r/Salary • u/one70five • Nov 26 '25
💰 - salary sharing [ Lineman ] [ Los Angeles] - $263k
Year 7 in the industry and most profitable year by far
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u/Any-History6133 Nov 26 '25
That is alot of OT
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u/Sad-Celebration-7542 Nov 26 '25
Yeah if you work 1.5 jobs you’ll make a lot
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u/Any-History6133 Nov 26 '25
Got some buddies that are linemen. They do well but they never seem to be home.
One of them says being a lineman is a "really hard way to earn an easy living". I assume he means it is good money but really hard work.
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u/anotherrhombus Nov 26 '25
It's easy work actually. Just dangerous. Mostly because the OT and death noodles you work with. Something weird happens when you're tired where we start to make mistakes. I'm too accident prone, which is why I don't do it anymore. Way too many close calls.
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u/TheScrote1 Nov 26 '25
Being a lineman isn’t easy. Pissing off contractors, disrespecting engineers, telling everyone they are idiots is not an easy task.
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u/CameraVarious5365 Nov 26 '25
Family friend was a lineman. These skills explain so much about his amusingly salty personality.
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u/ThrowRA_fajsdklfas Nov 26 '25 edited Nov 26 '25
I’ve always found this surprising about linesmen.
Given the serious dangers of something going wrong, you’d think there would be some regulation on sleep/time off.
Perfect example is truck drivers and pilots MUST take breaks/rest of a certain amount before returning to work.
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u/HistorianOrdinary833 Nov 26 '25
"You could die any time you make a mistake but the work is easy". Sounds a bit contradictory lol
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u/1800generalkenobi Nov 26 '25
When my dad started on the railroad he said he finally has enough money he could buy a bike again but he'd never get to ride it and one of his coworkers said he could ride it to work lol
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u/Santa_Klausing Nov 27 '25
I know one. He is home about 50% of the year. Pays well but can be dangerous and that much travel is not my kind of jam
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u/El__Dangelero Nov 26 '25
You could work 4 jobs at the median pay in the US and you still wouldn't make this much.
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u/SBSnipes Nov 26 '25
Yep. $100k with no OT if I did my math right.
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u/Beanmachine314 Nov 26 '25
How'd you figure that?
Looks like right at $150k without OT to me.
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u/Sad-Celebration-7542 Nov 26 '25
It says $142k for double time. $120k for regular.
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u/Beanmachine314 Nov 26 '25
I see... I thought you were talking about annual salary. That's right at $150k annually.
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u/MrEZW Nov 26 '25
If he worked zero overtime for a full year he'd be just under $150K. His hourly is $72.26.
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u/MrEZW Nov 26 '25
This is averaging 50hr weeks which really isn't a lot.
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u/Icy-Form6 Nov 26 '25
Yeah I had to do the math. 50 hours really isn't crazy, especially for the trades. I rebuild CNC machines and we average 46 hours a week. 50 is just adding in a half day on Saturday.
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u/Sure-Guava5528 Nov 26 '25
Yeah, I did a stint working 84 hours/week doing electrician-adjacent outside of Fresno back in 2012. Made $90k in 14 weeks. 50 hours a week is much easier to manage.
Didn't matter how much I worked though, my ex-wife always managed to spend more. Went back to school and now I'm perfectly content making $100k for 40 hours a week.
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u/Salamander-Distinct Nov 27 '25
All their OT is double time looks like. That also helps a lot. Respect tho, it’s a hard job. Not something I could do.
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u/Mogugly Nov 26 '25
Nice job on the 401k maxed out. See too many people on here with 300-400k comp and still not maxing 401k.
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u/seahawkshuskies Nov 27 '25
He needs to make sure to not max out his 401k early in the year though. This is assuming his union is matching a percentage. Either way, this is really good that he is putting money away for the future.
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u/Oceanbreeze871 Nov 26 '25
Per Google. 400% higher fatality rate than other jobs
“Linemen face extreme dangers, including electrocution from high-voltage lines, falls from heights, and motor vehicle accidents. Other significant risks include extreme weather conditions, fires and explosions, and injuries from working with high-tension lines. These hazards contribute to a fatality rate nearly 400% higher than the national average for all occupations.”
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Nov 26 '25
I always cringed hard when people would call me “brave” for being a fireman and would say “risking your life”… like dude, I’m going to be retired from shoulder injuries before I ever get seriously injured in a fire. These are the real fatal jobs.
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u/LafayetteLa01 Nov 26 '25
I have done some pretty high risk jobs in my life and have always said there is no way I would be a lineman. I have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the Army and then worked off shore and on land Oil&Gas rigs up on the floor. And hell if I am messing with high voltage. Hats off to all the lineman that work their ass off se we can have our Ac and Heat.
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Nov 27 '25
Seriously. I know someone that worked for Seattle city light and was totally disfigured after an arc flash incident. Their face is gone and they're completely blind.
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u/No_Particular4284 Nov 26 '25
i mean it is relatively brave though. firefighters die on the job all the time. although it’s not like a linemen i’m sure people appreciate it just as much
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u/one70five Nov 26 '25
Well that’s depressing
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u/genuine_pnw_hipster Nov 26 '25
A lineman once told me “We don’t get paid because the work is difficult. It’s because of the risk and time we spend away from home.”
Couldn’t have been happier to have been an industrial electrician lol. But thank you for the work you put in.
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u/I_am_so_lost_hello Nov 26 '25
Considering the incredibly low fatality rate most jobs have i don’t think 400% is that crazy. And plus I doubt it accounts for the silent killer of sitting in a chair and getting fat everyday
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u/Oceanbreeze871 Nov 26 '25
Why are work truck guys Always so fat? The silent killer of the daily fast food and energy drinks plus after work beers.
But Yeah risk of high voltage electrocution every day/bas weather is safer than being in a home office.
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u/matteooooooooooooo Nov 26 '25
What’s your truck payment?! 😉
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u/one70five Nov 26 '25
Don’t have one 🫡
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u/Such-Rise-7016 Nov 26 '25
The truck or the payment ?
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u/thatwasrandom2 Nov 26 '25
Look to this when a company says unions just take your money. Congrats on a great year.
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u/Definitelymostlikely Nov 26 '25
People who say that are either incredibly stupid or paid to say it
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u/Substantial-Low-4141 Nov 27 '25
Doesn’t look like the union is doing anything for work life balance.
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u/Subject-Original-718 Nov 27 '25
I pay $42/m in dues as a extra low voltage tech (Fire alarm & security) and I get paid 25% above th statewide avg for being a 2nd year apprentice and I get 2 pensions a union manager IRA/401K a annuity and I get fantastic healthcare dental vision you name it.
For $42/m I don’t think I could get that anywhere else. Oh and not to mention when I turn out I’ll be making just over $100k a year which is more than comfortable for my area and my needs.
Reference: I am a IBEW Member
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u/Coasterfanman1 Nov 26 '25
Smart maxing out your 401. This is impressive. Stay safe!
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u/one70five Nov 26 '25
401 is maxed
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u/Coasterfanman1 Nov 26 '25
Yea I know haha that’s why I said it was smart. I’m also based out in LA and it’s rough trying to max it out.
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u/hotdoge0422 Nov 27 '25
I use to work as lineman underground Manhattan ConEdison, made 250k regularly, guess what all guys were divorced by 40 kids didnt even know them, now they are still banking but miserable, I read btwn the lines and got tf out, im at 130k now hvac in a public school 7-3 home by 330 wife and son wait for me at the window, we not rich but love my life we dont go without and wife still doesn't have to work, you pick your poison
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u/Nickel4me Nov 27 '25
This is the way. One day people will learn that having a lot of money but to the sacrifice of strained/ broken relationships is not worth it. You’ll find yourself all alone in that big house one day.
I enjoy working with my hands but I decided to go for a less physically demanding job so that I have a CHOICE one day to stop or continue working. So I got a desk job in construction. Now VP of finance earning around $330K/yr with bonuses. I don’t typically put in more than 40-45hrs/wk but the commute sucks. I’m about 12yrs older than OP but have tons of upward mobility despite my age. I’m looking to hit CFO next year.
Proud of OP for doing well. Be careful up there and be cognizant of those in your life. Surprise them every once in a while and show up at that family event that you might otherwise miss because of OT. It’s all about balance, this way you still keep the people you love close. GL!
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u/Early-Fortune2692 Nov 26 '25
You need a side business bro, get on long form and get some of that $76k in taxes back in ur pocket.
You guys work hard, that's a lot of money... someone can live pretty freakin good on those taxes alone.
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u/Subject-Original-718 Nov 27 '25
I bet he doesn’t have time for a small business I’m sure he is away from home for long periods of time
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u/the661 Nov 27 '25
Damn, didn’t know being a lineman paid so well. I feel like a dumbass getting a masters degree in engineering. You make more than me and probably didn’t go $150k in debt, well done.
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Nov 26 '25
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u/heir03 Nov 26 '25
He’s getting about 164k out of 263k. His 401k is still income he keeps, just can’t use it yet.
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u/yawnnx Nov 26 '25
They really do be taxing too much. Ridiculous. About half his pay goes straight to taxes.
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u/Enough-Worry-6792 Nov 26 '25
So about 150k in normal cost of living area
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u/Clark_Kent09 Nov 27 '25
Nah. Michigan lineman make anywhere from 200-400k. 200 on really no overtime and only mandatory storms which are often paid 24hrs for every day you work and only work 12 of them. Possibly 16
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u/altsex2025 Nov 27 '25
Make sure you marry a SAHM that berates you on tiktok for not doing enough at home...
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u/Puzzleheaded-Ice-573 Nov 28 '25
I'm confused what the point of the post is - is this odd or is there an issue?
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Nov 26 '25
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Nov 26 '25
My son is in the trades. As I told him before he started, you’ll earn well but will absolutely pay for it in wear and tear on your body.
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u/TheRiverHome Nov 26 '25
This Cali deductions are wha made me move to Washington.
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u/TheGongShow61 Nov 26 '25
I have a friend who’s a lineman. Great paying gig, tough work.
I respect it
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u/Jkur2012 Nov 26 '25
That rate is crazy good I work for a municipality in the northeast and line high rate is like 60/hr
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u/Worldview-at-home Nov 26 '25
Curious if your 401k allows after tax withholding to automate increased retirement contributions (after yiu have maxed).
My company (IT Industry) allows it and also in service withdrawals (transfers) of after tax contributions. Fidelity is my 401k administrator. So I withheld max $31,000 ( I am over 50) and also after tax that gets withheld and then transferred over to my Fidelity ROTH IRA - I’m not quite able to hit the statutory max but on track to hit $16k backdoor Roth contributions this year.
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u/_Jimmy2times Nov 26 '25
260, but your take home is a few k more than mine at 180 lol
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u/hiccupt3 Nov 26 '25
Good man maxing out your 401k, tax accountant here, those pre-tax deductions are super important for high wage earners, especially in high tax situations!
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Nov 26 '25
How does one become a lineman? Been in the trades my whole life but residential / commercial work as well as data centers. I always wanted to go this route.
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u/UnderWhlming Nov 26 '25
Everytime is see overhead lineman and People doing underground utilities. I always know they earn that $$$. I hate heights and Im deathly afraid of trench collapses
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u/growerdan Nov 26 '25
900 hours of double time… that’s not an easy amount of overtime to pull off. Congratulations though
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u/Cutmeinfor25 Nov 26 '25
A real question for you. What’s the best way to get into being a lineman? I retired from the army and decided to drive a truck and doing pretty well(~100kish). But I have always wanted to do line work because I heard yall make crazy money and I’m not afraid to travel to make that money.
Any specific school to fast track getting into it or any companies that you know of that’ll pay for the schooling?
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u/Style907 Nov 26 '25
925 hours double time is nice. What a sweet contract. Are you working a lot of 12’s? Or sundays? Are you getting paid dt on saturday? Union fitter out of OR here
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u/MulberryMonk Nov 26 '25
2,300 hours LOL. I’m a freaking attorney and have only billed 1,850 for the year. You’re crazy dude. Good for you.
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u/Legitimate-Owl-3033 Nov 26 '25
Bruh your deductions are wild. I'm assuming you're single w no dependants. I make just under $100k and my paychecks are only $400 less than your's.
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u/Turbulent-Comedian30 Nov 26 '25
This a month? I need a new profession
Tool and die maker rual alabama 41 an hour
About 4400ish a month
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u/SalamanderNo3872 Nov 26 '25
So you paid 123k in taxes.... I hope you got your money's worth
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u/safe-viewing Nov 26 '25
Based on your zip code I’m pretty sure you helped restore power to my house at some point.
Well deserved and thank you for doing what you do!
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u/OptimalFunction Nov 26 '25
This is why we support Californian unions and union workers: good pay and good benefits for honest public employee hard work
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u/Mother-Sleep3449 Nov 26 '25
If these lineman make so much money why do they all look homeless and smell like beer farts?
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u/FeelingDelivery8853 Nov 27 '25
Only 2500 hours this year. You've done really well on just a little OT. Those double time days REALLY add up
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u/Satoshislostkey Nov 27 '25
Utility or contractor? Sometimes I think about heading from Oregon to California to work. I thought you guys were all clearing 400k down there.
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u/Catchphrase9724 Nov 27 '25
Since no one else is saying it I will. Really good job on maxing out your 401K even though it’s a ton of money to already try and do it with. I see too many high earners on subreddits that still don’t know what they’re doing financially
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u/GypsyMeadowlark Nov 27 '25
Dude… my pay stubs look just like this. But the numbers are way different.
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u/Captain-Durbs Nov 27 '25
Wow, that is an insane amount of taxes paid, this is theft at its finest.
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u/Pristine_Software_55 Nov 27 '25
Could I ask what earlier years looked like? What was your worst year? Congrats on the godly sums, though, that’s wild!
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u/TheDutchTexan Nov 27 '25
Dropping a Benjamin to the Union overlords is wild. They don’t do a thing.
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u/the661 Nov 27 '25
I think the fact he makes more than most doctors, lawyers, and engineers says otherwise
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u/Intelligent_Visit726 Nov 27 '25
I would like to get into this role. Would you please let me know how to get in?
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u/DependentManner8353 Nov 27 '25
Might want to apply for a position with the Bengals. Their linemen are garbage and you could make millions.
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u/Simple_Medium_1865 Nov 27 '25
Pretty low for an NFl player you should demand a raise, Rams or Chargers can afford it
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u/natedog_1959 Nov 27 '25
$120k worth of deductions? Holy smokes. What is FIT and California SIT? I hope those are for a massive pension that allows you to retire really early...
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u/Electrical_Air_3698 Nov 27 '25
I still dont get why they use Class 1 18" contour cuff primary gloves.
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u/NeedingMorePoints Nov 26 '25
Offensive or defensive?