Electrical Line Installer & Repairer Career Information

The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Line Installers and Repairers. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.

WHAT LINE INSTALLERS & REPAIRERS DO


Line installers and repairers, also known as line workers, install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics.

Job Duties for Electrical Power-Line Installers & Repairers

  • Install, maintain, or repair the power lines that move electricity
  • Identify defective devices, voltage regulators, transformers, and switches
  • Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment
  • String power lines between poles, towers, and buildings
  • Climb poles and transmission towers and use truck-mounted buckets to get to equipment
  • Operate power equipment when installing and repairing poles, towers, and lines
  • Drive work vehicles to job sites
  • Follow safety standards and procedures

Job Duties for Telecommunications Line Installers & Repairers

  • Install, maintain, or repair telecommunications equipment
  • Inspect or test lines or cables
  • Lay underground cable, including fiber optic lines, directly in trenches
  • Pull cables in underground conduit
  • Install aerial cables, including over lakes or across rivers
  • Operate power equipment when installing and repairing poles, towers, and lines
  • Drive work vehicles to job sites
  • Set up service for customers

PAY


National Average Annual Pay (2019): $71,960

Top 5 States

1. California

$97,300

2. Oregon

$95,430

3. Alaska

$91,830

4. New Jersey

$91,370

5. Massachusetts

$89,960

Bottom 5 States

50. Georgia

$55,880

49. Florida

$57,010

48. Texas

$58,570

47. Maine

$58,850

46. Louisiana

$60,020

STEPS TO BECOME A LINE INSTALLER OR REPAIRER


The first step to become an electrical power-line installer is to go through a post-secondary electrical training program. Many community colleges offer programs in telecommunications, electronics, or electricity. Some programs work with local companies to offer 1-year certificates that emphasize hands-on fieldwork.

More advanced 2-year associate’s degree programs provide students with a broad knowledge of the technology used in telecommunications and electrical utilities. These programs offer courses in electricity, electronics, fiber optics, and microwave transmission.

Another way is to find an apprenticeship program to receive the necessary training. Even graduates of electrical training programs still complete apprenticeships or other employee training programs.

Line installers and repairers who work for telecommunications companies typically receive several years of on-the-job training. They also may be encouraged to attend training from equipment manufacturers, schools, unions, or industry training organizations.

Although not mandatory, certification for line installers and repairers is also available from several associations. For example, BICSI offers certification for line installers and repairers, and the Electrical Training ALLIANCE offers certification for line installers and repairers in several specialty areas.

In addition, The Fiber Optic Association (FOA) offers two levels of fiber optic certification for telecommunications line installers and repairers.

  • 1. Enter an Electrical Trade Program

    Many community colleges offer programs in telecommunications, electronics, or electricity.

  • 3. Get Certification (Optional)

  • 3. Get a Job as a Power-Line Installer

  • 3. Advance Career to Journey-Level Worker

    After 3 to 4 years of working, qualified line workers reach the journey level. A journey-level line worker is no longer considered an apprentice and can perform most tasks without supervision.

QUALITIES OF LINE INSTALLERS & REPAIRERS


Color Vision

Workers who handle electrical wires and cables must distinguish colors because the wires and cables are often color coded.

Technical Skills

Line installers use sophisticated diagnostic equipment on circuit breakers, switches, and transformers. They must be familiar with electrical systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.

Physical Stamina

Line installers and repairers often must climb poles and work at great heights with heavy tools and equipment. Therefore, installers and repairers need to work for long periods without tiring easily.

Physical Strength

Line installers and repairers must be strong enough to lift heavy tools, cables, and equipment on a regular basis.

Mechanical Skills

Line installers and repairers must have the knowledge and skills to repair or replace complex electrical and telecommunications lines and equipment.

Teamwork

Because workers often rely on their fellow crew members for their safety, teamwork is critical.

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