What Are the Math Requirements to Become a Power Lineman?

Electrical line workers are some of the most necessary workers in the modern electricity-powered world.

Their work helps power the modern world, meaning they help make nearly every other job possible.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the need for workers in this industry will only continue to grow.

Even with the importance of this job in a world that needs reliable electricity more than ever, there are fewer requirements to begin working in this field compared to many other careers.

Lineman math requirements are often much lower than many careers. The math requirements will usually stop with high school-level math.

Learn more about the math requirements associated with becoming a line worker.

What Are the Math Requirements to Become a Power Lineman?

For most people looking into becoming a lineman, the only math requirement will be high school algebra, but some employers also include trigonometry.

Becoming a line worker doesn't require a college degree, even though some community colleges offer programs that cover topics like electricity that are useful for people looking to enter this trade.

Line workers, as an alternative to college, must attend vocational schools.

Unlike college, vocational schools (also called trade schools or technical schools, depending on where you live) don't have curriculums that are intended to provide a well-rounded education.

Instead, they provide classes that are highly specialized for careers like:

• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Welding

Because trade workers, like line workers, only need basic math for the work they need to do, the math requirements don't require any college-level math.

How Power Line Workers Use Different Types of Math

The lineman math requirements are selected based on the fieldwork that line workers do daily.

Here are a few ways that a power line worker is expected to use math on the job:

• Algebra: Line workers will use algebra the most in their daily work. This type of math will help line workers calculate basic measurements when it comes to tool and equipment selections.
• Geometry: Properly setting up power lines requires at least a working understanding of calculating angles. Knowing how to position the wires is essential to making sure they are properly angled to buildings, other power poles, and more during installation.
• Trigonometry: Much like geometry, this type of math focuses on angles and similar calculations. This is essential for many of the same reasons as geometry, but trigonometry isn't included in lineman math requirements as frequently because it is a more advanced class that will include work that isn't as beneficial for future line workers.

Why Are Lineman Math Requirements So Minimal?

The work performed by line workers is extremely important, but the actual math performed daily isn't as advanced as many would think.

A lot of the math needed to perform daily work is simple algebra calculating things like distance, weight, and other similar measurements that are involved with installing power lines.

The more advanced math that would be used daily is still less complicated than the geometry that might be used in other careers like architecture.

The other big thing to consider when looking at the lineman math requirements is the availability of calculators, tools, and even phone apps.

You won't need to calculate advanced measurements. Instead, you'll need to be able to read a variety of measurement tools, which will be covered in trade school coursework.

One last factor that changes the requirements for math is that many of the calculations will be performed by people other than linemen.

Although there will be math done in the field, many of the primary calculations will be done before the actual job is performed.

Can I Become a Lineman Without Taking Any Math Classes?

You can become a lineman without taking college-level math classes, depending on the trade school or employer requirements.

However, because trade schools require a high school diploma or GED you will have to take whatever math classes your high school or GED program requires.

It's always important to look into the requirements for your trade school or the requirements of a potential employer to know for sure what your education path will look like.

Finding The Right Line Worker Program for Your Goals

To truly know the lineman math requirements, you'll need to find the right program for your education and career goals.

That's where Learn comes in.

To help people pursuing higher education of all kinds find the right programs for them, Learn.org has put together a database with thousands of articles and resources to make finding education programs easier than ever.

If you're interested in becoming a power line worker, but don't know how to do it, start with our articles and resources to find programs online and in person to help you achieve your goals.