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Being a train conductor allows you to take people and essential goods where they need to go, see the country, and get paid while doing it. In fact, a competitive salary is often one of the big draws of the field. But just how much does a train conductor make? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a train conductor is $72,220.

If that salary sounds appealing, keep reading to learn what train conductors do, how much they stand to make in different states, and the pros and cons of the job.

What Is a Train Conductor?

If you’ve ever dreamed of yelling “all aboard” and taking the wheel of a train, then you may find satisfaction as a train conductor. This type of trade job is responsible for organizing and overseeing various activities within a railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar locations. They play a vital role in coordinating the actions of the train crew, whether on passenger trains or freight trains. Additionally, yardmasters take charge of reviewing train schedules and switching orders while ensuring smooth coordination among workers involved in railroad traffic operations, including train assembly, disassembly, and yard switching tasks.

Working as a train conductor can be stressful and requires attention to detail. However, introverts may find that they love this job as it requires minimum interactions with other people.

Recommended: 10 Entry-level Jobs with Little Human Interaction

How Much Is a Train Conductor’s Starting Salary?

How much money does a train conductor make? According to the latest BLS data, annual salaries range from a low of $54,610, which is most likely what entry-level conductors earn, all the way up to $99,210 or more. As workers gain more years of experience, they can expect to see their salary increase. At the very least, they should always expect to make the minimum wage in their state.

No matter your income, online tools make tracking your spending easy. You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

What Is the Average Salary for a Train Conductor?

While most people don’t focus their job search on trying to find the highest-paying job in their state, it’s a good idea to do salary research before pursuing a new career path.

So how much does a train conductor make per hour? Typically, train conductors earn a median hourly wage of $34.20, according to the BLS but that rate differs by state. Take a look at the following table to get an idea of what train conductors can earn in different states.

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Train Conductor Benefits & Job Considerations

Most train conductors work full time and are eligible for employer benefits on top of their salary. Benefits like health insurance and paid time off can be valuable and increase the overall value of a compensation package.

Savvy employers know that alongside offering a competitive salary, a robust benefits package can attract and retain top talent. Common employee benefits that train conductors may expect to see include:

•   Health insurance

•   Dental insurance

•   Vision insurance

•   Flexible spending account

•   Paid time off

•   Employee assistance program

•   Life and disability insurance

•   Retirement savings plan

Pros and Cons of Train Conductor Salary

Like any job, working as a train conductor comes with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that are worth being aware of.

Pros

•   Minimal educational requirements, making it accessible to a broader range of individuals

•   Job training is provided by employers, allowing for on-the-job skill development

•   Regular rest hours are enforced, ensuring a reasonable work-life balance

Cons

•   Federal licensure requirements add an additional step to the process

•   The job can be physically demanding, especially in challenging weather conditions

•   Work weeks may extend beyond the standard 40 hours, leading to potential overtime hours

•   Irregular scheduling is common, which can make it challenging to maintain a consistent routine

The Takeaway

Considering a job as a train conductor? Though rewarding, this line of work is also high stakes, and anyone considering this career path needs to be prepared to take the responsibility seriously. It’s also important to understand what the position typically pays and what your earning potential could be. The median annual salary train conductors earn is $72,220, but train conductors with many years of experience can expect to earn more than this.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

What is the highest paying railroad job?

If someone is looking to make the most money possible as a train conductor, they may want to consider working for their state government. According to BLS data, train conductors who work for state governments earn a median salary of $80,970 per year.

Do train conductors make six figures?

How much does a train conductor make per year, and can they earn a six-figure salary? The good news is that it is possible to earn six figures as a train conductor. While the average train conductor earns a median salary of $72,220, train conductors employed by state governments earn a median of $80,970 each year.

What is the average age for a train conductor?

Many people find fulfilling careers as train conductors at all different ages. That said, the average age for a train conductor is 42.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q125-064

Working as a paramedic is a rewarding career path for many. Though the job is often about more than just the money, it is possible for paramedics to earn a living. The median annual wage for paramedics is $46,770, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Keep reading for insights into a paramedic’s salary.

What Is a Paramedic?

A paramedic provides emergency medical services to individuals when they’re injured or sick. They may also be responsible for transporting people to the hospital, where they can receive further medical treatment. Because medical emergencies can happen any time of day, paramedics often work nights, holidays, and weekends. Many work 40 hours a week, if not more.

To become a paramedic, you usually must meet certain postsecondary educational requirements, which can vary by state.

How Much Is a Paramedic’s Starting Salary?

How much does a paramedic make a year? While the median annual salary for paramedics is $57,450, entry-level salaries may be lower. As with most jobs, a paramedic’s pay rate should become more competitive as they progress in their career.


Regardless of your income, it’s a good idea to keep your finances in order. An online budget planner can give you insight into your spending.

Recommended: 10 Entry-level Jobs with Little Human Interaction

What Is the Average Salary for a Paramedic?

If you’re considering going into emergency medical services — and thinking about the long shifts that are often involved — you may be wondering how much a paramedic makes an hour.

According to BLS data, paramedics earn a median hourly rate of $27.62. But how much they actually earn depends on how many hours they work, how experienced they are, and where they live.

In fact, salaries can differ greatly by state. For example, the annual mean wage of a paramedic in California is $69,870. In Alabama, it’s $45,060.

It’s understandable that some paramedics earn more based on where they live, as the cost of living can vary a lot by state. At the very least, paramedics can expect to earn the minimum wage.

The following table breaks down the mean annual wage for paramedics by state.

Recommended: Salary vs. Hourly Pay: How Their Pros and Cons Compare

Paramedic Benefits & Job Considerations

Alongside earning a paycheck, paramedics may also receive valuable benefits such as:

•   Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance

•   Paid time off

•   Sick leave

•   Retirement plans

Pros and Cons of a Paramedic Salary

If someone is debating whether or not to pursue a career path as a paramedic, they’ll want to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the job.

Pros

•   Potential career growth. It is anticipated paramedic jobs will grow by 6 percent by 2033, and there will be around 16,200 new openings for paramedics and EMTs every year over the next decade.

•   Fulfillment. Helping people for a living and saving lives can be very fulfilling ways to spend a career.

Cons

•   Physically demanding. Working as a paramedic can require a lot of lifting, bending, and kneeling, which can take a physical toll.

•   Dangerous. Working with the sick can expose you to diseases and viruses and potentially increase your risk of injuries.

•   Hectic work schedule. Not only are paramedics expected to work odd hours, their time on the job can be very busy and stressful, with life-or-death stakes. Shifts can also be long and last up to 24 hours. This may also not be a great job for introverts, as working as a paramedic requires interacting a lot with patients and teammates.

The Takeaway

Pursuing a career as a paramedic requires a secondary education, a lot of hard work, and the ability to work odd hours. The role can be very stressful, as the stakes are quite high when delivering emergency medical services. However, with a median annual salary of $57,450, working as a paramedic can also be a reliable and rewarding way to earn a living. What’s more, you may find that as your career progresses, your earning potential will grow as well.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

What are the highest-paid paramedics?

Exactly how much money does a paramedic make? That depends on how much experience the paramedic has, among other factors. The highest 10 percent of top-earning paramedics earn more than $79,430.

Can a paramedic make six figures?

It is unlikely a paramedic will earn a salary of $100,000 or more, but is not impossible. Typically, the highest-paid paramedics work in the state government, and they earn a median annual salary of $75,010.

What is the lowest-paid paramedic?

On the low end, paramedics can earn less than $38,520. However, they can expect their salary to rise as they gain years of working experience.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q125-063

If you dream about spending your days creating beautiful looks with your favorite beauty products, then becoming a professional makeup artist may be a good career to pursue.

But just how much money does a makeup artist make? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a makeup artist is $68,590.

Keep reading for more insight into makeup artist earnings, how salaries vary by state, and what this job entails.

What Is a Makeup Artist?

A makeup artist is a skilled professional responsible for applying cosmetics and beautifying an individual’s appearance for various purposes. They use their expertise to enhance facial features, create desired looks, and achieve specific artistic visions. Makeup artists work across various industries, including fashion, film, television, theater, special effects, weddings, and events. In addition to traditional makeup applications, some makeup artists specialize in special effects makeup, enabling them to create realistic wounds or fantastical characters for films or theater productions.

Personality plays a big role in whether or not someone will enjoy being a makeup artist. Being a makeup artist can be a suitable job for introverts, as it allows them to work in a more controlled and focused environment with clients one on one. However, working in certain settings, such as movie sets or high-profile events, may be a better fit for extroverts.

Recommended: 10 Entry-level Jobs with Little Human Interaction

How Much Is a Makeup Artist’s Starting Salary?

How much does a professional makeup artist make when they first begin their career? Like anyone embarking on a new career path, makeup artists tend to earn less when they’re just starting out. According to the latest BLS data, the lowest 10 percent of earners in the makeup artist field earn a median salary of $21,540. However, as artists gain more experience and exposure, they have the potential to earn much more than that entry-level salary.

One way to help make the most of your income to track your spending. An online budget planner lets you keep tabs on where your money is coming and going.

What Is the Average Salary for a Makeup Artist?

Makeup artistry is a type of trade job that has the potential to earn a lot of money. Let’s take a closer look at the average salary for a makeup artist.

•   ow much does a makeup artist make a year? The median annual salary for a makeup artist is $68,590.

•   How much does a makeup artist make per hour? When it comes to hourly pay, makeup artists earn a median of $32.97

Where someone lives can play a major role in how much they earn as a makeup artist. Because the cost of living varies so much by state, salaries can vary a lot, too. While the BLS has limited data collected on how much makeup artists earn in different states, the information it does have makes it clear how much salaries can vary.

For example, in Illinois, the median annual salary for a makeup artist is $35,370, whereas in New York it is $111,970. Alongside cost of living factors, there may be more job opportunities for makeup artists in some states. New York City is a major fashion and entertainment hub that likely has a high demand for makeup artists, which can lead to more competitive pay rates.

Recommended: The Highest Paying Jobs in Every State

Makeup Artist Benefits & Job Considerations

While makeup artists have the potential to earn a six-figure salary, the biggest downside of this job is that it is not common to earn benefits like health insurance or to have access to a 401(k). This is because most makeup artists are self-employed and are responsible for securing and paying for any traditional employee benefits they desire.

Pros and Cons of Makeup Artist Salary

Like all jobs, working as a makeup artist comes with a unique set of pros and cons to consider before pursuing this career path.

Pros

•   Creative opportunities: Makeup artists have the freedom to express their creativity by creating unique looks for their clients, whether it’s for a photo shoot, movie, or special event.

•   Interesting workdays: The profession offers a diverse range of opportunities, from working on movie sets to collaborating with cosmetic retailers.

•   No formal education required: Unlike many other careers, becoming a makeup artist doesn’t demand a college degree.

Cons

•   Restricted earning potential: The industry’s salary standards may limit the earning potential of makeup artists, with only a few able to negotiate higher pay. What’s more, self-employed artists may not always receive consistent income or benefits.

•   Geographic limitations: Makeup artists may need to relocate to major cities like Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago to find steady work, and they may also have to travel with clients for various projects.

•   Irregular work schedule: Makeup artists often have to adapt to erratic work hours, including weekends, holidays, and long periods of uncertainty between gigs. Maintaining a stable work-life balance could be a challenge.

The Takeaway

Makeup artistry can be a rewarding career — and potentially lucrative. How much money does a makeup artist make a year? The median annual salary for a makeup artist is $68,590. While the work can be creative and glamorous, it also lacks a traditional work schedule. Plus, most makeup artists have to foot the bill for their own employee benefits. Those considering a career in this industry need to carefully consider if the advantages of this role outweigh the disadvantages.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make good money doing makeup?

If someone is asking, how much does a makeup artist make in a year, they’ll probably like the answer. The median annual salary for a makeup artist is $68,590, so yes, it is possible to make good money doing makeup. However, some states, like New York and California, have much more lucrative job opportunities than other states.

Can you make six figures as a makeup artist?

Yes, it is possible to make six figures as a makeup artist. The median annual salary for makeup artists nationwide is $68,590, according to the latest BLS data. However, where they live plays a major role in how likely they are to earn a $100,000 salary as a makeup artist.

How much profit does a makeup artist get?

The profit a makeup artist receives varies greatly depending on their employment status and the specific makeup services they offer. Self-employed makeup artists have the potential to earn the full profit after deducting operating costs, while those working for cosmetic retailers or salons may receive a fixed salary or commission-based earnings. Factors such as location, experience, clientele, and demand for their services can also impact overall profit.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q125-062

Even if you haven’t thought about diesel mechanics before, chances are you’ve benefited from their expertise. These skilled technicians fix the machines that harvest our food, the generators that provide electricity when the power goes out, the big rigs that ferry our goods across the country, and so much more.

Being a diesel mechanic requires a certain skill set and level of training. Generally speaking, they tend to earn slightly more than auto mechanics. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for a diesel mechanic is $59,920 per year, or $28.81 per hour. (By comparison, the median pay for an auto mechanic is $51,940 per year, or $24.97 per hour.) However, pay rates can vary depending on where a technician works and their level of experience.

What Is the Starting Salary for a Diesel Mechanic?

If you’re just starting out as a diesel mechanic, you probably won’t earn the median salary of $59,920. According to the BLS, 10 percent of workers — most likely those new to the field — earn closer to $39,020, or $18.76 per hour. In some states, this rate is only a few dollars more than minimum wage.

Whether you’re paid a set weekly salary or hourly rate, starting out as an entry-level diesel mechanic can be challenging. The wages may be difficult to live on, especially if you have a lot of financial obligations or live in a place with a higher cost of living.

But if working with machinery and, in particular, on diesel engines is what you really want to do, it can be worth any initial sacrifices. And the good news is, diesel mechanic jobs are expected to continue to grow. So in time, you can move up the ladder or seek out a new job to increase your yearly salary.
In the meantime, using a spending app can help you keep tabs on where your money is going so you can make ends meet.

In the meantime, using a spending app can help you keep tabs on where your money is going so you can make ends meet.

What Do Diesel Mechanics Do?

Diesel mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain vehicle engines that run on diesel fuel. This includes everything from trucks, overhaul buses, and trains, to cruise ships, generators, and construction and agricultural equipment. Their goal is to make sure vehicles are safe for both drivers and passengers.

A diesel mechanic position is a manual labor trade job you can get without a college degree, though most employers want diesel techs to have at least a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. While you don’t need secondary education to do the job, you do need specialized training, which can be acquired on the job, through a certificate program, or by attending a trade or vocational school.

And though diesel mechanics may need to occasionally speak with customers about issues with the vehicles, it can be a good job for introverts.

Recommended: 25 High-Paying Trade Jobs in Demand

Examples of a Diesel Mechanic’s Job Responsibilities

There are many daily responsibilities for a diesel mechanic, ranging from simple servicing to major repairs. For instance, when examining a diesel engine, the mechanic can run a diagnostic test to determine if the engine is running properly. If there’s a problem, a diesel mechanic can replace a vehicle’s engine, transmission, steering, and braking systems.

Here are some other essential work duties a diesel mechanic typically performs:

•   Identifying any engine malfunction issues

•   Securing the parts needed for servicing

•   Test driving vehicles for performance

•   Communicating issues about the vehicle to the customer and advising them on how best to maintain the machinery

•   Keeping detailed work records on engines serviced

What Is the Starting Salary for a Diesel Mechanic?

If you’re just starting out as a diesel mechanic, you probably won’t earn the median salary of $59,920. According to the BLS, 10 percent of workers — most likely those new to the field — earn closer to $39,020, or $18.76 per hour. In some states, this rate is only a few dollars more than minimum wage.

Whether you’re paid a set weekly salary or hourly rate, starting out as an entry-level diesel mechanic can be challenging. The wages may be difficult to live on, especially if you have a lot of financial obligations or live in a place with a higher cost of living.

But if working with machinery and, in particular, on diesel engines is what you really want to do, it can be worth any initial sacrifices. And the good news is, diesel mechanic jobs are expected to continue to grow. So in time, you can move up the ladder or seek out a new job to increase your yearly salary.

In the meantime, using a spending app can help you keep tabs on where your money is going so you can make ends meet.

What Is the Average Diesel Mechanic Salary by State?

If you’re considering going into the field, you may be wondering how much a diesel mechanic makes a year. As previously mentioned, the median pay for a diesel service technician and mechanic is $59,920 per year, or $28.81 per hour.

Keep in mind that in certain areas, there’s an increased demand for diesel mechanics, which means there’s a greater chance pay rates will be higher. Per the BLS, here’s the average diesel mechanic salary by state.

Recommended: The Highest-Paying Jobs in Every State

Diesel Mechanic Job Considerations: Pay and Benefits

Looking for a diesel mechanic job? Along with researching positions with competitive pay, it’s important to factor in employer benefits.

Here are common employee benefits offered to diesel mechanics:

•   Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

•   401(k) with possible employer match

•   Tuition reimbursement

•   Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)

•   Paid sick days, vacation, and holiday pay

•   Parental leave

•   Stock options

•   Profit sharing

•   Low prescription drug costs

•   Wellness programs, such as free counseling services

Pros and Cons of a Diesel Mechanic’s Salary

When it comes to a diesel mechanic’s earnings, there are potential upsides and downsides you’ll want to keep in mind.

The Takeaway

The median pay for a diesel service mechanic is $59,920 per year, or $28.81 per hour, according to the latest figures from the BLS. However, that amount can vary by state, and there may be opportunities to earn more with additional training and experience. Diesel mechanics are in demand, and jobs are expected to continue growing. This means skilled technicians may have opportunities to join companies that offer benefit packages, potentially move up the ranks, and even increase their take-home pay.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

What is the highest-paying diesel mechanic job?

According to the BLS, the highest salary for a diesel mechanic clocks in around $82,430 a year. Types of diesel mechanics who generally make more money include those who work on heavy-duty trucks, tractor trailers, and water-based vessels such as cargo and cruise ships.

How much does a diesel mechanic earn in the Bay Area?

The average annual diesel technician salary in San Francisco is $83,370, according to the BLS. That works out to an average hourly rate of $40.08.

Is being a diesel tech worth it?

For people who enjoy working with their hands and have an interest in the workings of machinery, becoming a diesel tech can be a rewarding career. The field offers opportunities for constant learning, increased expertise, job stability and room for career advancement.

Photo credit: iStock/sathit trakunpunlert

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q125-061

Linemen are critical for keeping utility services running smoothly. If you’re interested in this career path, you might be wondering how much does a lineman make a year. The mean annual salary for electrical power line installers and repairers was $85,900 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

It’s possible to make more money (or less) depending on how many years of experience you have and where you’re employed. Looking at hourly and annual wage data can provide a clearer answer to the question of how much money does a lineman make.

What Is a Lineman?

A lineman or line installer and repairer is someone who works with electrical power systems and telecommunications systems. The typical duties and responsibilities of a lineman include:

•   Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power lines

•   Identifying defective components within electrical systems, such as transformers or voltage regulators

•   Erecting power poles and stringing electrical lines

•   Inspecting and testing power lines and equipment

•   Operating power equipment to complete repairs or installations of electrical system components

Linemen can work in different specialty areas. For example, some linemen exclusively work on electrical power substations, while others may install and repair fiber optic cables. Line repairers may be dispatched to repair electrical lines or telecommunications systems following a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.

A lineman’s work requires being outdoors much of the time. Unlike retail or restaurant workers, they typically have limited interaction with the public, which could make this one of the best jobs for introverts.

However, they still have to communicate with colleagues, so it’s not necessarily one of the best jobs for antisocial people who prefer to work alone.

How Much Does a Starting Lineman Make?

What is a good entry-level salary for a lineman? Entry-level salaries for electrical linemen vary depending on where they’re located, their educational background, and which company they’re employed with. At the low end of the spectrum, lineman jobs pay an annual wage of $48,220, according to the BLS.

How does salary vs. hourly pay compare for linemen? Again at the low end, a starting lineman makes $23.18 an hour, according to BLS data. At the high end of the scale, a lineman earns $57.66 per hour or $119,920 in annual salary. These estimates assume that a full-time schedule for a lineman works out to 2,080 hours per year.

When discussing how much does a lineman make an hour, it’s important to consider the bigger picture. The actual hourly wage for a lineman can depend on how many hours they work per year and how many of those hours are paid at their regular wage, versus overtime pay or time-and-a-half.

Hourly and annual pay for linemen can increase as they gain more experience. For example, if you’re asking how much does a journeyman lineman make, you’re likely to get a different answer compared to someone who’s just starting out. Journeyman linemen are fully trained and can have years of experience, while a regular lineman may still be at the apprentice stage.

As you climb up the ranks of your field, you’ll likely see a bump in pay. An online budget planner can help you create budgets, manage upcoming bills, and monitor your credit score — for free.

What Is the Average Salary for a Lineman?

The mean annual salary for a lineman is $85,900, according to the BLS, while the median salary is $85,420 per year. The median lineman salary reflects the middle ground between the highest and lowest salaries. Average salaries reflect the mean of all salaries earned by linemen.

The average lineman salary by state may be higher or lower than the national average. Here’s a comparison of the average lineman salary by state, based on BLS data for 2023.

If you’re wondering what trade makes the most money, jobs in the electrical field certainly make the list. When you look at the bigger picture, lineman positions can be some of the highest paying jobs by state.

In terms of what is competitive pay for a lineman, it’s easy to see that some states have a much higher average salary than others. The top states for lineman jobs, which includes California, pay $100,000 or more a year on average. But is $100,000 a good salary for this kind of work? That’s an important question to ask, since this type of job can be more physically intensive — and dangerous — than others.

Whether a six-figure salary is good or not can depend largely on how you use it. If you’re focused on saving, then $100K a year might go pretty far. (A money tracker can help you keep tabs on your finances.) On the other hand, if you’re struggling with debt or don’t keep a regular budget, then you might have a hard time making ends meet, even with six-figure pay.

Lineman Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

Becoming a lineman may require no more than a high school diploma or equivalent. Instead of earning a bachelor’s or advanced degree, you may learn everything you need to know on the job through hands-on training. Most linemen work regular business hours and schedules, though they may be expected to work weekends or respond to emergency calls for service.

If you’re working full-time, your employer may offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, a retirement plan, and other perks. That, along with a solid annual salary, can make this kind of work appealing.

Again, how much much money a lineman makes can depend on what kind of experience they have and where they’re located. Living in California or New York, for example, can help you unlock higher pay. However, that can also mean dealing with a higher cost of living, which can put more of a strain on your paycheck. And of course, inflation can also affect your hourly wage.

Pros and Cons of Lineman Salary

It’s easy to be persuaded that a career as a lineman could be worthwhile when you’re looking solely at the average annual salary. If you’ve paid attention to any of the recent discussions about raising the minimum wage, you should be aware that linemen make a significantly higher hourly rate.

Making more money can be a good thing if you’re able to reach your financial goals. That might include starting an emergency fund, putting money away for retirement, or paying down debt. As mentioned, lineman jobs can also come with good benefits, depending on where you’re employed.

Now, what about the cons? Lineman work can be stressful and may involve working long hours if you’re repairing power lines after a natural disaster. You may be required to work in less than ideal weather conditions, including extreme cold or heat. A lot of driving can be involved if you’re constantly moving from one location to another.

The job itself can be dangerous, since linemen routinely climb power poles and deal with high-voltage electricity. Minor or major injuries and even deaths can occur on the job. While linemen are specially trained to deal with different types of emergencies, this is still one of the most hazardous occupations overall.

The Takeaway

Working as a lineman is something you might consider if you’d like to bank a higher salary and you don’t mind physically strenuous work outdoors. Comparing the average lineman salary by state can be helpful when deciding where to apply for a position.

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FAQ

What is the highest salary for a lineman?

The highest average salary by state for a lineman is $111,960. That’s what linemen in California earn on average per year. Where you live and work can make a difference in how much money you can make as a lineman, as some states have much higher average pay than others.

Does a lineman make six figures?

There are lineman jobs that pay six figures per year. Whether you can make six figures as a lineman will depend largely on your experience and where you live.

What does a lineman make in Texas?

Texas is one of the lower-paying states for lineman jobs. The average annual salary for a lineman in Texas is $72,820, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether that’s a good salary to live on can depend on your expenses and which part of Texas you call home.

About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.

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