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Utility Lineman Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Aerial Lineman

Salinas, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Set utility poles and place anchors for aerial telecommunications systems. * Climb poles and work ... Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Ariel Lineman or in overhead electrical line work.

Essel

Aerial Lineman

Salinas, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Set utility poles and place anchors for aerial telecommunications systems. * Climb poles and work ... Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Ariel Lineman or in overhead electrical line work.

Essel

Aerial Lineman

Salinas, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Set utility poles and place anchors for aerial telecommunications systems. * Climb poles and work ... Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Ariel Lineman or in overhead electrical line work.

FiberTel, LLC

Aerial Lineman

San Jose, CA · On-site

$35/hr

We are a utility construction company, with a specialization in the installation of fiber optics ... A Successful Aerial Lineman candidate must have knowledge of established aerial cable installation ...

FiberTel, LLC

Aerial Lineman

San Jose, CA

$35 - $40/hr

We are a utility construction company, with a specialization in the installation of fiber optics ... A Successful Aerial Lineman candidate must have knowledge of established aerial cable installation ...

Quanta Services

Aerial Lineman

San Jose, CA

$35 - $40/hr

We are a utility construction company, with a specialization in the installation of fiber optics ... FiberTel is looking for an Aerial Lineman for our San Jose, CA location. A Successful Aerial ...

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All JobsUtility Lineman JobsUtility Lineman Jobs in California

Utility Lineman information

See California salary details

$15

$34

$50

How much do utility lineman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility lineman in California is $34.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $41.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility lineman?

Utility linemen are skilled tradespeople responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power systems and telecommunications lines, including both overhead and underground lines. Their work ensures the safe and reliable delivery of electricity and communications to homes and businesses. Linemen often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may be called upon during emergencies to restore power after storms or accidents. The job requires physical strength, technical knowledge, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

What does a utility lineman do?

As a utility lineman, you work for a utility company or a contractor to install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution systems. Your duties in this career usually focus on overhead power lines. You use bucket trucks or ladders or climb poles to access the lines. Your responsibilities can also include the installation and maintenance of underground cables. You dig trenches to install and access these lines. Aside from your regular maintenance and repair tasks, you respond to reports of power or utility outages. In addition to working with electrical equipment and systems, you may also repair telecommunications lines.

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

To thrive as a Utility Lineman, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and physical fitness, often supported by a high school diploma, completion of an apprenticeship, and relevant certifications. Familiarity with climbing gear, bucket trucks, power line equipment, and safety systems like OSHA standards is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills set top linemen apart, especially during emergency repairs or adverse conditions. These abilities are crucial for maintaining reliable power distribution, ensuring safety, and efficiently resolving outages or infrastructure issues.

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

Utility Linemen often encounter challenging weather conditions, such as storms or extreme heat, which can make outdoor work physically demanding and potentially hazardous. They may also need to respond to emergency outages at irregular hours, requiring flexibility and quick problem-solving skills. Additionally, working at heights and around high-voltage equipment necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols and teamwork to ensure everyone's well-being. Despite these challenges, linemen play a crucial role in maintaining reliable power for communities and often find the work rewarding.

What is the difference between Utility Lineman vs Power Line Technician?

AspectUtility LinemanPower Line Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL often preferredHigh school diploma, CDL required, specialized training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on poles, in all weather conditionsOutdoor, on poles, in all weather conditions
Industry UsageElectric utility companies, contractorsElectric utility companies, contractors
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Utility Linemen and Power Line Technicians often perform similar tasks, such as installing and maintaining power lines outdoors. Both roles require similar credentials, work environments, and are used within the electric utility industry. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, though some distinctions may exist based on regional terminology or specific employer practices.

Is it hard to get a utility lineman job?

Utility lineman jobs can be competitive and often require specialized training, physical fitness, and safety certifications. Entry typically involves apprenticeships or technical programs, and experience with climbing and operating heavy equipment is important. The hiring process may include physical tests and background checks.
More about Utility Lineman jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Lineman jobs in California?

The most popular types of Utility Lineman jobs in California are:

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For Utility Lineman jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Utility Lineman jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Lineman jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Utility Lineman job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Utility Lineman jobs in CA?

For Utility Lineman jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Utility Lineman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Lineman job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,909 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN (UTILITY ELECTRICAL WORKER)

City Light & Power, Inc

Travis Air Force Base, CA • On-site

$75.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Maintenance Electrical Worker (Journeyman Lineman)

Location: Fairfield, CA - Travis Air Force Base, CA

City Light & Power, Inc. (CLP) is seeking qualified Maintenance Electrical Worker (Journeyman Lineman) to perform journeyman level medium and high voltage electrical functions on the electrical system at our Travis Air Force Base location.

CLP has built a reputation as an innovative, reliable, and responsive private Utility Development Leader and if you're looking for a stable Lineman position with excellent benefits, this is the place for you! CLP guarantees 40 hours of work every week.

Duties and Requirements:

  • Perform inspection, testing, repair, maintenance, installation, replacement and switching operations on transformers, switches, power circuit breakers, metal-clad switchgear line-ups, manholes, cables, protective relays, metering circuits, control circuits, and other electrical equipment used in electric power distribution at the 5kV, 15kV, and 115kV voltage levels.
  • Experience pulling, repairing, splicing, and terminating 5kV and 15kV electrical cables.
  • Install, replace and test multifunction power meters and streetlights.
  • Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams and Engineering Personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems.
  • Prepare and maintain reports detailing all tests, repairs, and maintenance performed.
  • Utilize GPS tablets for data recording & preventative maintenance.
  • Operate cranes, digger trucks, aerial trucks, tensioners, underdogs and equipment necessary to complete related work.
  • Respond to emergency callouts, and remote assignment, to restore electrical service as needed, which may involve working in different adverse weather conditions to restore electrical service.
  • Provide effective and timely customer service to clients and fellow team members.
  • Available to work scheduled hours, and for on-call hours (rotation based).
  • Journey-level knowledge and skills in the electrical lineman trade including proficiency in use of all tools.

**Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:

Excellent benefits including paid holidays, vacation, sick, personal days, 401K, supplemental insurance, and LineCo health insurance.

Work Authorization/Union Requirements/Security Clearance:

  • You must be a US Citizen.
  • Become signatory to local union IBEW 1245 and pay IBEW 1245 required dues.
  • You will be required to obtain Military Base Access Security Clearance.
  • Must have valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A).

To learn more, visit our website at www.clpinc.com

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/Disabled/Veterans. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.