Energy

Electrical Power-Line Installer

Install and repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including high-voltage transmission lines on towers and utility poles.

Salary Range

$60,000 – $130,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$75,030

per year

Growth Outlook

High Growth(+7%)

2024–2034 projected

Browse Electrical Power-Line Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

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.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
String wire conductors and cables between poles, towers, trenches, pylons, and buildings, setting lines in place and using winches to adjust tension.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.

Tools of the Trade

Power drillsConduit bendersVoltage or current metersPneumatic hammerProtective glovesSafety harnesses or beltsWire or cable cutterPower sawsHoistsJacksPullersUtility knivesGrounding devices or assembliesTelescoping boom liftPunches or nail sets or driftsLifting hooksCable reelsSawsStripping toolsHex keysPower screwgunsLug crimping tool diesMultimetersElectrical power sensorsMill saw fileFish tapeLifelines or lifeline equipmentDynamometersCircuit breakersSlingsElectrical insulatorsSpadesHeat tracing equipmentPick or place robotsHydraulic press framesPry barsPhasemetersFlatbed trailersFacial shieldsPlatform liftRecreational motorboatsPower trimmersCircuit testerHand drill bit for woodGrounding hardwareForkliftsSoldering ironSocket setsArticulating boom liftSnowmobiles or snow scooterSlip or groove joint pliersBlocks or pulleysGas detectorsExtension poleWheel bulldozersPotentiometersElectrical resistance or conductance sensorsTongsTraffic signalsLiftsGas generatorsHydraulic shearsGogglesSpecialty wrenchesCircuit tracersMask or respirators filters or accessoriesBoring machinesPneumatic drillSafety shoesCable clamp and staplePressure or steam cleanersAll terrain vehicles tracked or wheeledSledge hammerConventional truck cranesDrill bit setLinemans pliersSpot welding machineReflectometersMeasuring wheels for distanceTampersLight trucks or sport utility vehiclesFiber optic test sourcesStrap wrenchesHand reamerTrenching machinesGin pole and accessoriesFire retardant apparelWinchesGrab hooksWire lug crimping toolHazardous material protective apparelDetection apparatus for non metallic objectsPad or keyhole sawHacksawWater pumpsTwo way radiosLaddersDump trucksAir compressorsFire extinguishersAmmetersScrewdriversHard hatsWire cuttersOhmmetersBench visesFuse pullersAwlsScaffoldingHammersNut driversLevelsBolt cuttersShovelsFlaresSafety bootsFire blanketsPlumb bobsLaser printersPicksEar plugsTorque wrenchesPower chippersWood chiselsNeedlenose pliersPersonal computersPipe wrenchesWheel chocksMegohmmetersOscilloscopesBackhoesAugersSkid steer loaders

Knowledge Areas

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 65/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 60/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 58/100

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 58/100

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. 58/100

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 57/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 53/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 49/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 48/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 46/100