How to Start a Lineman Business

by Team Tradify, February 25, 2025

Running a lineman company isn’t just about technical know-how—it’s about planning, securing contracts, managing a team, and keeping everything running at a profit! However, if you’re an experienced lineman looking to take the next step in your career, starting your own business can be a hugely exciting and rewarding experience.

For the best tool to run your business, try Tradify free for 14 days

Low on time? Skip ahead!

Define your business goals
Set up the business
Manage your finances & pricing
Get the right equipment & team
Market your business
Keep operations running

1: Define your business goals

Before you dive in, it’s important to be clear about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to:

Secure large utility contracts?
Provide emergency repair services after storms?
Expand into telecommunications and fibre optic work?
Grow a team or stay as a solo operator?
Have more free time?
Conquer the world?

Understanding your long-term vision will help you make the right decisions early on. Need help structuring your ideas? Use Tradify’s Business Plan Template to create a roadmap for your business.

2: Set up the business

A lineman business needs to be properly registered, insured, and compliant with industry regulations before you can start taking on work.

When deciding on your business structure, think about your goals for the future. Are you looking to grow, or fly solo forever? Read the points below for information on registering a business in your region.

🇺🇸 USA - you can apply for a sole proprietorship or form an LLC.
🇬🇧 UK - most people register as sole traders or limited companies.
🇦🇺 AU - you’ll need to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN).
🇳🇿 NZ - you’ll register as either a sole trader (Ministry of Business) or a company (NZ Companies Register).

Get the right licences & insurance

Lineman work is high-risk, so insurance is non-negotiable. At a minimum, you’ll need:

Public liability insurance – Covers property damage or injury claims.
Employer’s liability insurance – Legally required if you hire staff.
Professional indemnity insurance – Protects against faulty workmanship claims.
Equipment & vehicle insurance – Covers damage or theft of your assets.

Check out Tradify's Guide to Business Insurance for Tradespeople for more advice.

Your business must also comply with safety regulations, particularly when working at heights or with high-voltage systems. Not sure what’s required? Check out Tradify’s Health & Safety Survey Questions to make sure you’re meeting industry standards.

3: Manage your finances & pricing

A lineman business has high start-up costs, so getting your finances in order is critical.

Plan your expenses

You’ll need to budget for:

Vehicles and trailers.
Climbing and safety gear.
Bucket trucks or elevated work platforms.
Cable installation and tensioning tools.
Insurance and business registration fees.
Marketing and operational costs.

Set your pricing

Charging too little means struggling to stay afloat, while overpricing may drive clients elsewhere. Consider:

Labour rates – Factor in your time and staff wages.
Material costs – Ensure proper markups on any supplied materials.
Travel and fuel costs – Essential if working in remote areas.
Administrative overheads – Include office expenses, software, and permits.

Use Tradify’s Charge-Out Rate Calculator to ensure you’re setting sustainable prices. If you provide materials, the Materials Markup Calculator will help you apply fair profit margins.

Set up payment terms

Cash flow is crucial, so set clear payment terms:

Upfront deposits – Helps cover initial costs.
Progress payments – Useful for long-term projects.
Late payment penalties – Encourages prompt payments.

Check out Tradify's Profit Margin Calculator to ensure you're setting the right prices to reach your financial goals.

4: Get the right equipment & team

Invest in your equipment

Your tools and vehicles are the backbone of your business, so don't skimp out! Investing in reliable tools from the start sets you up for the long run and protects your safety. Look out for quality:

Climbing gear, harnesses, and fall protection.
Insulated tools and live-line equipment.
Bucket trucks and pole trailers.
Testing and diagnostic tools.
Vehicles
Job management software

Build a skilled team

If you plan to grow beyond a solo operation, hiring the right people is key. You may need:

Qualified linemen with relevant certifications.
Apprentices.
Project managers to oversee jobs and client relations.

Hiring the right team takes time. Use Tradify’s Job Description Template and Interview Questions to help pick the perfect match.

To track employee performance and ongoing training, try Tradify’s Performance Review Template.

5: Market your business

Finding work

Most lineman companies secure work through:

Utility providers – Maintenance and installation contracts.
Government tenders – Public infrastructure and emergency response projects.
Private sector – Industrial and commercial electrical work.
Subcontracting – Partnering with larger electrical firms.

A strong proposal increases your chances of winning contracts. Use Tradify’s Bid Proposal Template to present a professional offer.

Build your brand

Building a strong business identity is key to long-term growth. It helps future and returning clients recognise your business and sets the tone for the tone and standard of work you'll complete. For a structured approach, use Tradify’s Marketing Plan Template to map out your strategy, which should include:

Professional branding – Have some fun with it! Pick a name that reflects what you do and who you are, plus a logo, and business cards. Try Tradify’s Business Card Template.
Social media – Share updates and completed projects on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
Google Business Profile – This helps potential clients find you in local searches.
Website – List your services, past projects, and contact details. For the easiest way to set up a trade business website, try Tradify's Instant Website!

6: Keep operations running

Use Job Management Software

Managing jobs, schedules, and invoices manually can be time-consuming. A job management system like Tradify helps by:

Automating scheduling & dispatch – Assign jobs and track staff with job scheduling.
Tracking job progress in real-time – Stay on top of jobs with job tracking.
Simplifying quoting & invoicing – Generate professional quotes using quoting software and invoices via invoicing software.
Keeping everything organised – Store customer details, job history, and paperwork with customer and enquiry management.

Get started!

Using the right tools will save you time and make running your business easier. Try Tradify for free to see how it can streamline your operations.