Lineman Pay by State

Lineman Salary in Iowa (2026)

Real pay, apprenticeships, and how to start — written by a working journeyman lineman. Updated June 2026.

Iowa offers solid, dependable lineman pay — not the highest in the country, not the lowest, but the kind of steady union-scale money that builds real wealth over a career with zero student debt. Overtime matters everywhere in this trade — ot adds $12-25k Storm restoration and planned grid upgrades are where a lot of linemen push income well above base scale.

Iowa Lineman Pay Range

$62-131k

⏱ OT adds $12-25k

Pay by Career Stage in Iowa

Here's how lineman pay progresses in Iowa, from your first year as an apprentice to journeyman and foreman. Remember: apprentices earn a paycheck from day one — there's no tuition and no student debt.

Apprentice$30/hr

Journeyman$46-63/hr

Foreman$71/hr

Before You Decide

Is Lineman Work Worth It vs College?

See how a Iowa lineman career stacks up against a four-year degree — lifetime earnings, debt, and net worth, side by side.

Run the Wealth Calculator → See the pay map →

Top Lineman Employers in Iowa

These are the utilities and contractors Iowa linemen rate highest, based on reviews from workers in the field. Pay, overtime, and culture vary a lot between employers — it pays to ask around before you sign on.

MidAmerican Energy★ 4.1 (18 reviews)

Alliant Energy (IPL)★ 4.0 (14 reviews)

Apprenticeships & Training in Iowa

You don't pay your way into this trade — you get hired into it. These are the apprenticeship programs and pre-apprentice schools that feed Iowa's lineman workforce. IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) are the gold standard, but pre-apprentice and climbing programs can help you get accepted.

IBEW Local 55 JATCApprenticeship (Des Moines)

Iowa Central CCElectrical Technology

How to Become a Lineman in Iowa

The path is the same proven route used across the country, applied locally: get your high school diploma or GED, work on the basics (math, physical fitness, a clean driving record), and get your CDL or be ready to. Then apply to an apprenticeship through one of the programs above. You'll spend roughly 3.5–4 years as a paid apprentice before testing out as a journeyman at full Iowa scale.

For the complete step-by-step — aptitude test tips, what the work is actually like, and how to stand out on an application — read our full guide to becoming a lineman.

Free · No Cost · Your Next Step

Ready to Start Lineman in Iowa?

Tell us a bit about you and we'll connect you with real training programs and apprenticeships near you. Built by a working journeyman lineman — not a call center.

Yes — I'd like US Trade Route to share my name and contact info with relevant trade schools, training programs, and employers so they can reach out to me. I can opt out anytime.

We only share your info with the programs and employers you've checked the box to be connected with.

For Schools & Training Programs

Run a lineman program in Iowa? Get listed in front of the people reading this page — we build your profile for you.

Get Listed →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do linemen make in Iowa?

In Iowa, lineman pay ranges roughly $62-131k depending on career stage. Apprentices start lower and journeymen earn the top of that range, with overtime and storm work often pushing total pay higher. OT adds $12-25k

How long does it take to become a lineman in Iowa?

Most lineman apprenticeships in Iowa run about 3.5 to 4 years. You earn a full wage the entire time — apprentices are paid employees, not students paying tuition. By the end you test out as a journeyman at full scale.

Do you need a degree to be a lineman in Iowa?

No. You need a high school diploma or GED, typically a CDL (or the ability to get one), and acceptance into an apprenticeship. No four-year degree and no student debt. A pre-apprentice program or climbing school can help you get accepted but isn't always required.

Where do Iowa linemen find apprenticeships?

Through utility companies and IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) in Iowa, plus technical college pre-apprentice programs. Top local employers include MidAmerican Energy, Alliant Energy (IPL).