Linemen?

[birddog]

Anyone here do any linemen work? Im looking possibly into a career change and have started looking into this type of work. I have a bunch of questions and since I don't know any linemen its hard to get them answered.

[xjtwo]

What questions do you have?

[birddog]

I have a lot but heres a few:

Is there a lot of traveling required? can you find local jobs that put you at home every night or is it more like only on the weekends? I know for disaster type work you would be gone for a while but...

What kind of pay can a beginner groundsmen expect. All I find for salaries are for journey linemen.

Are there jobs available?

Is it a good job? Seems that linemen are a really proud group which I like a lot.I like working outside so Im not worried about that, just wondering if people really like it or if its just another job.

[HBARleatherneck]

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[Irving]

You may have to join the union to get any work. If so, you have to join and be placed behind every other lineman that is already in the union, but out of work, and ahead of you in seniority. That's what they told me.

[birddog]

You may have to join the union to get any work. If so, you have to join and be placed behind every other lineman that is already in the union, but out of work, and ahead of you in seniority. That's what they told me.

I was wondering about that too. If I go down to the IBEW and get on their books will they call for day labor or for permanent jobs or both. For now it would be nice to get some day labor to see how it is, talk to some guys, and get a feel for the work.

[trlcavscout]

I am a lineman for the county.
And I drive the mainroad.
Searchin' in the sun for another overload.

Oh we got jokes now huh? Haha

[HBARleatherneck]

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[xjtwo]

I have a lot but heres a few:

Is there a lot of traveling required? can you find local jobs that put you at home every night or is it more like only on the weekends? I know for disaster type work you would be gone for a while but...

What kind of pay can a beginner groundsmen expect. All I find for salaries are for journey linemen.

Are there jobs available?

Is it a good job? Seems that linemen are a really proud group which I like a lot.I like working outside so Im not worried about that, just wondering if people really like it or if its just another job.

Traveling depends, chase the money (union) you're probably going to travel a lot. If you work for a Muni you probably won't travel as much and be home on weekends pending call outs. You can and should get your union card so you can travel for work when needed, ie disasters and such. You can do that while working for a Muni. You'll get plenty of OT, and plan on working in shitty weather. Not for people afraid of heights....


There are local jobs, look up the Utility company in the area you live in or plan on living in.

Not sure what pay is for apprentices, I know where I am they start around $18.00 and get step increases every 6 months, top out around $32. Then get a bump once they journey out.

Linemen are good people, it's a family but realize that you will be below whale shit while you're an apprentice. That's 4years in most places, not for the sensitive types.

I would suggest that you look into line schools (Idaho, Iowa, Colorado Springs) that'll help out in a huge way.


Hope this helps

[lex137]

I am an apprentice lineman for MSLCAT. We can be sent any where in a 5 state district which is Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Montana. Not the easiest job you get treated like shit sometimes it sucks. As a union member I pay dues and started making $23 something now $24 for starters. Hours depend on if you’re doing distribution or transmission. I work 4-10. You can go to mslcat.org and fill out the application; if you get an interview you will be asked one question by each sub-committee member. You get scored on your answers. Hope you’re not afraid of climbing or heights because you may be up from 20 ft to 250 ft (transmission). Love what I do, but it’s not for everyone! You could work for nonunion contractors, but pay is different and so is everything else. Good luck with what you decide, if you want to know any more I would be more than happy to tell you.