Electrical power-line installers and repairers build and maintain the lines and equipment that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the job involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You install, repair, and maintain the power lines and related equipment that carry electricity across the country and into communities. The work involves operating vehicles and equipment, handling heavy materials, and inspecting lines and structures for damage or wear. You monitor systems to catch problems early, control machinery during repairs, and gather information from blueprints and work orders. Safety is critical since you work at heights and around high-voltage electricity. Most days combine fieldwork with problem-solving and coordination with other crews.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers earn a median of $95,320 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 10,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Most positions require on-the-job training, often through an apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with paid work experience. During training, you will learn electrical theory, safety protocols, equipment operation, and climbing techniques. Some employers hire trainees directly and provide the training themselves. The preparation involves developing skills in active listening, reading technical materials, critical thinking, and learning new systems quickly. Many programs take several years to complete.
Most paths into this career start with an apprenticeship or direct hire into a training program. If you are deciding between different entry routes or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the electrical power-line installer and repairer path that fits you to build a plan with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as an electrical power-line installer and repairer, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on work with tools and equipment. You like solving practical problems, staying alert to safety, and working outdoors in varied conditions.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).