Electrical power-line installers and repairers
SOC Code: 49-9051Also known as:
Aerial Lineman, Cable Inspector, Cable Installer, Cable Installer Repairer, Cable Layer
Median Annual Salary
$92,560
+6.6% growth (2024-2034)
11K
Openings/Year
127K
Current Jobs
What Electrical power-line installers and repairers Do
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
💰 Salary
$92,560
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.6%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
11K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
127,400
Projected Employment (2034)
135,800
Related Careers
Electricians
$62,350 •
+9.5% growth
Helpers--electricians
$39,890 •
+0.2% growth
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
$100,940 •
+5.5% growth
Telecommunications line installers and repairers
$70,500 •
-3.1% growth
Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
-1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Troubleshooting
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- String wire conductors and cables between poles, towers, trenches, pylons, and buildings, setting lines in place and using winches to adjust tension.
- Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Electrical power-line installers and repairers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a electrical power-line installers and repairers:
Lineworker
2,731 degrees awarded •
74 colleges offer this program
Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General
2,334 degrees awarded •
65 colleges offer this program
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers, Other
163 degrees awarded •
7 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become electrical power-line installers and repairers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical power-line installers and repairers make?
The median annual salary for electrical power-line installers and repairers is $92,560.
What education do electrical power-line installers and repairers need?
Most electrical power-line installers and repairers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Lineworker, Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General, Electrical and Power Transmission Installers, Other.
Is becoming electrical power-line installers and repairers a good career choice?
Electrical power-line installers and repairers is projected to see +6.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 10,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for electrical power-line installers and repairers?
Top colleges for aspiring electrical power-line installers and repairers include
Alpena Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville, State Technical College of Missouri, Carver Career Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to electrical power-line installers and repairers?
Electrical power-line installers and repairers may also be known as: Aerial Lineman, Cable Inspector, Cable Installer, Cable Installer Repairer, Cable Layer, Cable Repairer, Cable Splicer, Cable Systems Installer, Cable Systems Maintainer, Cable Tester, Cableman, Class Gloving Electrical Lineman, Class Rubber Gloving Lineman, Climber, Electric Installer, Electric Power Line Repairer, Electric Powerline Examiner, Electric Serviceman, Electric Utility Lineworker, Electrical High Tension Tester.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.