In todays video, Austin breaks down how he made almost $150,000 at just 25 years old. interested in becoming a lineman? Join livewire academy today and get started
I'm just a Groundman through 1245, got my first call after NLC on July 18th of this year, working 6/14s plus triple sub. Already cleared 100k on the year. The lineman that I work out here are clearing 500k. Tons of money to be made in CA.
@TheCAGroundGod how long did it take to get a call from 1245? I have a class a and tanker endorsement I'm just waiting for my cpr/ first aid certification
I'm just about to hit my 30 year mark as a Lineman. Best job I've ever had! I have made a very good living doing what I love. One point of advice. Make sure you're throwing as much as you possibly can at your retirement and 401K!! It's easy to forget about when you're making all that money. Max out the allotments. You will be happy you did.
Man u made good money, I'm in electrical school and in 8 months I go to lineman school for a year ...I'm excited ...thanks for your content you motivated me
I’m a senior right now two months out from graduation Im really looking forward to becoming a linemen , I appreciate these videos nobody really talks about stuff like this. I’m looking forward for your five steps into becoming a linemen I knew you had to get a CDL but didn’t know which one and now I know it’s class A because of you thanks man keep it up !
Check out our program learnlivewire.com if you want to get a head start. It teaches you everything you need to know about becoming an apprentice and eventually a journeyman lineman.
Man I wish I would’ve got into something like this right out of high school. I got pushed into going to college early on and away from the trades. You could do something like this when you’re young and he set the rest of your life and go back to a more cushy job later. Now I’m 27 with a family and don’t really want to travel.
You don’t need to travel to be a lineman, look at your local utility companies and start going through the process. A lot of major cities you can go to work for local and will never leave city limits.
@@achej7022 that would be cool too. Seems like it’s easier to find an apprentice job if you’re willing to travel though from what I’ve found. And I’m in a rural area. I’ve only seen journeyman jobs posted locally.
@@preston8859 you just have to watch the postings like it’s a second job, journeyman are in high demand so that means they will be doing classes. Typically twice a year from what I’ve seen. Make calls and talk to people and ask questions. It isn’t easy but worth it
I just started doing this as well. I worked at a power company in my state for around 6 years, and after being separated from them I got my travel card with the ibew. Just got home from a short storm last night with a contractor 🤑.
Enjoy the "money" you will never have time to spend it, and you will ruin all relationships in your life. Come back to this comment in 15 years and you'll say "why didn't I listen"
@@SzymczykProductions What makes you say that? If someone invests there money correctly and is actually working 60+ hours a week, you can retire in 10 years or less by investing in real estate...
I'm not a lineman, I do telecom. Lots of hours of work isn't that bad when you work with a buddy. Since a lot of my work involves non lethal voltage, you mostly work by yourself during the day, but at night, you work in pairs and for more money. Sometimes I climb, sometimes I'm in a manhole, sometimes I'm in a bucket truck, sometimes I'm in the basement of a huge mall. We take care of the fiber optic nodes and amplifiers and 60/90v power supplies with inverter and batteries and all the associated cabling. This can involve replacement and programming of all related electronic components. I often am in contact with the power companies to report outages or to determine an outage length. I may have to power the telecom equipment out of my truck via an inverter or drop a generator to be refueled by other technicians. In some areas, you are in the same union as electrical. Your pay can be similar. You can clear $150k with benefits and take a vehicle home to cut costs. Make your money now. Invest it. Don't buy stupid crap now thinking you will invest later. Compound over time will make you a lot more money. You will get injured or worn out over time. You should have investment income by then. When you get stable investment income, pour it on. Whatever you want because you have a retirement package brewing in the background, higher than average salary, investment income and savings. I've gone back to the racetrack and it's fantastic. Hanging out with my childhood friend, not a care in the world. I had a good $2k day last weekend. We call it the unicorn day. Three call outs with shift premium and on call pay. One call out was 45 minutes and then back to bed) I'm buying me some new go fast goodies...
@@BlueCollarEDU Thanks!. About to do on call 7 days in a row three days off and 5 days on, 3 of them being on call. Since I live in Canada we have Canadian pension and unemployment insurance deducted from our pay but because of how much I made, I've paid them off so now my net pay is higher. It's 4AM now. I'm dropping by the office to get the articulated arm boom truck. We're fixing a cable while on early shift premium and I'm going home early. As things get more expensive it doesn't affect me much. Two scheduled pay raises a year. Every pay raise means more money in my pension and more money in the stock purchase program from the company. That's where they get the office people. Lower base salary with higher bonus. Your pension and other financial benefits are based on your salary, but not your bonus. Also, if they add a task or a day to salary office people, they don't pay them any more money. I'm higher base salary with overtime. I take home a vehicle and don't pay for clothing.
I love how this video emphasizes the honor and pride that come with working in blue-collar professions. It's about building something meaningful, contributing to society, and leaving a lasting legacy. Thank you for spreading the positive message about blue-collar work!
If you get into this trade for just the money, it’ll chew you, and spit you out! The money is obviously a major perk, but it’s deserving of the sacrifice we put in. It’s a grind to get that golden ticket, but damn does it feel amazing once you do! I love this trade ( love, hate relationship at times lol ), and damn proud to be a Journeyman. I just always head a bit of caution, when an individual looks to the trade strictly for money. It takes a certain individual to make it. If you can cut it though, there is no better job in the world! Good luck, and stay safe out there🤙🏻
I’m in a line school rn and my instructor said that doing this job you’ll need to find out what drives you… most students (me included see the money aspect of it) but if I’m being honest I think it’s pretty cool to have the chance to go help people. I grew up in upstate Ny and when we got his with snow storms and the power went out… the house got cold, seeing a utility truck drive by with the flashing lights was such a joy to see. So the money is crazy.. so I’ve heard but I think helping people is also a cool part of it. Plus the brotherhood (just in school our group is pretty tight nit, I can’t imagine real crews)
I’m in lineman school right now I started in January finish in July everything’s going smooth would you have any suggestions on how to expedite the hiring process ? And is Comed the only way to take the cast test ?
Thank you for this video! I’m a JL, new to traveling is there a website or any info on how to get started on storm work, or company’s i can join to work the storms?
So I primarily use facebook for this one. If you have facebook join the group "Union Storm Chasers" it is a private group. But there is a community of JL on there for this exact reason! Highly recommend
Go ahead and get into the trade for the money. See how that works when it's 120 outside or 15 at night and you've been up for 40 or more hours. It's the respect of the trade and the love of the brother next to you that makes this profession special. You never stop learning in this line of work. It takes a strong and humble hearted person. The room for error is extremely small and I've gotten away with my share of mistakes as any honest lineman will tell you. This trade deserves more respect than just "come make money" in my humble opinion. Now that these fancy new belts prevent falling, everyone wants to be a lineman. I love this line of work and that's the only people that should be doing it IMO.
ehh been averaging 90hr work weeks since HS, in my early 20s but construction has my body in my 30s. Having one job to me beats having to work multiple. Ill stick with running up that money
Im trying to find work that interests me and really challenges me and am burnt out with my security job. I have about six months experience working as a helper for a residential electrical shop thats now gone under. This line of work looks very exciting and engaging for me but I have no clue where to start and how to pave a path to this career. Do you have any advice that maybe could help me with this issue? Thank you for all you do to keep our power up and running!
I’m taking electrical wiring courses now but for residential and commercial. Do you think this will along with CDL will give me an edge to land a place in the Union??
Hi Austin (or whoever knows). I’m in WA, retiring from the Army, and am trying to figure out what I want to do next. Lineman has always interested me as love being outside and want to learn a trade. If you were in my position what steps would you take to be as successful as possible, while staying in WA?
If you want to stay in WA, look at applying at the local utilities in your area or apply at NW JATC. Sign the books at IBEW local 125, get your class A CDL, CPR/First Aid certification. Those would be first steps
@@BlueCollarEDU thanks man. Appreciate the help. ATM I am working as a CNC Operator. Started school a while back and will continue through next year. Doesn’t make as much, but I enjoy the process.
Hi, our course gives you a broad overview of that trade/how to get started. We go over tools you need, certifications you need and how to get them, knots you need to know and how to tie them, etc... It's a ton of information that's very helpful for someone looking to get into the trade.
If you’re a apprentice is it hard to get time off or jump company to company and take a couple months off a year doing contractor work like journeyman do?
How’s it going bro, I’m a Ironworker right now and I was trying to transition into Lineman work, what’s the first step into actually getting into become an Lineman Apprentice? Or do you have to know someone?
biggest thing is get your cdl, then either apply to a utility company or sign the books at a union hall to get your journeyman card after your apprenticeship
Yes, class A CDL first off, apply at local utilities or outside lineman apprenticeship. Learn more about the lineman trade here: bluecollaredu.com/lineman-blueprint/
When did they start charging to learn power line work? I worked for a telephone line crew started with no experience and no cdl, but got paid to learn and get my cdl. Nonetheless, I worked with power linemen, new people that went from phone to power, power to phone, and not one of them said anything a out paying to learn. The only requirement I remember for the power company was a cdl learners.
You say you catch a flight ? What do you do with all your tools ? And I’m really curious how you get into storm chasing I’m a first step in ohio for local 71 going to through ALBAT and as soon as I top out I wanna storm chase as much as possible
You get on contractors storm roster, they send you a text to be in X location for this time...if you can be there you reply "yes" then you by a flight. You check your tools. And arrive. Pretty simple. There is a couple other logistics involved, but thats the basics.
You can make this working for a power company in the southeast sleeping in your bed every night where the cost of living is a lot lower than the northwest.
hey austin im 18 im currently serving in the us army and i was curious should i try and attend a lineschool? It will be completely paid for. Or should i spend my time doing something else?
I got out of the army in 2017 and used my gi bill to go to NLC. Highly recommend that school. There are 4 locations in Florida, Texas, idaho and California. Check it out. Best decision I ever made. In my experience talking to dozens and dozens of guys who went to all the different line schools in the country, it sounds like NLC is the best
I'm 36 in welding school right been. Been farming the last 6 years. But thinking about getting into the IBEW smd maybe lineman school. Any advice for getting into that trade at 36? Im located in California
Apply for NLC brotha. We got a wide variety of ages coming in. The oldest friend this term is 40. It’s never too late. Northwest Lineman college is one of the most known accredited lineman colleges around the US. This term is going good so far. Look into it and lmk if u got any questions!
I'm 37. I'm thinking about doing this as well. Looking into NW Line JATC. This economy is holding my family down, I'm making 27/hr with 50 hrs/wk in the machining industry, and we're still living paycheck to paycheck. So I need to do something about that, or let my family suffer, which isn't an option. Good luck to you.
CA is very competitive, I would try elsewhere if you are able to travel. Get your class A CDL, apply at local utilities & outside construction apprenticeships.
No it is not. Your life will end in divorce, you're body will ache forever and you'll be waking up at 2am to run lines. It's a dream alright, a nightmare
Yes, do NOT become a lineman. They will work you to death and you'll never hold a stable relationship. Don't let them lie to you. Get out now before it's too late young man
Corey, first off thank you for your service! There is an awesome program built for military people like yourself who want to transition into a career in the electrical industry. Here is a link to learn more: in2veep.com/
Beware of IBEW nepotism. From 2002-2015 IBEW club membership dropped by over 500,000 and it wasn't all because retirements out paced new club members. I myself left IBEW in 2001 and haven't looked back.
Graduated from Northwest Lineman College in April im from Connecticut and got a job in Long Island with a utility company that is also IBEW. If I journey out with this company will I have this much freedom or is it just with contractors?
I’m in Alabama and it says the average pay for a journeyman in my state is 70 thousand yearly. But I’ve heard from many people that that’s wrong and they make much more. Do you have any idea witch is correct or a way to see the correct salary
Well, Vixey, you live in a right to work state. Anotherwords anyone can work there if they want? As a power utility lineman I can only advise what I know? To make the big money as a journeyman you have to get an “A” ticket if you posses the talents to get it? Any Local IBEW union hall can give you that. You’ll need people that work for that Local to vouge for you. Once you sign an “A” ticket there, they will put you on a list of available lineman who can work. As contractors call for union lineman your name will advance up the list until such a time that your phone will ring. The jobs might be in far flung destinations in your state or out of state. It’s up to you to get there on time to go to work. You would be considered a “traveling lineman”. Many travelers are young men & woman not otherwise with a family however that is not uncommon. Many have a big pick up truck to get to remote locations. With a fifth wheel trailer camper they pull behind them. Often you’ll park the trailer at a nearby campground with hook ups until the job is done. Travelers work as many hours a day to get the most money. Your only paid while your working. Don’t expect sick time or vacation. The standard work week can vary. I have heard of 6-10 hour days, 7-12’s & 7-16’s. This is a young man’s job by the way. If your old like me you probably won’t make the cut? Power company lineman work for a utility & make a lot less money than a traveler but they have holidays off, vacation, sick time. This job is better for lineman with families. Often you have to start as an apprentice at their schools & advance up to utility lineman. Typical work load is 40 hour weeks with overtime. If you like making top dollar than I would advise you to work as a traveler then. This a job with large commitments. If your not able to change with the demands of the job? You won’t make that big coin.
@@PLEBEJones A ticket is Journeyman lineman pay scale. Utility lineman such as myself only will get a B ticket. Journeyman lineman have a far more complex apprenticeship than a utility lineman. They must complete 1/3 of their apprenticeship building & maintaining transmission lines. One third building & maintaining distribution lines. One third building & maintaining substations. I only have the building & maintaining distribution lines. Hence why I have a B ticket. The union hall will get jobs & they need to fill them with men & woman of different talents. Operating engineers to drive heavy equipment. Helpers to do the heavy grunt work & A ticket lineman. Unless the jobs specify utility “B” lineman I won’t be called up if I sign on their books looking for work?
@@jj1970 depends on the companies, the one im with had a contact in florida and we were one of the last ones to leave, made 15k while i was down there so not to bad coming straight out of trade school
$148,000 taxed, is roughly only $90,000 which is still not enough for me to risk my life for the selfish, ignorant society we live in today. Sorry no thanks!!!!
A friend of mine here in CA is a journeyman lineman. 70/80 hours a week last year in brutal working/living conditions, but he cleared $275k.
But how old is he? I’d saying working like that in your 20s would be worth it, now if he was pats his early 30s then maybe that’s not the best
Yeah there is a lot of potential to earn in CA!
I'm just a Groundman through 1245, got my first call after NLC on July 18th of this year, working 6/14s plus triple sub. Already cleared 100k on the year. The lineman that I work out here are clearing 500k. Tons of money to be made in CA.
@TheCAGroundGod how long did it take to get a call from 1245? I have a class a and tanker endorsement I'm just waiting for my cpr/ first aid certification
@@user4667 I signed the books May 3rd or 4th, was 502 on book 3, got a call July 17th which I missed, but got a call again the next day which I took.
I'm just about to hit my 30 year mark as a Lineman. Best job I've ever had! I have made a very good living doing what I love. One point of advice. Make sure you're throwing as much as you possibly can at your retirement and 401K!! It's easy to forget about when you're making all that money. Max out the allotments. You will be happy you did.
Great video. Thank you for sharing your experience
Man u made good money, I'm in electrical school and in 8 months I go to lineman school for a year ...I'm excited ...thanks for your content you motivated me
Dude drop out. That's all a waste of time and money. Get your CDL and start as a groundman
@@mainnn113 I agree with you!
I’m a senior right now two months out from graduation Im really looking forward to becoming a linemen , I appreciate these videos nobody really talks about stuff like this. I’m looking forward for your five steps into becoming a linemen I knew you had to get a CDL but didn’t know which one and now I know it’s class A because of you thanks man keep it up !
Check out our program learnlivewire.com if you want to get a head start. It teaches you everything you need to know about becoming an apprentice and eventually a journeyman lineman.
It's a terrible job and it will end in body pain, divorce, and time lost. Have fun waking up at 2am to run lines
@@SzymczykProductions just because your wife cheated on you doesn’t mean the job sucks lol
@@SzymczykProductions brother you just described my time in the military 😂😂, sounds like it will be an easy transition.
@@2_strokesmoke fr 😂
I did but ran fiber for frontier didn’t make near as much as you but i was working for someone else.
Guess I’ll get my certification in this now
Man I wish I would’ve got into something like this right out of high school. I got pushed into going to college early on and away from the trades. You could do something like this when you’re young and he set the rest of your life and go back to a more cushy job later. Now I’m 27 with a family and don’t really want to travel.
You don’t need to travel to be a lineman, look at your local utility companies and start going through the process. A lot of major cities you can go to work for local and will never leave city limits.
@@achej7022 that would be cool too. Seems like it’s easier to find an apprentice job if you’re willing to travel though from what I’ve found. And I’m in a rural area. I’ve only seen journeyman jobs posted locally.
@@preston8859 you just have to watch the postings like it’s a second job, journeyman are in high demand so that means they will be doing classes. Typically twice a year from what I’ve seen. Make calls and talk to people and ask questions. It isn’t easy but worth it
I just started doing this as well. I worked at a power company in my state for around 6 years, and after being separated from them I got my travel card with the ibew. Just got home from a short storm last night with a contractor 🤑.
Enjoy the "money" you will never have time to spend it, and you will ruin all relationships in your life. Come back to this comment in 15 years and you'll say "why didn't I listen"
@@SzymczykProductions What makes you say that? If someone invests there money correctly and is actually working 60+ hours a week, you can retire in 10 years or less by investing in real estate...
Awesome to hear!
I'm not a lineman, I do telecom. Lots of hours of work isn't that bad when you work with a buddy. Since a lot of my work involves non lethal voltage, you mostly work by yourself during the day, but at night, you work in pairs and for more money. Sometimes I climb, sometimes I'm in a manhole, sometimes I'm in a bucket truck, sometimes I'm in the basement of a huge mall. We take care of the fiber optic nodes and amplifiers and 60/90v power supplies with inverter and batteries and all the associated cabling. This can involve replacement and programming of all related electronic components. I often am in contact with the power companies to report outages or to determine an outage length. I may have to power the telecom equipment out of my truck via an inverter or drop a generator to be refueled by other technicians.
In some areas, you are in the same union as electrical. Your pay can be similar. You can clear $150k with benefits and take a vehicle home to cut costs.
Make your money now. Invest it. Don't buy stupid crap now thinking you will invest later. Compound over time will make you a lot more money. You will get injured or worn out over time. You should have investment income by then. When you get stable investment income, pour it on. Whatever you want because you have a retirement package brewing in the background, higher than average salary, investment income and savings. I've gone back to the racetrack and it's fantastic. Hanging out with my childhood friend, not a care in the world. I had a good $2k day last weekend. We call it the unicorn day. Three call outs with shift premium and on call pay. One call out was 45 minutes and then back to bed) I'm buying me some new go fast goodies...
That is awesome to hear! Sounds like a pretty good opportunity! You made some very valid points!
@@BlueCollarEDU Thanks!. About to do on call 7 days in a row three days off and 5 days on, 3 of them being on call. Since I live in Canada we have Canadian pension and unemployment insurance deducted from our pay but because of how much I made, I've paid them off so now my net pay is higher.
It's 4AM now. I'm dropping by the office to get the articulated arm boom truck. We're fixing a cable while on early shift premium and I'm going home early. As things get more expensive it doesn't affect me much. Two scheduled pay raises a year. Every pay raise means more money in my pension and more money in the stock purchase program from the company. That's where they get the office people. Lower base salary with higher bonus. Your pension and other financial benefits are based on your salary, but not your bonus. Also, if they add a task or a day to salary office people, they don't pay them any more money. I'm higher base salary with overtime. I take home a vehicle and don't pay for clothing.
I love how this video emphasizes the honor and pride that come with working in blue-collar professions. It's about building something meaningful, contributing to society, and leaving a lasting legacy. Thank you for spreading the positive message about blue-collar work!
These new clowns have no idea. All of the school of no bucket fuck it
If you get into this trade for just the money, it’ll chew you, and spit you out! The money is obviously a major perk, but it’s deserving of the sacrifice we put in. It’s a grind to get that golden ticket, but damn does it feel amazing once you do! I love this trade ( love, hate relationship at times lol ), and damn proud to be a Journeyman. I just always head a bit of caution, when an individual looks to the trade strictly for money. It takes a certain individual to make it. If you can cut it though, there is no better job in the world! Good luck, and stay safe out there🤙🏻
What's the golden ticket
@@healthguru3739 First Rule about the golden Ticket, You don't Talk about it.
But really, it's the J Man Come on!
There’s a lot of shitty traveling jobs with long hours that don’t pay near as much. So compared to certain jobs I’m sure it’s awesome.
I’m in a line school rn and my instructor said that doing this job you’ll need to find out what drives you… most students (me included see the money aspect of it) but if I’m being honest I think it’s pretty cool to have the chance to go help people. I grew up in upstate Ny and when we got his with snow storms and the power went out… the house got cold, seeing a utility truck drive by with the flashing lights was such a joy to see. So the money is crazy.. so I’ve heard but I think helping people is also a cool part of it. Plus the brotherhood (just in school our group is pretty tight nit, I can’t imagine real crews)
Correct. If you are doing it for the money, you will get burnt out, burn relationships and live life for the penny...
I’m in lineman school right now I started in January finish in July everything’s going smooth would you have any suggestions on how to expedite the hiring process ? And is Comed the only way to take the cast test ?
Thank you for this video! I’m a JL, new to traveling is there a website or any info on how to get started on storm work, or company’s i can join to work the storms?
So I primarily use facebook for this one. If you have facebook join the group "Union Storm Chasers" it is a private group. But there is a community of JL on there for this exact reason! Highly recommend
Go ahead and get into the trade for the money. See how that works when it's 120 outside or 15 at night and you've been up for 40 or more hours. It's the respect of the trade and the love of the brother next to you that makes this profession special. You never stop learning in this line of work. It takes a strong and humble hearted person.
The room for error is extremely small and I've gotten away with my share of mistakes as any honest lineman will tell you.
This trade deserves more respect than just "come make money" in my humble opinion.
Now that these fancy new belts prevent falling, everyone wants to be a lineman.
I love this line of work and that's the only people that should be doing it IMO.
Come for whatever reason you like, you’re either made for the trade or your not.
ehh been averaging 90hr work weeks since HS, in my early 20s but construction has my body in my 30s. Having one job to me beats having to work multiple. Ill stick with running up that money
Lmao guarantee you wouldn't do it for free
@@BlueCollarEDU wow.. perfect perfect answer. RNs always tell everyone "don't join for the money." Your answer applies to them too.
Im trying to find work that interests me and really challenges me and am burnt out with my security job. I have about six months experience working as a helper for a residential electrical shop thats now gone under. This line of work looks very exciting and engaging for me but I have no clue where to start and how to pave a path to this career. Do you have any advice that maybe could help me with this issue? Thank you for all you do to keep our power up and running!
Check this out on our website! learn a lot more here. It is an awesome trade to get into!
bluecollaredu.com/lineman-blueprint/
Does anyone know what required to start your utility contracting company?
So did your IBEW hall contact you for these jobs ?
I’m taking electrical wiring courses now but for residential and commercial. Do you think this will along with CDL will give me an edge to land a place in the Union??
Any related work experience and education will give you an edge!
@@BlueCollarEDU thanks man. You’re a huge inspiration, keep grinding. Will update you once I’m in😎💪🏽
Will the academy class help me get a job?
Ive been graduated from line school for 5 months now. Can't find a job.. had to go back to construction work to pay bills. Very frustrating..
Hey just wondering have you found a job yet? I’m thinking about being a lineman and I’m worried about not finding a job.
@@buzzlightyear7269 Nope..
Hi Austin (or whoever knows). I’m in WA, retiring from the Army, and am trying to figure out what I want to do next. Lineman has always interested me as love being outside and want to learn a trade. If you were in my position what steps would you take to be as successful as possible, while staying in WA?
If you want to stay in WA, look at applying at the local utilities in your area or apply at NW JATC. Sign the books at IBEW local 125, get your class A CDL, CPR/First Aid certification. Those would be first steps
@@BlueCollarEDU thanks man. Appreciate the help. ATM I am working as a CNC Operator. Started school a while back and will continue through next year. Doesn’t make as much, but I enjoy the process.
Does taking these classes help you with an aptitude test/ is it considered training to help you for your interview for the ibew?
Hi, our course gives you a broad overview of that trade/how to get started. We go over tools you need, certifications you need and how to get them, knots you need to know and how to tie them, etc... It's a ton of information that's very helpful for someone looking to get into the trade.
If you’re a apprentice is it hard to get time off or jump company to company and take a couple months off a year doing contractor work like journeyman do?
You cannot. You are locked in for 7,000 hours until your journey out.
@@BlueCollarEDU 2nd step apprentice here! if you drag from a contractor your automatically sent to the executive board which is no bueno lol
How’s it going bro, I’m a Ironworker right now and I was trying to transition into Lineman work, what’s the first step into actually getting into become an Lineman Apprentice? Or do you have to know someone?
biggest thing is get your cdl, then either apply to a utility company or sign the books at a union hall to get your journeyman card after your apprenticeship
Yes, class A CDL first off, apply at local utilities or outside lineman apprenticeship.
Learn more about the lineman trade here:
bluecollaredu.com/lineman-blueprint/
Been there, done that.
What gear do you use to air travel to move your tools and clothes.
Pelican makes some good cases to fly with. I use a Dewalt hard tool case type thing for my tools, and just a suitcase for clothes.
Go to James sprunt community college under $400 3 month course in NC
Howd you get to be a journeyman from being a lineman prior.
When did they start charging to learn power line work? I worked for a telephone line crew started with no experience and no cdl, but got paid to learn and get my cdl. Nonetheless, I worked with power linemen, new people that went from phone to power, power to phone, and not one of them said anything a out paying to learn. The only requirement I remember for the power company was a cdl learners.
its vert saturated work now
@@PLEBEJones wdym saturated?
@@prettyboishah2898 there is a lot of people that want to get in it.
@@BlueCollarEDU Ah ok. Do you think that it is still worth pursuing?
You say you catch a flight ? What do you do with all your tools ? And I’m really curious how you get into storm chasing I’m a first step in ohio for local 71 going to through ALBAT and as soon as I top out I wanna storm chase as much as possible
You get on contractors storm roster, they send you a text to be in X location for this time...if you can be there you reply "yes" then you by a flight. You check your tools. And arrive. Pretty simple. There is a couple other logistics involved, but thats the basics.
You can make this working for a power company in the southeast sleeping in your bed every night where the cost of living is a lot lower than the northwest.
That's good to know!
hey austin im 18 im currently serving in the us army and i was curious should i try and attend a lineschool? It will be completely paid for. Or should i spend my time doing something else?
Thank you for your service! By all means, if lineschool would be paid for, do it! Check out VEEP in2veep.com/ as well!
I got out of the army in 2017 and used my gi bill to go to NLC. Highly recommend that school. There are 4 locations in Florida, Texas, idaho and California. Check it out. Best decision I ever made. In my experience talking to dozens and dozens of guys who went to all the different line schools in the country, it sounds like NLC is the best
What are you living in whilst traveling like this? Pulling a camper
What union are you apart of?
I'm 36 in welding school right been. Been farming the last 6 years. But thinking about getting into the IBEW smd maybe lineman school. Any advice for getting into that trade at 36? Im located in California
Apply for NLC brotha. We got a wide variety of ages coming in. The oldest friend this term is 40. It’s never too late. Northwest Lineman college is one of the most known accredited lineman colleges around the US. This term is going good so far. Look into it and lmk if u got any questions!
I'm 37. I'm thinking about doing this as well. Looking into NW Line JATC. This economy is holding my family down, I'm making 27/hr with 50 hrs/wk in the machining industry, and we're still living paycheck to paycheck. So I need to do something about that, or let my family suffer, which isn't an option. Good luck to you.
CA is very competitive, I would try elsewhere if you are able to travel. Get your class A CDL, apply at local utilities & outside construction apprenticeships.
Cool, so can I do the line work on line? On line 😂
This is the dream right here
Join learnlivewire.com and we teach you how!
No it is not. Your life will end in divorce, you're body will ache forever and you'll be waking up at 2am to run lines. It's a dream alright, a nightmare
@@SzymczykProductions Bruh someone has to do it
@@SzymczykProductionsthats every trade man and in this era marriage shouldnt even be on the table.
I graduate high school in May and I want to be a lineman! Any tips I need to know ahead of time?
Yes, do NOT become a lineman. They will work you to death and you'll never hold a stable relationship. Don't let them lie to you. Get out now before it's too late young man
Find a lineman school, community college's, have them.
@@SzymczykProductions what do you do for a living? Did a lineman steal your woman?
@@jordanhorrocks9806 Commercial HVAC/R technician.
@@SzymczykProductions idk man I think you can moderate how much time you spend
I thought Drago made that much after he fought Rocky. No wonder he became a lineman instead
So did the union contact you for these jobs? Or did you have to take the initiative to call each hall
call each hall
i’m in the Marine Corps and want to get into the Lineman trade. What can I do?
Corey, first off thank you for your service! There is an awesome program built for military people like yourself who want to transition into a career in the electrical industry. Here is a link to learn more: in2veep.com/
How did you work in so many different places?
Storm work!
We got guys up where I’m at where I’m at making 300-400k a year. I’m okay with mid 200s lol
Where are you located ?
Hey man, I remember you from that video
If you want to be in the top 250k plus range where would you have to be?
Guys at BGE and PECO(Philly electric company) are making $300k-350k. Guys in Miami making about $250k-$300k I heard.
Anyway someone with a felony could become a journeyman ?
Beware of IBEW nepotism. From 2002-2015 IBEW club membership dropped by over 500,000 and it wasn't all because retirements out paced new club members. I myself left IBEW in 2001 and haven't looked back.
Was that take home?
everyone wants to become a lineman now n days it's crazy
Graduated from Northwest Lineman College in April im from Connecticut and got a job in Long Island with a utility company that is also IBEW. If I journey out with this company will I have this much freedom or is it just with contractors?
yes
Are you apart of a union or what allows you to travel so much?
Yes, the ibew
@@BlueCollarEDU got a job with a utility company that is IBEW. Will I have this same freedom or only with contractors
Hey I'm a heavy haul trucker is that 250k 1099 or W2
I'd like to see a Net profit. Housing conditions, taxes, etc...
W2 you work for a electrical contractor as an employee
Anyone know of any legit scholarships for Lineman trade school?
Get your class A cdl, sign the union hall groundman books, apply for apprenticeships!
I’m in Alabama and it says the average pay for a journeyman in my state is 70 thousand yearly. But I’ve heard from many people that that’s wrong and they make much more. Do you have any idea witch is correct or a way to see the correct salary
You can easily earn over 200k a year if you want too!
In the bay they can make 350+
Well, Vixey, you live in a right to work state. Anotherwords anyone can work there if they want? As a power utility lineman I can only advise what I know? To make the big money as a journeyman you have to get an “A” ticket if you posses the talents to get it? Any Local IBEW union hall can give you that. You’ll need people that work for that Local to vouge for you. Once you sign an “A” ticket there, they will put you on a list of available lineman who can work. As contractors call for union lineman your name will advance up the list until such a time that your phone will ring. The jobs might be in far flung destinations in your state or out of state. It’s up to you to get there on time to go to work. You would be considered a “traveling lineman”. Many travelers are young men & woman not otherwise with a family however that is not uncommon. Many have a big pick up truck to get to remote locations. With a fifth wheel trailer camper they pull behind them. Often you’ll park the trailer at a nearby campground with hook ups until the job is done. Travelers work as many hours a day to get the most money. Your only paid while your working. Don’t expect sick time or vacation. The standard work week can vary. I have heard of 6-10 hour days, 7-12’s & 7-16’s. This is a young man’s job by the way. If your old like me you probably won’t make the cut?
Power company lineman work for a utility & make a lot less money than a traveler but they have holidays off, vacation, sick time. This job is better for lineman with families. Often you have to start as an apprentice at their schools & advance up to utility lineman. Typical work load is 40 hour weeks with overtime. If you like making top dollar than I would advise you to work as a traveler then.
This a job with large commitments. If your not able to change with the demands of the job? You won’t make that big coin.
@@johnclyne6350 A ticket?
@@PLEBEJones A ticket is Journeyman lineman pay scale. Utility lineman such as myself only will get a B ticket.
Journeyman lineman have a far more complex apprenticeship than a utility lineman. They must complete 1/3 of their apprenticeship building & maintaining transmission lines. One third building & maintaining distribution lines. One third building & maintaining substations. I only have the building & maintaining distribution lines. Hence why I have a B ticket. The union hall will get jobs & they need to fill them with men & woman of different talents. Operating engineers to drive heavy equipment. Helpers to do the heavy grunt work & A ticket lineman. Unless the jobs specify utility “B” lineman I won’t be called up if I sign on their books looking for work?
How do you find the storm duty Jobs ?
Im still apprenticing as a lineman but i've heard that even as a ground man you can still work storm duty jobs
There's a list of companies that do storm work through the ibew. You get on their list and they contact you and you can accept or decline them.
@@jj1970 depends on the companies, the one im with had a contact in florida and we were one of the last ones to leave, made 15k while i was down there so not to bad coming straight out of trade school
That’s it man? I made $190k as a Groundman. Lol
Yeah, seems super low to me for a JL. Im a groundman through 1245 and just cleared 100k on the year starting on July 18th of this year.
@@TheCAGroundGod Amazing.
With you definitely don’t like no 25 more like 45
21 in this photo.
too late in too old now to start
I have a friend who got into the trade at 44
If it’s going to 19? Why in the hell would anybody run to a coin shop and buy today??
$148,000 taxed, is roughly only $90,000 which is still not enough for me to risk my life for the selfish, ignorant society we live in today. Sorry no thanks!!!!
This field isn’t for you. Your gonna die regardless one day
People like blue collar work man. It’s also what keeps this world turning brother. Somebody has to do it.
@@duckispve5283 true
Not everyone wants to be stuck in a cubicle for 8 hours
@@JuanCarlosLopez-tj4hh i know right