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Overhead Apprentice Lineman Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Overhead Apprentice Lineman information

See Oregon salary details

$16

$30

$42

How much do overhead apprentice lineman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for overhead apprentice lineman in Oregon is $30.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $42.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an overhead apprentice lineman?

Overhead Apprentice Linemen are entry-level electrical workers who assist in the construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead power lines. They work under the supervision of experienced journeymen to learn the skills needed to safely handle high-voltage equipment and perform tasks at heights. Their duties include setting poles, stringing wires, and maintaining electrical systems to ensure reliable power distribution. Apprenticeships typically combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training over several years. Safety is a major focus in this role due to the risks involved with working around electricity and at elevated heights.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an overhead apprentice lineman?

To thrive as an Overhead Apprentice Lineman, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, basic mathematics, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or GED and enrollment in a lineman apprenticeship program. Familiarity with climbing gear, hand and power tools, bucket trucks, and compliance with OSHA safety standards are essential. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail are crucial for working safely and efficiently in hazardous conditions. These competencies ensure the safe installation and maintenance of power lines, minimizing risk and ensuring reliable electrical service.

What are common challenges faced by an overhead apprentice lineman during training?

As an Overhead Apprentice Lineman, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work in varying weather conditions, mastering safety protocols, and learning to work comfortably at heights. The apprenticeship involves a steep learning curve with hands-on tasks like installing and repairing power lines under supervision. Teamwork is essential, as you'll regularly collaborate with experienced linemen and other crew members to ensure both efficiency and safety on the job. Over time, you'll build technical expertise and confidence, which are key to advancing in this field.

What is the difference between Overhead Apprentice Lineman vs Underground Apprentice Lineman?

AspectOverhead Apprentice LinemanUnderground Apprentice Lineman
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, lineman apprenticeshipHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, lineman apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, working on utility poles and overhead linesOutdoor, working in underground vaults and conduits
Industry UsageElectric utilities, constructionElectric utilities, construction
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between Overhead Apprentice Lineman and Underground Apprentice Lineman lies in their work environment. Overhead Apprentice Linemen primarily work on utility poles installing and maintaining overhead power lines, while Underground Apprentice Linemen work in underground vaults and conduits. Both roles require similar certifications and are essential in the electric utility industry, but their daily tasks and work settings differ significantly.

Is an overhead apprentice lineman apprenticeship worth it?

An overhead apprentice lineman apprenticeship provides hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications, which can lead to stable employment and career advancement in utility and construction sectors. The program typically includes learning safety protocols, electrical systems, and climbing skills, making it a valuable pathway for those interested in utility line work.

What are popular job titles related to Overhead Apprentice Lineman jobs in Oregon?

For Overhead Apprentice Lineman jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Overhead Apprentice Lineman jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Overhead Apprentice Lineman jobs in Oregon are:

Journeyman Lineman $10K Sign-on Bonus

Northern Wasco County PUD, OR

The Dalles, OR • On-site

$60.23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary: $60.23 Hourly
Location : 2345 River Road, The Dalles, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2023-00013
Department: Field Services (Linemen)
Opening Date: 07/25/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Northern Wasco County People's Utility District (NWCPUD) is searching for a Journeyman Lineman to join our team.
This position offers $10,000 sign-on bonus and a Mon-Thurs 4/10 work schedule.
The Journeyman Lineman constructs, repairs, maintains, and replaces transmissions and distribution power lines between generating stations, substations, and customers, requiring use of precautionary work methods and safety equipment due to electrical hazards present when working on or near energized conductors and electrical accessories.
Note: The Lineman job title is used only in the generic sense and is meant to include all genders.
Examples of Duties
It is essential for all employees to adhere to Northern Wasco County PUD policies, procedures, and workplace behavior expectations.
  • Install and connect both underground and overhead single and multi-phase poles, pole hardware, line equipment, and such auxiliary equipment as transformers, lighting arresters, switches, fuses, and insulators, using hand tools and following diagrams furnished by the PUD.
  • Install or remove broken or defective conductors, insulators, cross arms, brackets, and other hardware by climbing poles or ride in bucket attached to truck mounted boom.
  • String and secure new conductors to cross arm insulators and splice or affix wire to adjoining sections of line to complete circuit.
  • Perform work on open switches or clamp grounding device to energized equipment or deenergized line or accessories as directed by supervisors. Connect and disconnect routine and nonpaying consumer account lines.
  • Report all unsafe acts, accidents, or conditions to the Line Foreman or in their absence the Operations Supervisor.
  • Suspend insulated ladders and platforms from pole cross arms, cover energized line with fiber guards to facilitate safe handling of high-voltage lines without interrupting service by power shutoff, and use long insulated poles (hot sticks) fitted with mechanically or hydraulically operated grasping and crimping tools.
  • Patrol power lines and repair applicable situations or report situations that require engineering attention or other work forces or equipment
  • Provide guidance and training to Apprentice Lineman.
  • Trim trees as required to maintain power line clearance.
  • Inspect work for quality in accordance with applicable specifications, and codes.
  • Complete all required documentation on paper and/or electronically
  • Maintain working knowledge of the most up-to-date an effective techniques of first aid and CPR, including pole-top rescue per OSHA requirements.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. A job description is a summary of the essential and anticipated additional functions of a job and does not represent an all-inclusive list of tasks or procedures.
Typical Qualifications
  • Education and/or Experience:
    • High school diploma or equivalent experience.
    • Qualified candidates must be a Journeyman Lineman acceptable to the requirements established by local 125 IBEW.
    • Must have a valid, current class A CDL driver's license with air brake endorsement within 90 days if hire. Driving record must be acceptable and insurable by NWCPUD insurance carrier at standard group rates. An annual consent for a release of one's driving record is also required.
    • Must satisfactory complete the yearly refresher that is required by OSHA 29CFR 1910.269.
    • Must be proficient in the use of dielectric hot line tools as related to their application of use in the operation, maintenance, and construction of energized equipment and conductors of all voltage ratings.
    • Hiring preference may be given to applicants that have had, and are current with the 40- hour hazardous materials training.
    • Preference will be given to those candidates with at least one year experience in the electric utility industry.
    • Preference will be given to those candidates with experience in the construction and maintenance of PUD related distribution/transmission systems.
  • Other combinations of education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the work will also be considered

Supplemental Information
Job conditions:
No effective protection from weather. Must be able to work in variable weather conditions including but not limited to rain, high winds, and temperatures in excess of 80 degrees (Fahrenheit) or below -10 degrees (Fahrenheit), large amounts of snow (using snow shoes), long periods of darkness, etc. Subject to snakes bites, bee stings, insect bites and poison oak. Must be able to work long hours in stressful conditions when restoring power during storms or other outages. Commonly exposed to situations, which, if handled improperly, have the potential for bodily injury or death. Exposed to oils, paints, and solvents.
Physical Requirements:
  • Requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly; occasionally pull lift/carry/move up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying/moving up to 50 pounds.
  • Requires bending, squatting, pushing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing ladders, crawling in confined or enclosed vaults and or roofs, reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, and talking.
  • Requires walking and carrying/moving equipment and materials over uneven ground and obstacles in right-of-ways under a wide variety of conditions. Must be able to sit from 30 to 60 minutes, stand in one place for brief periods, walk up to 4 to 6 hours a day. This position exercises considerable judgment in selecting, using, and adjusts for correct body position, tools or work aids to work, move, guide or place objects or materials.
  • Must be able to hear malfunctioning equipment, construction/maintenance, etc. All NWCPUD hourly employees are expected to work widely varying amounts of unscheduled overtime during power restoration activities or scheduled overtime required to accomplish special projects. Such overtime could range from working a normal 8 hour workday to 24 to 36
NWCPUD hours of continuous work during storm outages. Employees will be compensated at appropriate rates for such time worked as specified in the collective bargaining agreement with local 125 IBEW.
All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects.
80 miles from Portland, we are located in a recreational area providing: water sports, fishing, bicycling, skiing, camping, hunting, artisan shopping, hiking all within short traveling distance.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Generous PTO Accruals
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 85% employer paid premium for Medical/Rx/Dental for individual and/or family coverage
  • 100% employer paid premium for vision coverage for individual and/or family coverage
  • 401(k) 5% base + 7% match = 12% total possible employer contribution
  • 457(b)
  • Employer paid Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
  • VEBA
  • Voluntary benefits