Lineman Pay by State
Lineman Salary in Rhode Island (2026)
Real pay, apprenticeships, and how to start — written by a working journeyman lineman. Updated June 2026.
Rhode Island 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 $15-30k Storm restoration and planned grid upgrades are where a lot of linemen push income well above base scale.
Rhode Island Lineman Pay Range
$81-166k
⏱ OT adds $15-30k
Pay by Career Stage in Rhode Island
Here's how lineman pay progresses in Rhode Island, 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$39/hr
Journeyman$59-80/hr
Foreman$90/hr
Before You Decide
Is Lineman Work Worth It vs College?
See how a Rhode Island lineman career stacks up against a four-year degree — lifetime earnings, debt, and net worth, side by side.
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Top Lineman Employers in Rhode Island
These are the utilities and contractors Rhode Island 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.
National Grid RI★ 3.8 (8 reviews)
Apprenticeships & Training in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island'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 99 JATCApprenticeship (Providence)
How to Become a Lineman in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, lineman pay ranges roughly $81-166k 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 $15-30k
How long does it take to become a lineman in Rhode Island?
Most lineman apprenticeships in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island linemen find apprenticeships?
Through utility companies and IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) in Rhode Island, plus technical college pre-apprentice programs. Top local employers include National Grid RI.