Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical power-line installers and repairers install, maintain, and repair cables and wires in electrical power and distribution systems. They may also erect poles and transmission towers. Most work for utility companies, construction firms, or as independent contractors, often outdoors in all weather conditions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against electrical power-line installers and repairers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work involves climbing poles and towers to access lines, splicing and connecting wires, testing equipment for proper function, and replacing damaged cables. Installers might spend time preparing sites, digging holes for poles, or stringing new lines across distances. Much work occurs outdoors in varied weather. Tasks follow safety protocols and electrical codes. Time is split between fieldwork and occasional office visits for planning or documentation.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You prefer hands-on work with tangible results and like solving practical problems in straightforward ways. You're detail-oriented, follow procedures carefully, and work well within established guidelines and safety standards. You're comfortable working at heights and in outdoor environments.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Bowling Equipment Repairer · Air Force Materiel Command · Robins AFB, Georgia · $22.56–$26.31
- SMALL ARMS REPAIRER · Army National Guard Units · Havre de Grace, Maryland · $24.5–$38.41
- SURFACE MAINTENANCE REPAIRER (TITLE 32) · Army National Guard Units · Harrisonville, Missouri · $33.04–$38.55
- Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer · Defense Logistics Agency · New Cumberland Defense Logistics Center, Pennsylvania · $28.06–$32.72
- Electrical Equipment Repairer-Wheelchair Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Aurora, Colorado · $30.48–$35.53
- Surface Maintenance Repairer (Title 32) (Permanent) · Army National Guard Units · Troutville, Virginia · $24.44–$31.73
- Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Milan, Michigan · $45.13–$52.7
- SMALL ARMS REPAIRER (T32) · Army National Guard Units · Montgomery, Alabama · $25.49–$29.74
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $99,170 | $134,340 | $135,510 | 600 |
| Washington | $107,620 | $133,060 | $136,850 | 2,340 |
| Oregon | $106,530 | $131,090 | $139,920 | 1,640 |
| California | $98,680 | $129,040 | $156,380 | 8,930 |
| Connecticut | $90,740 | $126,850 | $131,180 | 940 |
| Idaho | $99,040 | $125,410 | $128,090 | 860 |
| New Jersey | $99,860 | $121,580 | $123,740 | 1,310 |
| New York | $82,560 | $121,280 | $134,320 | 5,840 |
| Montana | $87,090 | $110,320 | $118,820 | 680 |
| Massachusetts | $94,370 | $110,210 | $126,040 | 2,350 |
| Vermont | $96,920 | $108,520 | $121,020 | 270 |
| Illinois | $101,620 | $108,120 | $126,440 | 3,090 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Power Line Worker Distribution Assessment — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Power Line Worker Substation Assessment — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Power Generation Maintenance Mechanic Assessment — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Data Cabling Installer (DCI) — ETA International
- Residential and Commercial Electrical Inspector — International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against electrical power-line installers and repairers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-9051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.