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Telecom Lineman Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Telecom Lineman information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$37

$54

How much do telecom lineman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for telecom lineman in Tennessee is $37.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $48.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a telecom lineman?

Telecom linemen are skilled workers responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining telephone, internet, and cable television lines. They work on both overhead and underground telecommunications systems to ensure reliable service and connectivity. Their tasks often involve climbing poles or using bucket trucks, working with wires, and troubleshooting network issues. Telecom linemen play a critical role in keeping communication networks operational and responding to outages or emergencies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a telecom lineman?

To thrive as a Telecom Lineman, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, cable installation, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and completion of an apprenticeship or relevant technical training. Familiarity with specialized climbing gear, cable splicing tools, and signal testing equipment is crucial, with certifications like OSHA safety training being highly valued. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail help linemen excel in challenging outdoor environments. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient installation and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure.

What are common challenges telecom linemen face while working in the field?

Telecom Linemen often work outdoors in various weather conditions, which can make the job physically demanding and sometimes hazardous. They may need to climb poles, operate heavy equipment, and handle live wires, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, working in remote or densely populated areas can present logistical challenges, such as limited access or high traffic. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as linemen frequently coordinate with engineers, supervisors, and other crew members to complete installations and repairs efficiently.

What is the difference between Telecom Lineman vs Cable Installer?

AspectTelecom LinemanCable Installer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, basic technical training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, utility poles, underground facilitiesIndoor/outdoor, residential and commercial sites
Employer & IndustryTelecom companies, utility providersCable TV/Internet providers
Job FocusInstalling, maintaining telecom infrastructureInstalling and troubleshooting cable systems

Both roles involve working with communication infrastructure, but Telecom Linemen focus on high-voltage and utility-grade systems, often outdoors on poles or underground, while Cable Installers typically work in residential or commercial settings installing cable TV and internet services. They share some certifications and safety training but differ mainly in work environment and specific job tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Telecom Lineman jobs in Tennessee?

For Telecom Lineman jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Telecom Lineman jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Telecom Lineman jobs in Tennessee are:

Telecom Lineman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telecom Lineman job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,683 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Telecom Lineperson Apprentice

Utility Lines Construction Services, LLC

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

This job post has expired 7 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Utility Lines Construction Services rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Title: Telecom Lineperson - Reg 110
Job description summary: This position is responsible for rodding ducts and installing fiber optic line.
Pay: Competitive / Hourly
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Remove poles and anchors.
  • Detach, remove, and relocate straight line, angle and double dead-end telecommunication cable.
  • Assists crew with proper cable sagging techniques.
  • Ensure daily testing and inspection of assigned tools and equipment.
  • Maintain company equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Weather permitting, this is a 40 hour per week job.
  • Any other duties related relocating over-head telecommunications.
  • Perform work or operate vehicle/equipment only where training and qualification has been provided.
  • Communicate all safety concerns, incidents and near misses to Foreperson

Minimum qualification:
  • Ability to problem solve with unidentified circumstances on any job.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and the requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to:
    • Safely drive an approved company vehicle.
    • Enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day.
    • Write, read and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information.
    • Communicate and handle confrontations professionally.
    • Maintain attention as dangerous tasks occur often.
    • Able to lift, move and maneuver 50 pounds or more on a frequent basis.
    • Identify electrical sources.
    • Identify different materials used in telecommunications linework.
    • Working from heights or in confined spaces.
    • Climb different structures and possess the tools to do the climb.
    • Identify, operate and service all required tools and equipment. (i.e., bucket truck, digger derrick truck, tensioners, puller, rollers, hand tamp, chain saw, concrete saw, shovel)
    • Operate and service all required tools and equipment.
  • Must have:
    • Endurance necessary to perform these duties throughout a standard eight- or ten-hour day. Must be able to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, etc. Subject to call out work).
    • Knowledge of heavy equipment.
    • Sufficient eyesight to judge distances and coordination to get and use the appropriate equipment and tools.
    • Knowledge of proper sagging techniques.
    • Knowledge of working around energized high voltage systems and parts.
    • Knowledge of installing and removing over-head telecommunications.
    • Knowledge of grounding procedures.
    • Understanding of Kellum grips.
    • Knowledge of rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying.
    • Knowledge of making and using a hand line
    • Knowledge of minimum approach distance.
    • Knowledge of Temporary Traffic Control.

Traveling Requirements:
  • Must be willing to travel out of state for emergency storm work.

Driver License:
  • Must have a valid CDL driver's license.

Pre-Screen:
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.

Safety:
Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.
  • Works around hazardous equipment
  • Works near energized parts or equipment.
  • Works in all temperatures and will be exposed to nature i.e., irritating plants and biting or stinging insects.
  • Will be exposed to traffic.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, jackhammers, chain saws and other equipment with proper hearing protection.
  • Employee will be exposed to hot and cold environments, poisonous plants or reptiles, and stinging insects.

Physical requirements:
  • RARE (up to 10%): stooping, squatting, crawling, climbing poles, reading, reaching, color vision, pushing, pulling, climbing ladders, climbing stairs, balancing, lifting up to 10 lbs.
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): sitting, kneeling, body twisting, sense of touch, seeing distant, climbing on/off truck, lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., range of motion, depth perception, lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66 %): standing, walking, manual dexterity, gripping, lifting, carrying.
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): speaking clearly, seeing, hearing-speech range.

Qualifying questions:
  • Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
  • Are you age 18 or older?

Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note:
  • All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
  • Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.

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