Index:
Some of the best money for lineman can be made chasing storms and traveling across the country as part of an overhead distribution team. However, being a constantly traveling lineman on the road isn't for everyone.
Do all lineman have to travel?
With a couple exceptions in rural areas, there is a direct relationship between travel requirements and pay. Investor-owned-utilities and local cooperatives know that stationary jobs are sought after. If you do not want to travel you will not make as much money.
Experienced lineman are willing to sacrifice some financial upside in order to sleep in their own bed every night and be around their families consistently. Not every lineman has to travel but it is very common for apprentices to get on a moving crew that can cover multiple states, depending on the employer. Late nights for line workers can mean cranking up the headlamp and burning the midnight oil.
Some lineman jobs are built entirely around travel, especially during storm season when specialized crews are rapidly deployed to restore power in disaster-stricken areas. In both the Southeast and Northeast, contractors see a surge in demand as hurricanes, nor’easters, and severe weather events knock out power to thousands—sometimes millions—of customers.
These contractors urgently need skilled, reliable linemen who can handle the grueling conditions of storm restoration. The work often requires long shifts, 16+ hour days, and weeks on the road, but in return, companies are willing to pay top dollar for those who step up. Per diem rates, overtime pay, and hazard bonuses can significantly boost earnings, making storm restoration some of the most lucrative work in the trade.
For linemen willing to travel at a moment’s notice, storm season offers a chance to maximize income, gain valuable experience, and play a critical role in rebuilding communities after major disasters. It’s tough work, but for those built for it, the rewards—both financial and personal—are well worth it.
RV vs Hotel for Lineman?
Traveling lineman receive per diem to pay for their on the road expenses. Some journeyman prefer to invest in a RV or truck camper for their road lodging rather than spending that money on a hotel.
The decision to purchase a camper or stay in a hotel really depends on your life and living condition preferences. Some lineman with small or young families that are used to living on the road enjoy the experience of finding camp grounds across the country as they are making good money.
Some of the most memorable experience of my career have been traveling across the country in a truck camper, finding random camping spots close to our crews work.
If you are interested in checking out a good truck camper we encourage you to read through the truck campers buyers guide.
What is a traveling lineman salary?
On average, a traveling lineman on the road at least 5 months of the year makes $20k-$25k more than a stationary or low travel lineman in the same state.
Respondents to a Lineman Central survey in 2023 tracked that traveling journeyman lineman in following states are making between pretty impressive ranges:
Alabama: $83k - $104K
Texas: $81k - $101k
Virginia: $86k - $107k
Where do I find traveling lineman jobs?
Lineman Central is your home for finding the best line work opportunities. If are you interested in getting up to date opportunities with your specific criteria in mind, we encourage you to visit our top journeyman jobs page and sign up for job updates.
Storm chasing work is usually coordinated by crew and so it is important to try and get on these lists early. Good contractors understand the demand during storm season and will be willing to pay high hourly dollar amounts.
2025 Availability Travel Lineman Jobs
What is per diem for traveling lineman?
Per diem for traveling linemen can reach $200 or more in certain areas, depending on demand and local cost of living. In the Southeast, per diem rates have been steadily rising, especially during storm seasons, as hotel availability becomes more competitive with oil workers and other traveling trades.
A typical travel schedule for linemen on the road follows a 5-day workweek with 10-hour shifts, though this can vary slightly by employer. While the standard pattern is five days on, two days off, some jobs may require adjusted schedules based on project demands or emergency response needs.
For linemen willing to travel, these per diem rates can make a significant difference in overall earnings, helping to cover lodging, meals, and daily expenses while working away from home. Some companies provide direct housing arrangements, while others offer a flat per diem, giving workers flexibility in how they manage their accommodations. Additionally, storm restoration and emergency response work often come with even higher per diem rates, reflecting the unpredictable hours and demanding conditions. Understanding the local cost of living, job duration, and employer policies can help linemen make informed decisions about which travel jobs are the most financially beneficial.
Finally, if you are reading this about a line worker in your life and want to get them a gift to show how much you are, check out our lineman gift guide here.
![[2025] Georgia vs Carolina Lineman Boot](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/040bc0_597ed9a2f93f447b82d0fdb49b3828be~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_276,h_276,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/040bc0_597ed9a2f93f447b82d0fdb49b3828be~mv2.jpg)
![[2025] Carolina vs Carhartt Lineman Boot](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/040bc0_70d208b1243d485f95a0299ecf52bbc9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_276,h_276,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/040bc0_70d208b1243d485f95a0299ecf52bbc9~mv2.jpg)
