What is the best city for linemen?

After cost of living, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area: the median of $157,620 a year buys about what $142,740 would at average U.S. prices.

Which city pays linemen the most?

Before adjusting for prices, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has the highest median, $157,620. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 236.

What is the best big city for linemen?

Among the 20 metro areas with the most linemen, the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario, CA area, 28th overall: its median of $128,750 buys what $120,960 would nationally.

Where does lineman pay go the least far?

Of the 236 metro areas ranked, the Wilmington, NC area, where the median of $63,630 buys about what $65,990 would nationally.

Which cities are included?

The 236 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for linemen and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's lineman pay page.

How is cost of living adjusted?

We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.

Best-paying cities for linemen

Updated September 27, 2026

After adjusting for cost of living, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area is the best-paying metro for linemen: its median of $157,620 a year buys what $142,740 would nationally, according to May 2025 BLS wages and BEA 2024 price levels. It also has the highest pay before adjusting. Among the 20 metros with the most linemen, the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario, CA area ranks highest (28th overall).

Top 50 metro areas, after cost of living

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
1	San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa ClaraCA · $157,620 median · prices 110.4	$142,740	$157,620	110.4	300
2	Eugene–SpringfieldOR · $140,270 median · prices 101.6	$138,100	$140,270	101.6	120
3	BinghamtonNY · $127,170 median · prices 92.9	$136,940	$127,170	92.9	100
4	Utica–RomeNY · $123,700 median · prices 92.7	$133,470	$123,700	92.7	120
5	FresnoCA · $134,150 median · prices 102.2	$131,320	$134,150	102.2	230
6	Grand ForksND-MN · $113,700 median · prices 86.7	$131,200	$113,700	86.7	70
7	Olympia–Lacey–TumwaterWA · $135,450 median · prices 103.7	$130,650	$135,450	103.7	50
8	SyracuseNY · $124,970 median · prices 95.7	$130,530	$124,970	95.7	250
9	SalemOR · $134,500 median · prices 103.6	$129,760	$134,500	103.6	180
10	Boise CityID · $126,840 median · prices 98.4	$128,910	$126,840	98.4	340
11	Portland–Vancouver–HillsboroOR-WA · $135,300 median · prices 105.4	$128,340	$135,300	105.4	810
12	Albany–Schenectady–TroyNY · $127,580 median · prices 99.6	$128,140	$127,580	99.6	460
13	Coeur d'AleneID · $125,890 median · prices 98.3	$128,080	$125,890	98.3	90
14	BendOR · $132,010 median · prices 103.6	$127,410	$132,010	103.6	80
15	Spokane–Spokane ValleyWA · $127,490 median · prices 100.3	$127,050	$127,490	100.3	210
16	MedfordOR · $128,030 median · prices 101.4	$126,220	$128,030	101.4	50
17	Bakersfield–DelanoCA · $126,670 median · prices 100.9	$125,560	$126,670	100.9	280
18	Longview–KelsoWA · $122,240 median · prices 97.5	$125,320	$122,240	97.5	60
19	Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–NewburghNY · $135,400 median · prices 109.4	$123,740	$135,400	109.4	240
20	TopekaKS · $108,720 median · prices 88.8	$122,400	$108,720	88.8	300
21	WheelingWV-OH · $108,060 median · prices 88.3	$122,350	$108,060	88.3	140
22	Canton–MassillonOH · $109,300 median · prices 89.4	$122,250	$109,300	89.4	90
23	Grand JunctionCO · $116,570 median · prices 95.5	$122,090	$116,570	95.5	50
24	Urban HonoluluHI · $135,080 median · prices 111.0	$121,740	$135,080	111.0	450
25	Bridgeport–Stamford–DanburyCT · $130,080 median · prices 106.9	$121,720	$130,080	106.9	130
26	CasperWY · $114,170 median · prices 93.8	$121,680	$114,170	93.8	60
27	RenoNV · $122,890 median · prices 101.0	$121,660	$122,890	101.0	130
28	Riverside–San Bernardino–OntarioCA · $128,750 median · prices 106.4	$120,960	$128,750	106.4	1,580
29	Seattle–Tacoma–BellevueWA · $134,150 median · prices 111.1	$120,710	$134,150	111.1	1,010
30	Wildwood–The VillagesFL · $103,060 median · prices 85.4	$120,650	$103,060	85.4	140
31	Salt Lake City–MurrayUT · $121,260 median · prices 100.9	$120,220	$121,260	100.9	440
32	PuebloCO · $110,290 median · prices 91.8	$120,190	$110,290	91.8	90
33	Little Rock–North Little Rock–ConwayAR · $106,960 median · prices 89.4	$119,690	$106,960	89.4	350
34	Wenatchee–East WenatcheeWA · $124,110 median · prices 103.9	$119,500	$124,110	103.9	100
35	Sacramento–Roseville–FolsomCA · $127,160 median · prices 106.7	$119,210	$127,160	106.7	650
36	Chicago–Naperville–ElginIL-IN · $123,430 median · prices 103.6	$119,150	$123,430	103.6	1,830
37	Watertown–Fort DrumNY · $104,410 median · prices 87.7	$119,070	$104,410	87.7	50
38	San Francisco–Oakland–FremontCA · $137,180 median · prices 115.6	$118,650	$137,180	115.6	770
39	Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–VenturaCA · $131,050 median · prices 110.5	$118,560	$131,050	110.5	200
40	Sioux CityIA-NE-SD · $102,340 median · prices 86.5	$118,380	$102,340	86.5	90
41	Waterloo–Cedar FallsIA · $102,680 median · prices 87.1	$117,950	$102,680	87.1	50
42	La Crosse–OnalaskaWI-MN · $107,420 median · prices 91.8	$117,050	$107,420	91.8	110
43	Traverse CityMI · $108,970 median · prices 93.4	$116,710	$108,970	93.4	60
44	Philadelphia–Camden–WilmingtonPA-NJ-DE-MD · $119,460 median · prices 102.6	$116,480	$119,460	102.6	1,420
45	MobileAL · $102,380 median · prices 88.1	$116,210	$102,380	88.1	140
46	AppletonWI · $107,370 median · prices 92.4	$116,180	$107,370	92.4	160
47	St. JosephMO-KS · $100,340 median · prices 86.4	$116,160	$100,340	86.4	90
48	RochesterMN · $105,440 median · prices 90.8	$116,100	$105,440	90.8	80
49	Green BayWI · $108,000 median · prices 93.1	$116,020	$108,000	93.1	130
50	Cedar RapidsIA · $103,080 median · prices 89.0	$115,870	$103,080	89.0	100

See all 236 metro areas

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
51	Cape GirardeauMO-IL · $99,650 median · prices 86.1	$115,770	$99,650	86.1	50
52	WichitaKS · $102,920 median · prices 88.9	$115,710	$102,920	88.9	200
53	BillingsMT · $108,200 median · prices 93.5	$115,690	$108,200	93.5	70
54	FargoND-MN · $104,920 median · prices 90.9	$115,460	$104,920	90.9	100
55	BismarckND · $104,800 median · prices 91.0	$115,130	$104,800	91.0	90
56	Idaho FallsID · $108,660 median · prices 94.4	$115,090	$108,660	94.4	80
57	Anniston–OxfordAL · $98,840 median · prices 85.9	$115,000	$98,840	85.9	60
58	SpringfieldIL · $106,630 median · prices 92.7	$114,970	$106,630	92.7	80
59	Los Angeles–Long Beach–AnaheimCA · $130,440 median · prices 113.6	$114,860	$130,440	113.6	2,140
60	ManhattanKS · $103,540 median · prices 90.2	$114,840	$103,540	90.2	50
61	DuluthMN-WI · $101,660 median · prices 88.8	$114,520	$101,660	88.8	170
62	Buffalo–CheektowagaNY · $109,350 median · prices 95.8	$114,090	$109,350	95.8	270
63	JoplinMO-KS · $97,670 median · prices 85.7	$113,940	$97,670	85.7	160
64	San Luis Obispo–Paso RoblesCA · $123,650 median · prices 108.6	$113,860	$123,650	108.6	170
65	WorcesterMA · $116,460 median · prices 102.5	$113,590	$116,460	102.5	380
66	Fort Collins–LovelandCO · $114,820 median · prices 101.1	$113,540	$114,820	101.1	90
67	St. CloudMN · $99,470 median · prices 87.6	$113,510	$99,470	87.6	80
68	Sioux FallsSD-MN · $102,600 median · prices 90.6	$113,210	$102,600	90.6	130
69	Milwaukee–WaukeshaWI · $109,000 median · prices 96.9	$112,440	$109,000	96.9	530
70	BirminghamAL · $102,470 median · prices 91.6	$111,810	$102,470	91.6	490
71	South Bend–MishawakaIN-MI · $103,790 median · prices 92.9	$111,770	$103,790	92.9	130
72	Hartford–West Hartford–East HartfordCT · $114,640 median · prices 102.7	$111,580	$114,640	102.7	400
73	PittsburghPA · $105,590 median · prices 94.7	$111,530	$105,590	94.7	1,030
74	Des Moines–West Des MoinesIA · $102,230 median · prices 91.7	$111,480	$102,230	91.7	200
75	MontgomeryAL · $99,800 median · prices 89.7	$111,280	$99,800	89.7	140
76	Providence–WarwickRI-MA · $113,120 median · prices 101.8	$111,150	$113,120	101.8	190
77	OmahaNE-IA · $101,960 median · prices 91.9	$110,930	$101,960	91.9	370
78	SpringfieldMO · $98,090 median · prices 88.6	$110,730	$98,090	88.6	160
79	Janesville–BeloitWI · $103,560 median · prices 93.7	$110,520	$103,560	93.7	60
80	Fort SmithAR-OK · $94,800 median · prices 85.9	$110,380	$94,800	85.9	70
81	Indianapolis–Carmel–GreenwoodIN · $105,300 median · prices 95.7	$110,040	$105,300	95.7	650
82	Fort WayneIN · $101,810 median · prices 92.6	$109,980	$101,810	92.6	100
83	Jefferson CityMO · $96,720 median · prices 88.0	$109,940	$96,720	88.0	200
84	Kansas CityMO-KS · $101,740 median · prices 92.5	$109,940	$101,740	92.5	980
85	York–HanoverPA · $105,340 median · prices 96.0	$109,730	$105,340	96.0	120
86	Sierra Vista–DouglasAZ · $97,910 median · prices 89.2	$109,710	$97,910	89.2	60
87	Davenport–Moline–Rock IslandIA-IL · $97,640 median · prices 89.1	$109,610	$97,640	89.1	90
88	St. LouisMO-IL · $103,960 median · prices 95.1	$109,330	$103,960	95.1	910
89	Youngstown–WarrenOH · $95,490 median · prices 87.4	$109,260	$95,490	87.4	110
90	ColumbiaMO · $97,390 median · prices 89.4	$108,890	$97,390	89.4	80
91	Grand Rapids–Wyoming–KentwoodMI · $104,030 median · prices 95.5	$108,880	$104,030	95.5	170
92	New York–Newark–Jersey CityNY-NJ · $122,480 median · prices 112.6	$108,810	$122,480	112.6	3,850
93	TuscaloosaAL · $95,290 median · prices 87.7	$108,630	$95,290	87.7	90
94	DecaturAL · $94,690 median · prices 87.2	$108,570	$94,690	87.2	120
95	RochesterNY · $105,110 median · prices 97.0	$108,320	$105,110	97.0	310
96	NilesMI · $99,850 median · prices 92.4	$108,100	$99,850	92.4	60
97	San Diego–Chula Vista–CarlsbadCA · $120,870 median · prices 111.9	$108,030	$120,870	111.9	740
98	KnoxvilleTN · $99,780 median · prices 92.6	$107,790	$99,780	92.6	440
99	Allentown–Bethlehem–EastonPA-NJ · $107,500 median · prices 100.0	$107,530	$107,500	100.0	300
100	Winston–SalemNC · $98,720 median · prices 92.0	$107,250	$98,720	92.0	110
101	MadisonWI · $104,220 median · prices 97.3	$107,130	$104,220	97.3	360
102	MorristownTN · $92,250 median · prices 86.4	$106,820	$92,250	86.4	50
103	Rapid CitySD · $95,220 median · prices 89.2	$106,800	$95,220	89.2	120
104	ClevelandTN · $93,910 median · prices 88.1	$106,620	$93,910	88.1	60
105	GainesvilleFL · $102,650 median · prices 96.7	$106,120	$102,650	96.7	110
106	Colorado SpringsCO · $106,860 median · prices 100.7	$106,110	$106,860	100.7	180
107	Florence–Muscle ShoalsAL · $90,000 median · prices 84.8	$106,110	$90,000	84.8	110
108	SpringfieldMA · $101,540 median · prices 96.1	$105,700	$101,540	96.1	190
109	MemphisTN-MS-AR · $97,150 median · prices 92.2	$105,390	$97,150	92.2	340
110	VallejoCA · $112,990 median · prices 108.5	$104,160	$112,990	108.5	360
111	Detroit–Warren–DearbornMI · $104,360 median · prices 100.3	$104,050	$104,360	100.3	860
112	AkronOH · $96,340 median · prices 93.4	$103,180	$96,340	93.4	240
113	Boston–Cambridge–NewtonMA-NH · $111,490 median · prices 108.3	$102,980	$111,490	108.3	1,550
114	JonesboroAR · $88,360 median · prices 85.9	$102,890	$88,360	85.9	70
115	Baltimore–Columbia–TowsonMD · $107,170 median · prices 104.5	$102,570	$107,170	104.5	930
116	Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond BeachFL · $101,460 median · prices 99.4	$102,110	$101,460	99.4	100
117	HattiesburgMS · $89,480 median · prices 87.6	$102,110	$89,480	87.6	70
118	Minneapolis–St. Paul–BloomingtonMN-WI · $106,840 median · prices 104.8	$101,930	$106,840	104.8	1,130
119	Daphne–Fairhope–FoleyAL · $96,510 median · prices 94.7	$101,920	$96,510	94.7	190
120	BangorME · $98,230 median · prices 96.5	$101,780	$98,230	96.5	120
121	North Port–Bradenton–SarasotaFL · $104,020 median · prices 102.4	$101,570	$104,020	102.4	180
122	Lakeland–Winter HavenFL · $98,520 median · prices 97.1	$101,420	$98,520	97.1	200
123	MonroeLA · $84,340 median · prices 83.6	$100,890	$84,340	83.6	100
124	SheboyganWI · $94,520 median · prices 94.0	$100,540	$94,520	94.0	70
125	Lake Havasu City–KingmanAZ · $94,480 median · prices 94.1	$100,410	$94,480	94.1	70
126	GreeleyCO · $99,010 median · prices 100.2	$98,840	$99,010	100.2	200
127	CincinnatiOH-KY-IN · $93,150 median · prices 95.4	$97,670	$93,150	95.4	730
128	St. GeorgeUT · $94,970 median · prices 97.3	$97,580	$94,970	97.3	80
129	Grand IslandNE · $84,450 median · prices 86.7	$97,450	$84,450	86.7	90
130	Dayton–Kettering–BeavercreekOH · $90,290 median · prices 92.7	$97,410	$90,290	92.7	200
131	Port St. LucieFL · $97,290 median · prices 100.2	$97,070	$97,290	100.2	180
132	ClevelandOH · $91,120 median · prices 93.9	$97,020	$91,120	93.9	440
133	Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las VegasNV · $96,890 median · prices 100.2	$96,680	$96,890	100.2	540
134	Hagerstown–MartinsburgMD-WV · $90,490 median · prices 94.2	$96,090	$90,490	94.2	90
135	CheyenneWY · $91,770 median · prices 96.5	$95,110	$91,770	96.5	90
136	Manchester–NashuaNH · $100,210 median · prices 105.7	$94,840	$100,210	105.7	80
137	JacksonTN · $80,940 median · prices 85.5	$94,640	$80,940	85.5	110
138	Shreveport–Bossier CityLA · $79,840 median · prices 84.8	$94,190	$79,840	84.8	140
139	Pensacola–Ferry Pass–BrentFL · $91,680 median · prices 97.7	$93,820	$91,680	97.7	210
140	Tampa–St. Petersburg–ClearwaterFL · $94,510 median · prices 100.9	$93,680	$94,510	100.9	950
141	HuntsvilleAL · $87,080 median · prices 93.1	$93,560	$87,080	93.1	200
142	ValdostaGA · $81,390 median · prices 88.3	$92,200	$81,390	88.3	50
143	ClarksvilleTN-KY · $83,760 median · prices 90.9	$92,100	$83,760	90.9	140
144	ToledoOH · $83,870 median · prices 91.5	$91,710	$83,870	91.5	210
145	Blacksburg–Christiansburg–RadfordVA · $84,840 median · prices 92.7	$91,510	$84,840	92.7	50
146	Kingsport–BristolTN-VA · $78,860 median · prices 86.4	$91,220	$78,860	86.4	110
147	PaducahKY-IL · $78,510 median · prices 86.1	$91,200	$78,510	86.1	70
148	Lake CharlesLA · $78,190 median · prices 85.9	$91,080	$78,190	85.9	140
149	TulsaOK · $80,880 median · prices 89.2	$90,660	$80,880	89.2	740
150	Huntington–AshlandWV-KY-OH · $79,810 median · prices 88.4	$90,260	$79,810	88.4	290
151	DothanAL · $75,640 median · prices 83.8	$90,230	$75,640	83.8	90
152	LongviewTX · $80,490 median · prices 89.5	$89,950	$80,490	89.5	160
153	College Station–BryanTX · $81,390 median · prices 91.0	$89,490	$81,390	91.0	100
154	Beaumont–Port ArthurTX · $80,500 median · prices 90.0	$89,400	$80,500	90.0	320
155	AlexandriaLA · $76,410 median · prices 85.7	$89,170	$76,410	85.7	390
156	YumaAZ · $82,550 median · prices 92.7	$89,040	$82,550	92.7	80
157	El PasoTX · $79,760 median · prices 89.9	$88,710	$79,760	89.9	140
158	LincolnNE · $81,220 median · prices 91.6	$88,690	$81,220	91.6	180
159	FarmingtonNM · $77,650 median · prices 87.7	$88,530	$77,650	87.7	120
160	AbileneTX · $79,600 median · prices 90.4	$88,090	$79,600	90.4	80
161	Oklahoma CityOK · $79,470 median · prices 90.4	$87,900	$79,470	90.4	720
162	Washington–Arlington–AlexandriaDC-VA-MD-WV · $95,480 median · prices 108.9	$87,690	$95,480	108.9	1,530
163	Augusta–Richmond CountyGA-SC · $80,520 median · prices 91.9	$87,610	$80,520	91.9	190
164	Staunton–Stuarts DraftVA · $79,780 median · prices 91.1	$87,550	$79,780	91.1	60
165	OcalaFL · $83,330 median · prices 95.2	$87,500	$83,330	95.2	100
166	WacoTX · $80,610 median · prices 92.5	$87,100	$80,610	92.5	110
167	OgdenUT · $87,390 median · prices 100.3	$87,090	$87,390	100.3	120
168	McAllen–Edinburg–MissionTX · $74,700 median · prices 85.9	$86,970	$74,700	85.9	180
169	ColumbusGA-AL · $77,640 median · prices 89.3	$86,950	$77,640	89.3	60
170	FlorenceSC · $75,340 median · prices 86.8	$86,820	$75,340	86.8	70
171	Nashville–Davidson––Murfreesboro––FranklinTN · $83,230 median · prices 96.3	$86,390	$83,230	96.3	1,260
172	Denver–Aurora–CentennialCO · $91,090 median · prices 105.8	$86,110	$91,090	105.8	1,180
173	AlbanyGA · $75,330 median · prices 87.7	$85,930	$75,330	87.7	90
174	Auburn–OpelikaAL · $75,490 median · prices 87.9	$85,850	$75,490	87.9	50
175	Fayetteville–Springdale–RogersAR · $78,430 median · prices 91.4	$85,850	$78,430	91.4	190
176	LubbockTX · $78,320 median · prices 91.3	$85,770	$78,320	91.3	190
177	ColumbusOH · $81,760 median · prices 95.5	$85,640	$81,760	95.5	1,260
178	ChattanoogaTN-GA · $78,240 median · prices 91.5	$85,540	$78,240	91.5	550
179	TallahasseeFL · $80,180 median · prices 93.9	$85,370	$80,180	93.9	120
180	Greensboro–High PointNC · $79,190 median · prices 92.9	$85,270	$79,190	92.9	190
181	MorgantownWV · $79,290 median · prices 93.3	$84,960	$79,290	93.3	170
182	GainesvilleGA · $82,190 median · prices 96.8	$84,940	$82,190	96.8	80
183	Baton RougeLA · $77,010 median · prices 90.8	$84,830	$77,010	90.8	670
184	Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm BeachFL · $96,240 median · prices 114.2	$84,310	$96,240	114.2	1,370
185	New Orleans–MetairieLA · $77,980 median · prices 92.6	$84,210	$77,980	92.6	370
186	SpartanburgSC · $76,660 median · prices 91.1	$84,190	$76,660	91.1	150
187	Charlotte–Concord–GastoniaNC-SC · $81,740 median · prices 97.3	$83,970	$81,740	97.3	1,130
188	Corpus ChristiTX · $77,770 median · prices 92.7	$83,920	$77,770	92.7	250
189	Houston–Pasadena–The WoodlandsTX · $82,710 median · prices 98.6	$83,860	$82,710	98.6	4,380
190	Austin–Round Rock–San MarcosTX · $82,120 median · prices 98.1	$83,740	$82,120	98.1	1,270
191	Lexington–FayetteKY · $77,700 median · prices 92.9	$83,650	$77,700	92.9	600
192	Killeen–TempleTX · $76,150 median · prices 91.1	$83,560	$76,150	91.1	90
193	Atlanta–Sandy Springs–RoswellGA · $83,570 median · prices 100.1	$83,520	$83,570	100.1	2,660
194	Greenville–Anderson–GreerSC · $77,700 median · prices 93.3	$83,320	$77,700	93.3	500
195	AshevilleNC · $80,220 median · prices 96.5	$83,120	$80,220	96.5	150
196	TucsonAZ · $80,530 median · prices 96.9	$83,110	$80,530	96.9	180
197	AlbuquerqueNM · $79,240 median · prices 95.5	$82,930	$79,240	95.5	360
198	Louisville/Jefferson CountyKY-IN · $77,020 median · prices 93.1	$82,750	$77,020	93.1	650
199	San Antonio–New BraunfelsTX · $78,030 median · prices 94.7	$82,380	$78,030	94.7	1,310
200	Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–DestinFL · $79,850 median · prices 97.0	$82,290	$79,850	97.0	160
201	VictoriaTX · $73,860 median · prices 89.8	$82,210	$73,860	89.8	90
202	Bremerton–Silverdale–Port OrchardWA · $86,740 median · prices 105.6	$82,130	$86,740	105.6	60
203	Lewiston–AuburnME · $77,120 median · prices 94.7	$81,410	$77,120	94.7	50
204	JacksonvilleFL · $80,860 median · prices 99.5	$81,280	$80,860	99.5	470
205	MidlandTX · $77,390 median · prices 95.8	$80,800	$77,390	95.8	290
206	Hickory–Lenoir–MorgantonNC · $71,290 median · prices 88.5	$80,570	$71,290	88.5	190
207	Raleigh–CaryNC · $78,930 median · prices 98.2	$80,410	$78,930	98.2	550
208	DaltonGA · $72,150 median · prices 89.8	$80,310	$72,150	89.8	100
209	RichmondVA · $78,110 median · prices 97.9	$79,820	$78,110	97.9	490
210	Orlando–Kissimmee–SanfordFL · $80,510 median · prices 101.4	$79,380	$80,510	101.4	920
211	ColumbiaSC · $74,190 median · prices 93.7	$79,210	$74,190	93.7	360
212	Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port RoyalSC · $77,540 median · prices 98.0	$79,110	$77,540	98.0	80
213	Sherman–DenisonTX · $73,580 median · prices 93.8	$78,470	$73,580	93.8	280
214	Cape Coral–Fort MyersFL · $79,490 median · prices 102.3	$77,670	$79,490	102.3	200
215	AnchorageAK · $81,530 median · prices 105.4	$77,340	$81,530	105.4	300
216	LafayetteLA · $67,250 median · prices 87.2	$77,110	$67,250	87.2	190
217	Portland–South PortlandME · $78,100 median · prices 101.9	$76,680	$78,100	101.9	280
218	Houma–Bayou Cane–ThibodauxLA · $64,380 median · prices 85.1	$75,650	$64,380	85.1	50
219	Dallas–Fort Worth–ArlingtonTX · $77,910 median · prices 103.1	$75,570	$77,910	103.1	3,930
220	Panama City–Panama City BeachFL · $73,510 median · prices 97.3	$75,550	$73,510	97.3	80
221	Charleston–North CharlestonSC · $75,570 median · prices 101.0	$74,850	$75,570	101.0	300
222	Gulfport–BiloxiMS · $65,960 median · prices 90.0	$73,280	$65,960	90.0	290
223	Durham–Chapel HillNC · $71,400 median · prices 97.6	$73,180	$71,400	97.6	230
224	Phoenix–Mesa–ChandlerAZ · $75,420 median · prices 103.3	$73,000	$75,420	103.3	2,810
225	JacksonMS · $64,760 median · prices 89.0	$72,720	$64,760	89.0	530
226	Warner RobinsGA · $68,060 median · prices 93.8	$72,570	$68,060	93.8	60
227	OdessaTX · $67,260 median · prices 93.9	$71,630	$67,260	93.9	200
228	Rocky MountNC · $62,860 median · prices 88.0	$71,420	$62,860	88.0	70
229	Provo–Orem–LehiUT · $70,070 median · prices 98.2	$71,330	$70,070	98.2	160
230	FayettevilleNC · $65,140 median · prices 92.0	$70,820	$65,140	92.0	270
231	GreenvilleNC · $62,410 median · prices 88.4	$70,600	$62,410	88.4	90
232	Palm Bay–Melbourne–TitusvilleFL · $69,960 median · prices 100.0	$69,960	$69,960	100.0	160
233	Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–NorfolkVA-NC · $68,350 median · prices 97.9	$69,790	$68,350	97.9	420
234	Bowling GreenKY · $60,420 median · prices 90.2	$67,000	$60,420	90.2	80
235	Las CrucesNM · $59,530 median · prices 90.2	$65,990	$59,530	90.2	60
236	WilmingtonNC · $63,630 median · prices 96.4	$65,990	$63,630	96.4	230

Price level: BEA Regional Price Parity, U.S. average = 100. Every metro links to its full lineman pay page. By state: best states for linemen.

How we ranked them

Each metro area's median annual wage for electrical power-line installers and repairers (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 49-9051) divided by its Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for 2024 (all items, U.S. = 100), then ranked. Metros are included when BLS publishes a median and at least 50 linemen work there. Wages exclude self-employed linemen. Methodology

Questions

What is the best city for linemen?: After cost of living, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area: the median of $157,620 a year buys about what $142,740 would at average U.S. prices.
Which city pays linemen the most?: Before adjusting for prices, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has the highest median, $157,620. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 236.
What is the best big city for linemen?: Among the 20 metro areas with the most linemen, the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario, CA area, 28th overall: its median of $128,750 buys what $120,960 would nationally.
Where does lineman pay go the least far?: Of the 236 metro areas ranked, the Wilmington, NC area, where the median of $63,630 buys about what $65,990 would nationally.
Which cities are included?: The 236 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for linemen and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's lineman pay page.
How is cost of living adjusted?: We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.