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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
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Median pay

$92,560
Median annual pay for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

6.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

10,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

127,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+8,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Education and Training
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Transportation
  6. 6Mechanical

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Multilimb Coordination
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Control Precision
  6. 6Deductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Controlling Machines and Processes
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Health and Safety of Other Workers
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
  • Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
  • Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
  • Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
  • Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.
  • Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments.
  • Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
  • Replace or straighten damaged poles.

Software and tools

Bentley MicroStation · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyZoom · hot technologyComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareEmail softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGlobal positioning system GPS software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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