Dallas is one of the fastest-growing metros in Texas — and demand for skilled powerline workers is surging with it. Find local apprenticeships, trade schools, and training programs. Start earning while you learn.
Oncor, the state's largest transmission utility, is headquartered in Dallas and operates across DFW. The region's rapid growth requires constant grid expansion. Post-Winter Storm Uri grid hardening investments have added significant lineworker demand. DFW powerline workers benefit from one of the largest utility operations in Texas.
Salary Data — Dallas
What powerline workers earn in Dallas.
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro — Powerline Worker Wages
Apprentice lineworker$48,000 – $62,000
Journeyman lineworker$75,000 – $95,000
Crew leader / foreman$90,000 – $115,000
Storm response / overtime$100,000 – $130,000+
Texas statewide median (BLS)$78,310
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. Data reflects 2024 figures for Texas.
Training Paths
Programs available near Dallas.
Apprenticeship — Union
IBEW Utility Local — Dallas
IBEW utility locals offer paid lineworker apprenticeships. Strong wages, benefits, and training for transmission and distribution work.
Lineman School
Texas Lineman School / TEEX
Texas A&M's Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) offers lineman training programs. Good preparation for utility company hiring programs.
Utility Company Programs
Texas Utilities — Direct Hire Training
Oncor, AEP Texas, and other utilities periodically hire entry-level trainees and provide on-the-job training toward journeyman status.
Apprenticeship — Non-Union
IEC Texas — Lineworker Apprenticeship
Independent Electrical Contractors Texas chapter offers non-union lineworker training pathways.
Texas licenses electricians through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Dallas and Tarrant counties follow state licensing — no additional local license beyond the TDLR credential is required to work in the DFW Metroplex.
FAQ
Common questions about Dallas powerline worker training.
Dallas powerline workers earn $48,000–$130,000+ depending on experience and overtime. Storm response work pays significant premium rates. Texas statewide BLS median is $78,310.
Primary paths: (1) IBEW utility apprenticeship — apply to your local IBEW utility local. (2) Lineman school + utility company hiring program. (3) Direct hire as a lineman's helper with a utility company. All paths require physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors and at heights.
Utility apprenticeships typically run 3-4 years. Lineman schools run 6-16 weeks and prepare you to be hired by a utility. You work toward journeyman status through additional on-the-job experience after initial training.
Strongly — Texas has the largest power grid in the continental US, and Dallas's growth requires continuous grid expansion. Post-Winter Storm Uri grid hardening investments have added significant sustained demand for lineworkers.
Also serving Dallas
Programs near these cities also available
Fort Worth
Arlington
Plano
Frisco
McKinney
Irving
Garland
Mesquite
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