Lineman Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)

What powerline technician / linemans earn on data center construction projects in the Chicago metro area — including base pay, overtime, and per diem.

Entry

$81,000

Median

$119,000

Senior

$156,000

Demand

Extreme

Salary Range

$81,000$156,000

Median: $119,000

Pay Breakdown

Hourly Rate

$39–$75/hr

Based on 2,080 annual hours (40hr/wk)

Overtime (10hr/wk)

+$56,250/yr

At 1.5x rate, 50 weeks — typical on DC builds

Per Diem (Tax-Free)

+$22,500/yr

$90/day × 250 working days — not taxed

Total Comp Potential

$234,750

Senior rate + OT + per diem

Top Employers in Chicago

MortensonTurner ConstructionPepper ConstructionGooglePike ElectricQuanta Services

These companies and their contractors are actively building or operating data centers in the Chicago metro area.

Other Roles in Chicago

Electrician$90,000–$147,000 Fiber Splicer$90,000–$147,000 HVAC Tech$81,000–$137,000 Cable Tech$58,000–$98,000 Commissioning Tech$127,000–$223,000 Electrical Foreman$148,000–$255,000 Controls Tech$67,000–$115,000 Plumber$56,000–$102,000 DC Technician$47,000–$84,000 DC Engineer$105,000–$182,000 Project Manager$129,000–$213,000 Ironworker$72,000–$122,000 Concrete Finisher$47,000–$75,000 Crane Operator$81,000–$147,000 Rigging Specialist$66,000–$110,000 Generator Tech$76,000–$131,000 UPS Tech$72,000–$125,000 Cabling Supervisor$88,000–$153,000 BMS Tech$56,000–$98,000 Safety Manager$113,000–$193,000 QC Inspector$76,000–$126,000 Thermal Systems Tech$81,000–$141,000 Battery Storage Tech$66,000–$112,000 Grounding Tech$56,000–$92,000 Envelope Tech$47,000–$75,000 Welder$47,000–$90,000 Millwright$66,000–$114,000 Industrial Electrician$72,000–$125,000 Solar Installer$32,000–$62,000 Wind Tech$47,000–$81,000 Elevator Mechanic$88,000–$170,000 Sheet Metal Worker$47,000–$84,000 Boilermaker$66,000–$117,000 Steamfitter$72,000–$127,000 Insulation Contractor$36,000–$61,000 Sprinkler Fitter$52,000–$92,000 Floor Layer$36,000–$61,000 Telecom Tech$42,000–$71,000 Electrician Apprentice$23,000–$39,000 Liquid Cooling Tech$103,000–$186,000

📖 Lineman Career Guides

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Data Center Construction Boom: State-by-State Guide (2026)

The AI infrastructure buildout is not happening equally everywhere. Some states are adding gigawatts of capacity while others watch from the sidelines. Here is where the construction jobs are, what they pay, and how to position yourself in each market.

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Linemans in Chicago earn $81,000–$156,000. See how to get there based on your experience.

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Salary estimates are based on industry data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), IBEW scale agreements, and employer job postings. Figures are approximate and may vary by employer, experience, and certifications.