Electrical Power-line Installers and Repairers
Electric power-line installers and repairers install and maintain the high-voltage power lines that provide electricity to homes, businesses, and factories across the country. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that the power grid remains operational and safe for use. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this occupation, including some examples of what power-line installers and repairers do, the type of education or training needed to get into the field, and how to progress between levels.
Examples of Work
As an electrical power-line installer or repairer, you would be responsible for a variety of tasks related to the installation and maintenance of power lines. Some examples of this work include:
- Installing new power lines to connect homes, businesses, and factories to the power grid.
- Inspecting power lines to ensure they are in good condition and do not pose a safety hazard to the public.
- Repairing power lines that have been damaged by storms, accidents, or other events.
- Replacing faulty electrical equipment, such as transformers, switches, and other components of the power grid.
- Working with specialized equipment, such as bucket trucks and line lifts, to perform tasks at great heights.
Education and Training
To become an electrical power-line installer or repairer, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers also require additional training and certification in order to work in this field. Some vocational schools and community colleges offer programs in electrical technology or power-line installation that can help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a power-line installer or repairer.
In addition to educational qualifications, electrical power-line installers and repairers also need to be physically fit and able to work at heights. These professionals must be able to lift heavy objects and work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
Progression Between Levels
Electrical power-line installers and repairers typically start out as apprentices or trainees, working under the supervision of an experienced professional. As they gain experience and knowledge, they may be promoted to more advanced positions within their company. Some of the different levels and positions that electrical power-line installers and repairers may progress through include:
- Apprentice or trainee
- Line worker or troubleshooter
- Lead line worker
- Supervisor or manager
- Project manager
Getting Started in the Field
If you’re interested in becoming an electrical power-line installer or repairer, there are several steps you can take to get started:
- Research different schools and training programs that offer certification in electrical technology or power-line installation.
- Apply for apprentice or trainee positions with power-line installation companies in your area.
- Ask other professionals in this field about their experiences and advice for getting started.
- Attend job fairs or other industry events to learn more about this field and make connections with potential employers.
| Occupation | Job Level | Salary (National Average) | Union vs Nonunion | Full-time vs Time-based pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical power-line installers and repairers | Level 05 | $64,459.20 – $62,316.80 | Nonunion: $67,849.60 – $59,030.40 | Full-time: $64,708.80 – $62,712.00 |
| Level 06 | $88,108.80 – $76,980.80 | Full-time: $88,129.60 – $76,980.80 | ||
| Level 07 | $89,377.60 – $84,947.20 | Union: $93,163.20 – $86,590.40 | Full-time: $89,377.60 – $84,947.20 | |
| Level 08 | $108,097.60 – $94,411.20 | Full-time: $108,097.60 – $94,411.20 | ||
| Not able to be leveled | $90,001.60 – $78,936.00 | Full-time: $90,480.00 – $79,144.00 | ||
| Entry | $56,763.20 – | |||
| Experienced | $90,272.00 – | |||
| All levels | Union: $93,163.20 – $86,590.40 Nonunion: $67,849.60 – $59,030.40 |
Time-based pay: $82,617.60 – $73,923.20 | ||
| Full-time: $83,033.60 – $74,484.80 | ||||
| California | All levels | $115,960.00 – $106,392.00 | Union: $115,960.00 – $106,392.00 | |
| New Mexico | All levels | $54,100.80 – $57,387.20 | Nonunion: $54,100.80 – $57,387.20 |
Electrical power-line installers and repairers are responsible for installing and repairing electrical power systems and equipment. According to the data table above, their average salary in the US ranges from $56,763.20 to $108,097.60, depending on their job level and type of pay. Entry-level workers make around $56,763.20, while experienced workers earn an average of $90,272.00. Unionized workers in this field earn more on average, ranging from $86,590.40 to $93,163.20, while nonunionized workers earn from $59,030.40 to $67,849.60. Full-time workers generally make more than those on time-based pay, with an average salary ranging from $74,484.80 to $108,097.60.
In California, electrical power-line installers and repairers who are unionized earn the most on average, with a salary range of $106,392.00 to $115,960.00. On the other hand, in New Mexico, nonunionized workers in this field earn the least, with an average salary range of $54,100.80 to $57,387.20.
Unionization can have a significant impact on this job, as unionized workers tend to earn more and have better benefits. They also may have more job security, as unions can negotiate employment contracts and protect workers from layoffs. However, joining a union also requires paying dues and following union rules and regulations.
