Lineman Pay by State

Lineman Salary in New Jersey (2026)

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

New Jersey is one of the higher-paying states for linemen in the country, and the numbers below reflect that. The trade-off is a higher cost of living, so a journeyman wage that looks huge on paper stretches differently here than it would in the Midwest or South. Overtime matters everywhere in this trade — ot adds $20-40k Storm restoration and planned grid upgrades are where a lot of linemen push income well above base scale.

New Jersey Lineman Pay Range

$69-141k

⏱ OT adds $20-40k

Pay by Career Stage in New Jersey

Here's how lineman pay progresses in New Jersey, 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$33/hr

Journeyman$50-68/hr

Foreman$76/hr

Before You Decide

Is Lineman Work Worth It vs College?

See how a New Jersey 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 New Jersey

These are the utilities and contractors New Jersey 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.

PSE&G★ 4.1 (26 reviews)

JCP&L (FirstEnergy)★ 3.8 (18 reviews)

Atlantic City Electric★ 3.9 (14 reviews)

Apprenticeships & Training in New Jersey

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 New Jersey'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 102 JATCApprenticeship (Parsippany)

Raritan Valley CCElectrical Technology

How to Become a Lineman in New Jersey

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 New Jersey 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do linemen make in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, lineman pay ranges roughly $69-141k 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 $20-40k

How long does it take to become a lineman in New Jersey?

Most lineman apprenticeships in New Jersey 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 New Jersey?

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 New Jersey linemen find apprenticeships?

Through utility companies and IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) in New Jersey, plus technical college pre-apprentice programs. Top local employers include PSE&G, JCP&L (FirstEnergy), Atlantic City Electric.