The Future of Powerline Work
Grid Modernization & Renewables Boost Demand: Utilities are pouring billions into grid modernization, replacing aging lines and adding “smart” tech. The federal government alone earmarked ~$8 billion for 100+ transmission projects under recent infrastructure laws​. This push to build a “grid of the future” has created huge demand for line workers, as one utility VP noted​
Meanwhile, renewable energy is surging – over 2.5 terawatts of solar, wind, and storage projects were stuck in U.S. grid queues by end of 2023​. All those projects need new transmission lines, translating to years of work constructing high-voltage links to connect remote wind farms and solar arrays to cities. For example, the Midwestern grid operator MISO approved a $22 billion plan for new 345 kV lines in 2024​. Overall U.S. electricity demand is rising ~3% annually (a 1990s-level growth rate) thanks to EVs and data centers​ – a big change after decades of flat load.
Bottom line: modernizing the grid and building out clean energy infrastructure will keep linemen in high demand well into the future
2025 Powerline Stats
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12,900 projected job openings in 2024
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Estimated that 4,650+ line workers have retired or left the workforce
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State of largest number of powerline workers: Texas
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Total projected increase of 103,000 miles of new transmission lines in the U.S. within the next 13 years.
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An estimated 18,000+ line workers consider themselves "passive job seekers"
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The median salary for lineman is $92,500 or around $46.25 an hour.
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Four new lineman training programs or technical college programs launched in 2024.
Data Centers & Transmission Expansion
Transmission Expansion: Powering Clean Energy & Cloud Computing
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Quick Takeaways:
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Nationwide push: Massive transmission projects are underway across the U.S.
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Soaring power demand: Data center power needs are expected to nearly triple by 2028.
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Job creation: Major projects are opening up thousands of construction jobs, including opportunities for linemen.
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What's Driving the Transmission Boom?
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Clean Energy Surge:
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New wind and solar farms require updated, high-capacity transmission lines.
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Cloud Computing & Data Centers:
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Investors are rapidly building new lines for massive data centers that power AI servers.
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Electricity demand for data centers is forecast to jump from 176 TWh in 2023 to as much as 580 TWh by 2028 – that's like adding dozens of cities’ worth of load.
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Utility Challenges:
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Without expanded transmission, regions risk becoming “significantly constrained” in power supply.
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Major Projects Lighting the Way
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MISO’s Midwest Lines:
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A $22 billion project that’s reshaping power infrastructure in the heartland.
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SPP’s Expansion Plan:
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A $7.7 billion initiative approved in late 2024, marking a strong commitment to grid improvement.
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SunZia Project in the West:
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Scope: 520 miles of 500 kV line connecting New Mexico and Arizona.
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Investment: An $11 billion effort integrating hundreds of new wind turbines.
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Employment: Expected to employ over 1,000 linemen and more than 2,000 construction workers under a project labor agreement.
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Impact: Touted as the largest renewable energy project in North America, set to deliver 3,500 MW of wind power once live.
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Future Prospects:
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Look out for upcoming high-voltage projects such as TransWest Express and Grain Belt Express, each promising years of line construction jobs.
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What It Means for Workers
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Robust Job Market:
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The surge in transmission projects is creating a significant number of job opportunities for skilled workers, especially linemen.
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Regional Economic Boost:
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Projects are not only modernizing the grid but also stimulating local economies across multiple regions.
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Long-Term Growth:
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With power demand set to skyrocket and more projects on the horizon, the job market for transmission construction is expected to remain strong for years to come.
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Bottom Line:
The U.S. is in the midst of a transmission revolution driven by the dual forces of clean energy expansion and the cloud computing boom. With data center demand set to triple and a wave of major projects underway—from the $22B Midwest lines to the landmark SunZia project—the grid is being retooled for the future. This creates a wealth of opportunities for linemen and construction workers, ensuring a robust and resilient power infrastructure for decades ahead.
Hiring & Job Market Insights
Opportunity Abounds in a Booming Transmission Era
The lineman trade is in the midst of a hiring boom as utilities and contractors race to expand transmission and support the surge in clean energy and data center projects.
The job market is sizzling, with hundreds of openings nationwide and robust growth in regions from the Sun Belt to the Midwest. Major players—including top utilities and specialized contractors—are aggressively recruiting skilled linemen, offering competitive wages and benefits in an industry where demand far outstrips supply.
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Regional Hotspots: Strong demand is concentrated in Texas, the Southeast, the Midwest, and the Western states.
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Top Employers: Leading utilities like PacifiCorp, Xcel Energy, and union contractors such as Henkels & McCoy are at the forefront of hiring.
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Massive Projects Fueling Demand: Landmark initiatives like the $22B Midwest transmission expansion and growing data center needs are driving job growth.
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Competitive Compensation: The shortage of qualified linemen is leading to significant wage hikes, lucrative overtime opportunities, and enhanced benefits.
Building the Next Generation of Skilled Linemen
Training the next generation is critical to meet the growing demand for skilled linemen as the grid undergoes major transformations. Across the U.S., nearly 200 dedicated lineworker training programs—from community colleges to specialized trade schools—are actively preparing new talent, with 5 to 6 new programs launching each year. Leading institutions such as Northwest Lineman College now operate four campuses nationwide and boast a 73% job placement rate for their graduates. Still, the workforce pipeline struggles to keep pace with retirements; some top programs report applicant-to-seat ratios as high as 10-to-1, as seen at Ontario’s Cambrian College, where 250 to 300 candidates compete for just 24 available spots. With union apprenticeships and enhanced vocational partnerships on the rise, the industry is working hard to ensure that the supply of new linemen can meet the demands of massive transmission projects on the horizon.
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Nearly 200 Programs Nationwide: There are approximately 198 dedicated training programs for lineworkers across the U.S.
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Annual Growth in Training: Typically 5 to 6 new training programs are established each year to bolster the workforce.
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High Job Placement Rates: Institutions like Northwest Lineman College report a 73% placement rate for their graduates.
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Competitive Admissions: At Ontario’s Cambrian College, 250–300 applicants compete for only 24 training spots per intake.
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Boost in Enrollment: Union apprenticeships and community college initiatives have driven a 20% increase in enrollment over the past 5 years.
Retirement Trends: Securing the Future for Today's Linemen
Retirement trends in the lineman trade signal a major shift in the workforce, with nearly 45% of experienced linemen projected to retire within the next 10 years. To address this looming talent gap, the industry is adopting innovative solutions. A temporary rule now allows retirees to work up to 600 hours per year without sacrificing their pension benefits—ensuring that seasoned pros can return part-time as mentors when needed.
In addition, significant pension enhancements are on the horizon: the new National Electrical Individual Benefit (NEIB) plan offers an extra 1.5% of contributions as additional monthly income, while the core pension benefit is set to increase from $32 to $33 per month per year of service starting in 2025. A one-time “13th check” bonus is also scheduled for late 2025 to boost retirement income further, underscoring the industry's commitment to securing a robust financial future for linemen.
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45% Retirement Wave: An estimated 45% of linemen may retire within the next decade.
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600-Hour Waiver: A temporary rule lets retirees work up to 600 hours per year without losing pension benefits.
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NEIB Plan Boost: The new plan offers an extra 1.5% of contributions as an additional monthly retirement benefit.
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Core Benefit Increase: Starting in 2025, the core pension benefit rises to $33 per month per year of service, up from $32.
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For everyone already receiving an NEBF check or who retires before 2025, they will find a one time “13th month” check in the mail between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025, provided the fund continues to perform at expected levels.
