Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer Careers

power-line-installer-500Electrical power line installers and repairers work to install or repair cables, wires or fiber optics used in electrical power or distribution systems. In an average day a power line installer and repairer will work to monitor electrical power system failures by climbing poles or by using trucks with mounted buckets.

Power line installers and repairers work to locate defective parts such as transformers and fuses, inspect auxiliary equipment and place electrical lines between poles. This is a physically demanding job and is best suited for those who enjoy working outdoors and are not afraid of heights.

Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer Career Snapshot

Electrical power line workers can sometimes be put in dangerous situations due to the fact that workers are often exposed to hazardous conditions and equipment. They will be working outdoors and in high places, and often work in settings with uncomfortably loud noise levels. In order to maintain safety on the job, line installers and repairers must wear protective clothing and safety equipment.

Further details on a career as an electrical power-line installer and repairer are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$61,430

is the average annual salary for line installers and repairers.

11%

increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.

13,700

electrical power-line installers/repairers in 2014.

Power-Line Installer/Repairer Education

Typically an electrical power line installer or repairer will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous work experience is not usually required, but long-term on the job training is a must. Those who thrive in this type of work usually have previous experience or interest in repairing machines or systems, testing products or services, installing equipment or machinery and repairing machines or systems.

Power-Line Installer/Repairer Job Duties

Power line installers and repairers have a wide range of job duties which include removing electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines, checking equipment regularly for safety, testing conductors to prevent incorrect connections, climbing poles to access equipment and driving vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites. These workers set poles using cranes and power equipment and use wire diagrams and electrical testing instruments to identify defective parts.

Power-Line Installer/Repairer Salaries

From 2014 to 2024 employment outlook for electrical power line installers and repairers is expected to grow by 6 percent, which is about on par for the average growth rate of all occupations. Those with a background or technical degree in an electrical field will find it easiest to land a job.

Power-Line Installer/Repairer Job Outlook

From 2014 to 2024 employment outlook for electrical power line installers and repairers is expected to grow by 11 percent, which is about on par for the average growth rate of all occupations. Those with a background or technical degree in an electrical field will find it easiest to land a job.

Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer Skills & Traits

Power-Line Worker Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Power-Line Workers:Typical Work Activities:
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking
• Operation Monitoring
• Troubleshooting
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Multilimb Coordination
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Oral Comprehension
• Conduit benders
• Pneumatic hammer
• Power drills
• Protective gloves
• Voltage or current meters
• Operating Vehicles
• Communicating with Others
• Getting Information
• Inspecting Equipment
• Controlling Machines and Processes

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