Richmond runs on Dominion Energy Virginia territory: dense urban distribution downtown, transmission and substation work feeding state government load, and coastal storm restoration that pulls crews east. Average lineman pay here is about $88,640 a year, above the national median for the trade. Virginia is a right-to-work state, so union membership is your choice, not a hiring condition.
Common Questions
Richmond Lineman FAQ
How much do linemen make in Richmond?
Average lineman pay in Richmond is about $88,640 annually, which sits above the national median. Storm callouts on the coastal side of Dominion's territory add hours on top of that, and storm pay is where Richmond linemen close the gap on higher-cost states.
Do I need to join the IBEW to work in Richmond?
No. Virginia is right-to-work, so you can be hired without joining, though Dominion's apprenticeship pathways run through IBEW-affiliated programs in the region. Use the IBEW local finder to confirm which local covers outside line work in your area before you sign a book.
What's the entry path into Richmond line work?
Most crews here start you as a groundman with a Class A CDL, then move you into an apprenticeship once you've proven out on the truck. Contractors like Pike and MasTec hire groundmen more often than Dominion does, so contractor work is usually the faster door in for a first lineman job.
