Lineman Pay by State

Lineman Salary in Washington (2026)

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

Washington 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 $22-45k Storm restoration and planned grid upgrades are where a lot of linemen push income well above base scale.

Washington Lineman Pay Range

$85-177k

⏱ OT adds $22-45k

Pay by Career Stage in Washington

Here's how lineman pay progresses in Washington, 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$41/hr

Journeyman$62-85/hr

Foreman$95/hr

Before You Decide

Is Lineman Work Worth It vs College?

See how a Washington 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 Washington

These are the utilities and contractors Washington 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.

Seattle City Light★ 4.6 (28 reviews)

Puget Sound Energy★ 4.2 (22 reviews)

BPA★ 4.5 (19 reviews)

Apprenticeships & Training in Washington

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 Washington'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 77 JATCApprenticeship (Seattle)

Perry Technical InstituteElectrical Program

Northwest Lineman CollegePre-apprentice (Meridian ID)

How to Become a Lineman in Washington

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 Washington 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 Washington?

In Washington, lineman pay ranges roughly $85-177k 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 $22-45k

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

Most lineman apprenticeships in Washington 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 Washington?

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 Washington linemen find apprenticeships?

Through utility companies and IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) in Washington, plus technical college pre-apprentice programs. Top local employers include Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy, BPA.