How to Become a Lineworker in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee employs about 3,900 lineworkers earning a median $83,660 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most lineworkers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Tennessee.
Key Facts
- Median wage (Tennessee): $83,660/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Employed in Tennessee: 3,900 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Location quotient: 1.41x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Projected growth: 6.6% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
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Tennessee employs approximately 3,900 lineworkers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $83,660 1. The state’s concentration of lineworker jobs is 1.41x 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 Tennessee, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Lineworker Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), electrical power-line installers and repairers wages in Tennessee vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | 1,260 | $83,230 | $82,900 | $50,930 | $103,390 |
| Chattanooga | 550 | $78,240 | $79,310 | $59,000 | $98,800 |
| Knoxville | 440 | $99,780 | $90,110 | $58,680 | $105,650 |
| Memphis | 340 | $97,150 | $89,240 | $61,700 | $116,770 |
| Clarksville | 140 | $83,760 | $78,550 | $49,380 | $100,220 |
| Jackson | 110 | $80,940 | $81,300 | $53,970 | $100,380 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 110 | $78,860 | $80,960 | $56,110 | $100,900 |
| Cleveland | 60 | $93,910 | $87,420 | $54,510 | $100,500 |
| Morristown | 50 | $92,250 | $82,980 | $58,750 | $100,310 |
| Johnson City | 40 | $96,530 | $87,820 | $57,010 | $96,530 |
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 (Tennessee): $83,660 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Lineworker in Tennessee
How to become a lineworker in Tennessee? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for lineworkers in Tennessee.
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 Tennessee? The median annual wage for lineworkers in Tennessee is $83,660 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $58,240 and experienced professionals can earn $105,000 or more 1.
How to Become a Lineworker in Tennessee
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Tennessee’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Tennessee Department of Labor And Workforce Development - Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Apprenticeship TN
- Address: 220 French Landing Dr., Nashville, TN 37243
- Phone: (615) 532-0148
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for lineworkers in Tennessee? Tennessee currently employs approximately 3,900 lineworkers 1. Nationally, lineworker employment is projected to grow 6.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Tennessee? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Tennessee. You can also contact the Tennessee Department of Labor And Workforce Development - Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do lineworkers earn in Tennessee compared to the national average? The median annual wage for lineworkers in Tennessee is $83,660, which is $8,900 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Tennessee Department of Labor And Workforce Development - Apprenticeship: 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) |