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Union Powerline Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Minimum of 3 years' experience in powerline or electrical utility construction required. * Proven ... Familiarity with union and non-union work environments. Travel Requirements * Frequent travel to ...

Union Powerline information

See Georgia salary details

$8

$21

$34

How much do union powerline jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for union powerline in Georgia is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.78 and $25.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union powerline?

Union powerline workers are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair electrical power lines and related equipment. They are members of a labor union, which negotiates wages, benefits, and working conditions on their behalf. Union powerline workers often work outdoors in challenging conditions to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to homes and businesses. Their training includes safety protocols, climbing techniques, and electrical systems knowledge. Being in a union provides them with collective bargaining power and job protections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union powerline worker?

To thrive as a Union Powerline Worker, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by an apprenticeship program. Familiarity with climbing gear, bucket trucks, and safety equipment, as well as certifications like OSHA 10 or CPR, are typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency while working on high-risk electrical infrastructure.

What are the typical challenges faced by union powerline workers on the job, and how are they addressed?

Union Powerline workers often face challenges such as working in hazardous conditions, responding to emergencies during inclement weather, and handling physically demanding tasks at heights. Safety is a top priority, so workers receive extensive training, use specialized personal protective equipment, and follow strict protocols to minimize risks. Crews typically work in teams to ensure safety and efficiency, and support from the union helps advocate for fair working conditions and continuous skills development.

What is the difference between Union Powerline vs Lineworker?

AspectUnion PowerlineLineworker
CertificationsApprenticeship, OSHA safety trainingApprenticeship, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, high-voltage power lines, utility companiesOutdoor, high-voltage power lines, utility companies
Employer & IndustryUnionized utility companies, public and private sectorsUtility companies, contractors, public agencies

Union Powerline and Lineworker roles often overlap in skills, certifications, and work environments. The main difference lies in Union Powerline referring to workers within unionized settings, often with collective bargaining benefits, while Lineworker is a broader term that includes all workers performing similar tasks regardless of union status. Both roles are essential for maintaining and repairing power lines in outdoor environments, ensuring reliable electricity delivery.

How do you become a union powerline?

To become a union powerline, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and obtain relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training. Experience working with electrical systems and physical fitness are also important for this physically demanding job.

How much do union powerline workers make?

Union powerline workers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, with work involving climbing, electrical safety, and operating specialized tools.
Infographic showing various Union Powerline job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,930 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Equipment Operator - Overhead (Sumter EMC)

Pike Corporation

Americus, GA

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Description Overview: The Equipment Operator position utilizes heavy equipment operation knowledge in the construction and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid. You will assist your team in building, repairing, and maintaining overhead electrical distribution systems. Job Duties: As an Equipment Operator, you will support your team by: • Securing the safety of yourself and others • Assisting fellow line-workers in meeting project objectives • Readily joining storm restoration efforts in times of need • Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner • Continuing training to improve technical and leadership skills Competencies: • Team-Oriented • Self-Motivated • Customer Service Focused • Ethical and Honest • Dutifully follows established Safety Rules and Company Policy Physical Aspects: The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met by a team-member to successfully perform the essential functions of their job in powerline construction. While performing the duties of this job, team-members are regularly required to talk or hear. The team- member is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle and feel; and reach with hands and arms. The team-member is frequently required to perform rigorous physical labor; sit; climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.); or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl. Team-members frequently lift or move up to or in-excess of 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, team-members may frequently be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Team-members are occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Powerline construction work is performed outside and is subject to diverse weather conditions. General Expectations: • Able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License permit within 60 days of employment • Able to operate heavy equipment used in powerline construction • Able to read/write and communicate effectively • Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required • Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required • Able to lift in-excess of 50 lbs. • Willing to work over-time when requested • Willing to work outside of the normal work schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for the position Functions to be Expected in Overhead Powerline Construction:
  • Works safely while performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work of energized de-energized overhead work
  • Properly inspects rubber goods and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Understands when to wear personal protective equipment
  • Strings overhead wire
  • Sets poles and anchors
  • Assists with installing transformers, lightening arrestors, cutouts, cross-arms, insulators, switches and switchgear
  • Assists in replacing fuses in transformers and clears faulted circuits and systems
  • Frequently works with energized high voltage systems requiring skill and care to protect the lives of themselves and others
  • Maintains company vehicles, equipment and tools in good working order
  • Able to perform rigorous physical labor
  • Understands proper use of company radio
  • Understand basic rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying
  • Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools
  • Capable of receiving and following directions
  • Possess a basic knowledge of materials used in line work
  • Able to identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit
  • Must be familiar with induced voltage
  • Capable of assisting with the installation and hook up of a single-phase transformer
  • Capable of performing basic bucket rescue/escape
  • Understands the basic concepts of equipment set up and grounding
  • Capable of working at heights and/or confined spaces
  • Understands minimum approach distance
  • Understands excavation and shoring requirements
  • Capable of checking voltage on transformers
  • Capable of installing and removing a service
  • Must be able to climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.) and possess the necessary tools to do so
  • Understands how and when to use Kellum grips
  • Able to identify different types of materials used in line work
  • Must be able to work outside, frequently in inclement weather
  • Does all other related work as required to complete the job
Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled VA Approved Apprenticeship Program - GI Bill Benefits Available to Eligible Veterans Pike Electric, LLC is a Non-union Company NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Team members may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. About Us About Us Founded in 1945, Pike is a leading provider of construction, repair and engineering services for electric and gas utilities, as well as telecommunications companies with a growing portfolio of turnkey renewable projects. We work with hundreds of utility clients across the country, and we continuously expand our offerings to supply our customers with the ideas, technology, experience, manpower and equipment to perform any job. "Essential" is the one word that sums up who we are, the work we do and what our people mean to us. Each of our employees plays a critical role in ensuring that infrastructure systems are up and running when people and businesses need them. Pike is a family-oriented workplace with a strong culture of safety, collaboration, innovation and exceptional customer service. About the Team Electric We work with utilities across the country to solve our nation's energy infrastructure challenges, from designing new transmission and distribution systems, upgrading and managing installation of the latest smart meter technologies, and integrating renewable energy sources onto the grid.