Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Also called: Electrical Power-Line Installers
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
Also called: Aerial Lineman, Cable Inspector, Cable Installer, Cable Installer Repairer, Cable Layer, Cable Repairer
Median pay
$95,320
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$51,470 – $128,690
People employed
131,070
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Long hours on your feet
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers salary in every state →
What electrical power-line installers and repairers do
- 01Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
- 02Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
- 03Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
- 04Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
- 05Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.
- 06Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 4 years, up to and including 10 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from electrical power-line installers and repairers
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment75% · −11%
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay74% · +8%
- Ship Engineers72% · +15%
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers72% · +15%
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians71% · group pay
Change into electrical power-line installers and repairers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Electricians85% · $42,670
- Pipelayers83% · $49,000
- Electricians82% · $63,190
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers80% · $53,140
- Fence Erectors78% · $47,980
Majors that lead here
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General
- Lineworker
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installers, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.