Electrical Power-Line Installer / Repairer key facts
- National median pay
- $95,320 per yearBLS, May 2025
- Projected growth
- 10%BLS, 2025 to 2035
- Annual openings
- 10,900BLS, 2025 to 2035 average
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent, followed by long-term on-the-job training.
- Typical training route
- Registered apprenticeshipUp to 3 years in program, 3 to 4 years to journey level
- Licensing note
- Registered apprenticeship completionMost common route
- Primary source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Last verified
- Data verified November 2026 · BLS May 2025 wages · BLS 2025 to 2035 projections
Career overview
What does an electrical power-line installer / repairer career actually involve?
Electrical power-line installers and repairers, often called lineworkers, install and maintain the overhead and underground lines that carry electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. BLS counted about 131,900 jobs in 2025.
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, followed by long-term on-the-job training. Most people enter through an employer or union apprenticeship, and some first complete a community college certificate or associate degree.
Typical work
Climb poles and towers or use bucket trucks to reach energized and de-energized lines.
Install, inspect and replace power lines, insulators and related equipment.
Find and repair faults on overhead and underground lines.
Restore service after storms and other outages.
Follow strict high-voltage safety procedures.
Step-by-step path
How to enter this career
Finish high school and build the basics
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education. Apprenticeship qualifications may include algebra, an aptitude test, a substance screening and a physical test, so strong math and fitness help.
Decide between an apprenticeship and a college credential
BLS describes apprenticeships and employer programs lasting up to 3 years, and says reaching journey level often takes 3 or 4 years. Some workers first earn a 1 year certificate or 2 year associate degree at a community college.
Apply to utilities, contractors and union programs
Utilities employ about half of all power-line workers, and utility system construction firms employ another 29%. Search registered programs and ask each sponsor how it recruits.
Find registered apprenticeshipsPlan for a commercial driver's license
BLS notes that workers who drive heavy vehicles usually need a state CDL, and crews working across state lines may need an interstate CDL under FMCSA rules. Ask your sponsor whether it provides CDL training.
Consider optional certification
Certification is available but not mandatory, according to BLS. It can document skills as you move up.
Pay, without the hype
How much does an electrical power-line installer / repairer make?
The BLS national median for this occupation is $95,320 per year (May 2025 wages). Half of workers earn more and half earn less, so it is not a starting wage: the lowest-paid 10% earned under $51,470, and apprentices usually earn less than fully trained workers while they train.
Median pay in selected industries
BLS reports a May 2025 median of $95,320 a year ($45.83 an hour), with the lowest 10% earning less than $51,470 and the highest 10% more than $128,690. Storm response, overtime and travel can raise earnings, and apprentices earn less than journey-level workers while they train.
Training choices
Compare the main routes into the field
Registered apprenticeship
People who want to earn while they trainEmployer and union programs combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and usually end with journey level status.
Community college certificate or degree
People who want a head start before applying to apprenticeshipsColleges offer 1 year certificates and 2 year associate degrees in the field. BLS presents these as an option, and entry to an apprenticeship still depends on the sponsor.
Utility or contractor training
People hired directly by a utility or construction firmSome employers run their own training. Ask what it includes, how long it lasts and what credential you receive.
Licenses & credentials
What you may actually need to work
Registered apprenticeship completion
Most common routeCompleting an apprenticeship is the usual way to reach journey level and is recognised across employers.
Apprenticeship.govCommercial driver's license
Often neededWorkers who drive heavy vehicles usually need a state CDL, and interstate crews may need an interstate CDL under FMCSA rules.
FMCSAOptional certification
Available, not mandatoryBLS says certification is available but not required. Check with employers about the credentials they value.
2025 to 2035 job outlook
What is driving demand?
BLS projects 10% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 13,600 new jobs and about 10,900 openings a year.
BLS points to rising electricity demand, including demand from data centers, and to work upgrading and maintaining the grid. Our guide to electricians and other trades at data centers covers that demand in more detail.
Career fit
Who tends to fit this work — and what to consider first
This path may fit you if…
- You are comfortable working at heights and outdoors in all weather.
- You can follow safety rules exactly when the work is high voltage.
- You are willing to travel and work long hours after storms.
- You want a trade where pay can be high and training is paid.
- You are physically fit and can pass a physical test.
Know the realities
- •The work involves high voltage and heights, and BLS describes it as dangerous.
- •Crews work outdoors in heat, cold, rain and snow.
- •Storm response can mean travel and long hours.
- •Apprenticeship selection can include an aptitude test, a substance screening and a physical test.
One possible progression
Groundworker or apprentice
Learn safety, tools, truck operation and basic line work on the ground and in the bucket.
Apprentice lineworker
Take on more climbing and energized work under journey-level supervision.
Journey lineworker
Reach journey level, usually after 3 or 4 years, and work independently on crews.
Crew lead or troubleshooter
Lead crews, diagnose faults and direct storm restoration.
Supervisor or trainer
With experience, move into supervision, safety or training roles.
Keep researching
Related TrainingForFuture guides
Source transparency
Where this guide gets its facts
TrainingForFuture prioritizes primary government and industry sources for pay, projections, licensing and certification. Data below was checked for this guide in September 2026.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Line Installers and Repairers
May 2025 wages for electrical power-line installers and repairers, 2025 to 2035 outlook, training and work environment.
Open official source U.S. Department of LaborApprenticeship.gov
Registered apprenticeship information and job finder.
Open official source Federal Motor Carrier Safety AdministrationFMCSA
Commercial driver's license context for interstate work.
Open official sourceFrequently asked questions
Quick answers
How much do lineworkers make?
The BLS median annual wage for electrical power-line installers and repairers was $95,320 in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $51,470 and the highest 10% earned more than $128,690.
How long does it take to become a lineworker?
BLS describes apprenticeships and employer programs of up to 3 years and says reaching journey level often takes 3 or 4 years. Some people first complete a 1 year certificate or 2 year associate degree.
Do lineworkers need a college degree?
No. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, followed by long-term on-the-job training. Community college programs are an option.
Do lineworkers need a CDL?
Workers who drive heavy vehicles usually need a state commercial driver's license, and crews that work across state lines may need an interstate CDL under FMCSA rules.
Is lineworker demand growing?
BLS projects 10% growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 10,900 openings a year, as electricity demand rises and the grid is upgraded.