Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

What the job really is

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-9051
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Dig holes, using augers, and set poles, using cranes and power equipment.
• Travel in trucks, helicopters, and airplanes to inspect lines for freedom from obstruction and adequacy of insulation.

Tools and technology

Bentley MicroStation, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Zoom, Air compressors, Air hammers, All terrain vehicles ATV, Allen wrenches, Ammeters, Arc suppression blankets

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
• Helpers--Electricians
• Electricians
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
• Signal and Track Switch Repairers
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.