How to Become a Lineworker in South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina employs about 2,690 lineworkers earning a median $76,870 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most lineworkers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in South Carolina.
Key Facts
- Median wage (South Carolina): $76,870/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Employed in South Carolina: 2,690 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Location quotient: 1.38x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Projected growth: 6.6% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
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South Carolina employs approximately 2,690 lineworkers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $76,870 1. The state’s concentration of lineworker jobs is 1.38x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, lineworker employment is projected to grow 6.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10,700 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a lineworker in South Carolina, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Lineworker Wages by Metro Area in South Carolina
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers Wages by Metro Area in South Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), electrical power-line installers and repairers wages in South Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 1,130 | $81,740 | $81,390 | $46,080 | $109,450 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer | 500 | $77,700 | $76,680 | $48,920 | $102,860 |
| Columbia | 360 | $74,190 | $71,400 | $44,710 | $95,430 |
| Charleston-North Charleston | 300 | $75,570 | $76,020 | $49,820 | $98,680 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | 190 | $80,520 | $81,190 | $48,820 | $108,080 |
| Spartanburg | 150 | $76,660 | $78,900 | $60,570 | $108,790 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal | 80 | $77,540 | $78,610 | $50,610 | $98,480 |
| Florence | 70 | $75,340 | $76,530 | $47,860 | $104,200 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (South Carolina): $76,870 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Lineworker in South Carolina
How to become a lineworker in South Carolina? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for lineworkers in South Carolina.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do lineworkers earn in South Carolina? The median annual wage for lineworkers in South Carolina is $76,870 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $48,890 and experienced professionals can earn $102,860 or more 1.
How to Become a Lineworker in South Carolina
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most South Carolina training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in South Carolina that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to lineworkers in South Carolina before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Lineworker Apprenticeship Information in South Carolina
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. South Carolina’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Apprenticeship South Carolina 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: SC Technical College System - Apprenticeship Carolina
- Address: 111 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29201-2496
- Phone: (803) 765-5548
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for lineworkers in South Carolina? South Carolina currently employs approximately 2,690 lineworkers 1. Nationally, lineworker employment is projected to grow 6.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in South Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in South Carolina. You can also contact the Apprenticeship South Carolina for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do lineworkers earn in South Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for lineworkers in South Carolina is $76,870, which is $15,690 below the national median of $92,560 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Apprenticeship South Carolina: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |