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Utility Lineman Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Utility Lineman information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$15

$34

$50

How much do utility lineman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility lineman in Rochester, NY is $34.08, 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.

Is 32 too old to become a lineman?

Utility lineman careers typically do not have an upper age limit, and many individuals start training or apprenticeship programs in their 30s or later. Physical fitness, relevant skills, and completing necessary certifications are important factors for success in the field.

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 utility linemen?

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 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.

What is a utility lineman?

A utility lineman is a skilled worker who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power lines and equipment. They often work outdoors in various weather conditions and require knowledge of safety procedures, climbing skills, and the use of specialized tools. Certification and physical fitness are typically necessary for this physically demanding job.

Do lineman make 200k a year?

Utility linemen can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with overtime, experience, and working in high-cost-of-living areas. Senior or specialized linemen with certifications and hazardous environment experience tend to have higher salaries, but such earnings are typically achieved after several years in the field.

What is the highest paying lineman job?

The highest paying lineman jobs are typically with utility companies or contractors working on high-voltage transmission lines, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. These roles can offer higher wages due to the increased risk, technical complexity, and the need for overtime or emergency response work.

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 popular job titles related to Utility Lineman jobs in Rochester, NY? For Utility Lineman jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Lineman jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Lineman jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Infographic showing various Utility Lineman job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,892 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Aerial and Underground Utilities

NRDB Utilities, LLC

Ontario, NY • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off

NRDB Utilities, LLC is a privately owned and operated LLC that specializes in underground and aerial placement. We are
currently seeking skilled and motivated individuals for full-time employment as Lineman in our Underground/Aerial
Construction Division. The candidate should be self-motivated with strong attention to detail.
Responsibilities:
 Ability to utilize ladders, crawl spaces, manholes, and trenches to access various installations and construction
points as required.
 Safely operate a bucket truck, climb poles and utilize standard tools of the trade.
 This position may require out-of-town traveling during the week.
 Flexibility to work across all divisions (underground/aerial).
 Rod and rope through existing conduit
 Running and pulling fiber optic cable
 Reading and interpreting engineered prints and other project documentation.
 Driving a company vehicle while towing a trailer
 Operating equipment, including but not limited to, plows, mini excavators, missiles, aerial lift device, lasher, or
various hand tools.
 Maintain a safe and secure work environment by following standards and procedures and complying with legal
regulations.
 Provide daily reports and plans for the next days work.
 Climb poles and ladders up to 50 feet as necessary.
 Always maintain a professional working attitude with colleagues and customers
 Follow customer-specific procedures for documentation or notification as described in customer notes or
installation guidelines.
 Additional responsibilities as requested by the project manager.
 Make sound decisions consistent with job duties.
 Work any scheduled shift (optional weekend overtime) and under various weather conditions.
 Perform tasks involving prolonged sitting and standing.
 Work in confined spaces such as maintenance holes.
 Throwing a rope over elevated cable lines, through tree branches and pulling the lasher down the cable lines.
 Maintenance of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
 Perform daily truck inspections, keeping vehicle properly stocked and cleaned.
 Have reliable transportation and a valid drivers license.
 Running equipment, digging, and placing new conduit,
 Lashing up new cable, building new strand, and rod and rope underground conduit,
 Hand digging will be required.
 Flagging may also be required.
 Other duties as assigned.