2 Best Lineman Schools in Minnesota-Tuition & Job Outlook

We have listed some of the lineman schools in Minnesota where new and upcoming lineworkers in the electrical linework fiels can be trained and developed.

In any of the lineman schools in Minnesota, you’ll learn:

  • How to install electrical structures.

  • How to Interpret trade specifications and drawings.

  • How to install overhead and underground distribution systems.

  • How to demonstrate competent climbing abilities and aerial rescue procedures.

  • How to demonstrate professional safety practices which will lead to certification in first aid and CPR.

  • How to install fusind, lightning protection devices, transformers and related electrical equipment.

  • How to apply the National Electric Safety Code.

Work Environment for Linemen in Minnesota

Electrical lineworkers have to be able to perform strenuous physical duties. Lineworkers work outdoors building overhead power lines and laying underground cable.

For Lineworkers, tool use, care and safety awareness are extremely important.

Job Outlook for Linemen in Minnesota

According to CAREERwise Education, Minnesota’s career, education and job resource, employment for electrical power-line installers and repairers is just in moderate demand.

There will be a need for about 2,407 new Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers to meet market demand between 2018-2028.

This also includes the demand due to replacement; workers leaving the occupation or retiring. Another reason will be due to growth.

The List of Lineman Schools in Minnesota

  • Minnesota State Community & Technical College

  • Dakota County Technical Institute

Minnesota State Community & Technical College

Electrical Line Worker Technology Degrees:

  • Associate of AApplied Science(AAS): 68 Credits
  • Diploma: 36 Credits

At M State, their Electrical Lineworker Technology program will prepare you with the training you need for employment in the electric power industry, either with rural electric or municipal utilities or with private contractors.

M State’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program provides both theory courses and hands-on experience in all phases of power line construction and maintenance.

Both the AAS and diploma programs are offered on their Wadena campus.

Their 90-acre training site adjacent to the Wadena campus allows students to practice pole climbing, line construction and bucket-truck operation.

Coursework for the AAS degree includes electrical math, national electrical safety codes, construction of overhead and underground distribution systems, conductor applications, over-voltage and over-current protection, guying and pole grounding.

Articulation agreements with Minnesota State University Moorhead allow graduates of M State’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program to transfer into MSUM’s bachelor’s degree program in Operations Management. See the program details.


Dakota County Technical Institute

At Dakota County Area Technical Institute, graduates are prepared to join the electrical power industry workforce as safe and knowledgeable apprentices.

Along with extensive hands-on experience building power lines, students also practice both overhead and underground techniques.

Campus instruction facilities include a large outdoor training field for pole climbing, line construction, bucket-truck operation and erecting power lines using power-line construction trucks.

ELLW0098 is a one-credit course, and should be taken prior to entry in the Electrical Lineworker major, unless the student has instructor approval for previous climbing experience.

Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to their students.

Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.

Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs.

After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.

How Much Does Lineman Schools in Minnesota Cost?

The cost lineman program at Dakota County Technical Institute:

Electrical Lineworker A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits:

  • Tuition: $189.19/cr.
  • Fees: $21.45/cr.
  • Tools/Equipment (in course fees): $1,250
  • Textbooks: $1,200
  • Class A License: $2,000
  • Grand Total: $18,438.40

Electrical Lineworker Diploma • 45 credits:

  • Tuition: $189.19/cr.
  • Fees: $21.45/cr.
  • Tools/Equipment (in course fees): $1,250
  • Textbooks: $1,200
  • Class A License: $2,000
  • Grand Total: $15,278.80

More Information as Provided by Dakota County Technical Institute

For Electrical Lineworker – AAS and Electrical Lineworker – Diploma:

The occupations listed below may be of interest to someone who has completed the lineman program at Dakota County Technical Institute.

If you’re considering enrolling at a two-year college with the intention to transfer to a four-year university, it is important to know which degree path is right for you, and to talk with an advisor about how to make your path as smooth as possible. Associate degree programs vary in transferability. 

  • Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

    Projected Total Openings (2020-2030): 6,908
    High School or less is typically required.

  • Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers


    Projected Total Openings (2020-2030): 1,726
    High School or less is typically required.

  • Wind Turbine Service Technicians

    Vocational training is typically required.

Wages for Electrical Lineworker – AAS: 1 Year After Award; $21.46 (Median Hourly

Wages for Wages for Electrical Lineworker – Diploma: 1 Year After Award; $23.20 (Median Hourly)

Wages were calculated by following the earnings of graduates from Dakota County Technical College through their social security number and Minnesota unemployment insurance wage records.

Wage data includes all available data for program completers from Academic Year 2017-2018 regardless of which occupation they entered and is based on earnings one year after graduation for graduates of programs with the same classification and at the same award level.

Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Graduate degrees/certificates are reported separately. Data for diplomas and certificates is combined. Learn more about how this wage data is calculated.

Note of Caution: Because wages may be affected by multiple factors, your experiences may differ from those of past graduates. Are there other lineman schools in Minnesota you think should be on the list? Please let us know.

Other Lineman Schools:

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