 and 2021 the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) honored GMP as a nationwide leader in energy transformation. And, in 2022 GMP was named to TIME's list of the 100 Most Influential Companies for its groundbreaking resiliency work to transform the grid for customers.
Don't meet every single requirement? At GMP we are dedicated to building a workplace with all different kinds of people and all different kinds of backgrounds, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Green Mountain Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The hourly pay range for this position is $39.18 to $60.48.