Home / Pay by state / Lineworker / California
49-9051 / ELECTRICAL POWER-LINE INSTALLERS AND REPAIRERS / CALIFORNIA
Lineworker salary in California
California vs. U.S. lineworker pay
| Measure | California, annual | California, hourly | U.S., annual | U.S., hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,350 | $37.19 | $51,470 | $24.74 |
| 25th percentile | $98,680 | $47.44 | $67,270 | $32.34 |
| Median | $129,040 | $62.04 | $95,320 | $45.83 |
| 75th percentile | $156,380 | $75.18 | $109,740 | $52.76 |
| 90th percentile | $167,090 | $80.33 | $128,690 | $61.87 |
| Mean (average) | $125,270 | $60.23 | $91,970 | $44.22 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-9051 (Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers), cross-industry. Data as of May 2025. BLS OEWS tables | BLS state data file (May 2025) | BLS national data file (May 2025).
California electrical power-line installers and repairers earned a mean of $125,270 a year in May 2025, about $33,300 (36%) above the U.S. mean of $91,970. Half earned less than $129,040 and half earned more. By mean annual wage, California ranks 1st of 51 areas (states and D.C.) with published data for this occupation. BLS location quotient for electrical power-line installers and repairers in California is 0.58, where 1.00 is the national average share of jobs.
These figures cover all electrical power-line installers and repairers in the state, from newer workers to experienced ones. They are not entry-level offers or a pay promise, and they leave out employer-paid benefits. Pay varies by employer, metro area, union status and license level.
How people become lineworkers
- Lineworkers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent plus technical instruction and on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are common.
- Employer-sponsored apprenticeships or training programs may last up to 3 years.
- Workers who drive heavy vehicles usually need a state-issued commercial driver's license (CDL).
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (national information; page last modified August 28, 2025; figures there use a 2024 base). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent. Typical training: Long-term on-the-job training. Projected job growth 2024 to 2034: 7% (much faster than average). BLS OOH: Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers. Find programs on Apprenticeship.gov. Confirm California licensing rules with the state board; this page does not state them.