Career Overview
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
Also Known As
- Electrical Lineman
- Lineworker
- Power Lineman
- Service Man
Alternate Job Titles
- 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
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Building and Construction
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Problem Sensitivity
- Control Precision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Finger Dexterity
- Information Ordering
- Manual Dexterity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Bentley MicroStation
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom
Tools & Equipment
- Air compressors
- Air hammers
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Allen wrenches
- Ammeters
- Arc suppression blankets
- Arrow boards
- Asbestos gloves
- Auger bits
- Augers
- Awls
- Backhoes
- Bashlin belts
- Bench vises
- Block and tackle equipment
Work Environment
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $50,020 |
| Median | $92,560 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $126,610 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 123,680
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $70,500
Helpers--Electricians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $39,890
Electricians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $62,350
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $100,940
Hoist and Winch Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,310
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.