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Apprentice Lineworker Jobs in Lincoln, NE (NOW HIRING)

The Apprentice Lineman will be responsible for completing maintenance work, assembling steel and wood sub-stations, and assisting the foreman where needed. Essential Job Functions * Assist in the ...

Apprentice Lineworker information

See Lincoln, NE salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do apprentice lineworker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice lineworker in Lincoln, NE is $19.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice lineworker?

An Apprentice Lineworker is an entry-level employee who is training to become a fully qualified lineworker, responsible for constructing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power systems and transmission lines. During their apprenticeship, they learn skills such as climbing poles, handling electrical equipment, and following safety protocols under the supervision of experienced lineworkers. The apprenticeship typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on, on-the-job training, and can last several years. Apprentice Lineworkers play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and safety of electrical power delivery to homes and businesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice lineworker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Lineworker, you need a high school diploma or GED, strong mechanical aptitude, and basic electrical knowledge, often supported by completion of a pre-apprenticeship or entry-level training program. Familiarity with tools such as climbing gear, voltage testers, and adherence to OSHA safety standards is essential. Physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability when working in potentially hazardous environments to maintain and repair power lines.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice lineworkers during their training period?

Apprentice Lineworkers often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, learning to safely operate at heights, and working in various weather conditions. They must quickly develop technical skills and become familiar with complex safety procedures while collaborating closely with experienced team members. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom education can be demanding, but strong mentorship and a supportive crew help apprentices progress steadily toward becoming fully qualified lineworkers.

What is the difference between Apprentice Lineworker vs Journeyman Lineworker?

AspectApprentice LineworkerJourneyman Lineworker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, on-the-job training, apprenticeship programCompletion of apprenticeship, relevant certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentAssists with basic tasks under supervision, works outdoors, in various weather conditionsPerforms complex line work independently, maintains safety standards
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, electrical contractorsUtility companies, electrical service providers

The main difference between an Apprentice Lineworker and a Journeyman Lineworker is experience and skill level. Apprentices are in training, assisting with basic tasks, while Journeymen have completed their apprenticeship and can perform advanced line work independently. Both roles work in outdoor environments for utility companies, but the Journeyman has greater responsibilities and expertise.

Infographic showing various Apprentice Lineworker job openings in Lincoln, NE as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,879 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Powerline Apprentice

Watts Electric

Waverly, NE • On-site

$26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: The Apprentice Lineman will be responsible for completing maintenance work, assembling steel and wood sub-stations, and assisting the foreman where needed.


Essential Job Functions

  • Assist in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground electrical power lines and systems.
  • Assist in the placement of footings, and the assembling and erection of metal towers, framing and erection of wood poles, installation of hardware, insulators and conductors.
  • Complete assembly and erection of steel and wood sub-stations and the installation and connection of busses, grounds, switches, circuit breakers, transformers, regulators, and other related equipment.
  • Framing and erection of poles, installation of anchors, guys, and conductors on de-energized distribution work, including the installation and splicing of underground cables and related equipment.
  • Complete maintenance work on or near energized distribution conductors, including pole replacement, conductor replacement, changing insulators and cross-arms, changing and installing transformers, capacitors, regulators, switches and other distribution apparatus.
  • Assists and completes rubber glove work on energized primary circuits and hot stick work on distribution and sub-transmission voltages, generally in the 2,400 to 34,5000-volt range.
  • Assist in the installation and maintenance of series and multiple different systems.
  • Learn to operate motorized equipment, use hand tools, and perform routine maintenance.
  • Assist in loading, unloading, and hauling of material and equipment.
  • Responsible for jobsite cleanup, washing and fueling of vehicles, and equipment maintenance as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Preferred Talents

  • Motivated to expand knowledge and seek ways to do so
  • Ability to stay out of town overnight
  • Ability to make timely decisions
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Works well on a team
  • Abide by the organizations policies and procedures
  • Ability to adapt to changes


Qualifications

  • Electric Power & Distribution Degree from an approved institution (MTC, Northeast, MTI)
  • Class A CDL and Medical Card


Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function of the position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, (to finger, handle, or feel), reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear and taste or smell.


The employee must regularly lift, push, and pull 100 pounds as well as stand, walk, knell, and crouch for 14 hours at a time. Comfortable climbing poles and structures 120 feet using lineman belt and hooks.


Specific vision abilities required by this job included close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.


Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


Benefit Package 

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Company paid life insurance

Matching 401K

Paid time off


Watts Electric is a Smoke-Free, Drug Free Employer. Watts Electric is an Equal Employment Opportunity.