Line Installers and Repairers

At a Glance

Build networks of power, telephone, and cable lines
Sometimes deal with customers
Usually work outdoors
Train on the job
Always work as a team

Career summary

Line installers and repairers construct and maintain networks of wires and cables.

Depending on their job duties, line installers and repairers may also be called linemen/linewomen, electric power line installers and repairers, cable television installers, or telecommunications installers and repairers.

Line installers install new wires and cables. Line repairers fix downed wires and cables to restore power. Repair and installation work may require splicing, or joining, separate pieces of cable.

Line installers and repairers must remain aware of potential danger around their work site. They work around trees, electrical lines, and other hazardous conditions. They closely follow safety procedures to reduce the chance of injuries.

Line installers

Line installers construct poles, towers, and underground trenches to carry the wires and cables. They follow safety procedures by setting up barriers around their work area. They use a variety of construction equipment to erect utility poles. They also use trenchers and cable plows to cut openings in the ground for underground cables.

When these structures are completed, line installers string cable along them. For electrical power lines, installers bolt or clamp insulators onto the poles before attaching the cable. They use tools such as insulating sticks, compression tools, and safety hooks. Installers lay underground cable directly in the trench, or string it through pipes to protect it.

Line installers also set up service for customers. To do this, they string a piece of cable between the customer's building and the lines running on poles, towers, or in trenches. They string wire in houses, and check that the signals are strong. Line installers may also install a variety of network equipment to maintain the strength of transmissions. In addition, they install transformers, circuit breakers, and switches to control and direct the electrical current.

Line repairers

Line repairers maintain wires and cables. They travel in trucks, helicopters, or planes to inspect them. When line repairers identify a problem, they repair or replace defective equipment. Bad weather and other events can cause extensive damage to networks. Line repairers must respond quickly to these emergencies to restore service. They often use grounding devices so that they can make necessary changes.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to line installers and repairers.

Use construction equipment to dig holes, set poles in place, and cut trenches in the ground.
Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to reach the top.
Open switches or attach grounding device to remove electrical hazards.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Set cable in place. Pull cable to obtain the correct amount of tension.
Attach cable to the structure, using hand tools.
Bolt or clamp insulators onto poles before attaching power cables.
Use insulating sticks, compression tools, and safety hooks to attach cable to structures.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string cable through pipes.
String cable between customers' buildings and the lines running on poles, towers, or in trenches.
Place wiring in buildings. Check transmission signals for strength.
May install equipment to maintain transmission strength or to control and direct electrical current.
Travel in trucks, helicopters, or airplanes to visually inspect wires and cables.
Monitor equipment that automatically detects problems.
Travel to repair or replace defective cables or equipment.
Respond quickly to emergency power or communication outages.
May splice together separate pieces of cable. Join each individual wire in the cable using small hand tools.
Follow safety practices and procedures by checking equipment and putting up barriers around work areas.

Common work activities

Line installers and repairers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Make decisions and solve problems
Handle and move objects
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Get information needed to do the job
Identify objects, actions, and events
Perform activities that use the whole body
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Teach others
Control machines and processes
Evaluate information against standards
Update and use job-related knowledge
Communicate with people outside the organization
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Perform for or work with the public
Document and record information
Think creatively
Explain the meaning of information to others
Establish and maintain relationships
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Assist and care for others
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Repair and maintain electronic equipment
Develop and build teams
Process information
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Use computers
Provide advice and consultation to others
Analyze data or information
Coach others
Schedule work and activities
Develop goals and strategies
Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, line installers and repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium to high level of social contact. They talk mainly with coworkers, but also with customers.
Talk to others in person and by telephone.
Work as part of a team.
May occasionally be placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or angry.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
Are responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical work conditions

Often work outdoors, but may on occasion work indoors.
Wear protective attire when working with power lines or entering manholes. Sometimes wear specialized gear.
Are often exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment, such as cranes that set poles.
Are often exposed to high places. As an apprentice you may climb poles that are 60 feet tall. Later you may work on towers that are as tall as 200 feet.
Are often exposed to hazardous conditions and situations.
Are exposed to sounds and noise levels that may be loud or distracting.
May be exposed to contaminants.
Occasionally must work in either dim or bright lighting conditions.
Are on rare occasions exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
Travel to work sites in a truck or van.
May work physically near others, such as within a few feet.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is very exact. Errors could seriously endanger the safety of workers.
Must sometimes allow the pace of work to be set by the speed of equipment.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Sometimes make decisions that greatly impact their company, co-workers, and customers. They often make decisions without talking a supervisor first.
Set most of their daily tasks and goals by themselves.
Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere in which strict daily and weekly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

Often work a regular 40-hour week, although emergencies may require overtime.
May work long and irregular hours to restore service.
Travel long distances to install, inspect, and repair lines and equipment.

Physical demands

Line installers and repairers frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Bend or twist their body.

It is important for line installers and repairers to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for line installers and repairers to be able to:

See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Determine the distance between objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Line installers and repairers need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
Operate and control equipment.
Repair machines or systems.
Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Perceive and visualize

Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a line installer and repairer, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school.

On-the-job training

Line installers and repairers typically learn their skills from experienced workers. Installers can also take online classes or attend training sessions provided by manufacturers. This type of training can take more than a year to complete.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program (external link)
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked address & website 1.24.18, 4/15/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Carpentry
Construction
Electricity
Electronics
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require only a high school diploma or equivalent. However, most prefer applicants who have technical knowledge of electricity and electronics. Employers look for applicants with a basic knowledge of math and mechanical ability.

In addition, applicants should be strong, coordinated, and not afraid of heights. The ability to distinguish colors is necessary, because wires and cables may be coded by color.

In Washington, most employers require at least a three- to four-year apprenticeship to be a lineperson.

A valid commercial driver's license and good driving record may be required for some jobs. Some firms require an applicant to have worked as a ground helper before being considered for a lineperson position. Some workers are required to have a first aid card and flagging training. Pre-employment tests are given to measure applicant aptitudes.

Tips

A technical background and/or schooling in an electrical trades program is helpful. Attend a lineperson training program and gain basic skills related to the electrical field or theory. Learn to operate construction equipment. Study algebra. Get some experience working outdoors. Electrical linepersons may have to move around to different locations to get the apprenticeship experience needed to become a journey-level worker.

Costs to workers

Line installers and repairers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. Workers also pay for boots and tools. Workers may need to pay for some travel and motel costs when working away from home.

#Transferred CTW info to this section 2/8/11, cj. Deleted costs cited for boots & tools; too hard to verify, 11/14/16 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for electrical power-line installers and repairers is $30.25 per hour ($5,243 per month), while for telecommunications line installers and repairers, it is $16.05 per hour ($2,782 per month).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Electrical power-line installers and repairers (SOC 49-9051)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$24.74	$35.05	$43.76	$48.48	$54.55
	Monthly	$4,287	$6,074	$7,584	$8,402	$9,454
	Yearly	$51,460	$72,910	$91,020	$100,840	$113,460
Bellingham	Hourly	$42.43	$44.21	$47.18	$49.83	$51.62
	Monthly	$7,353	$7,662	$8,176	$8,636	$8,946
	Yearly	$88,254	$91,961	$98,141	$103,648	$107,355
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$26.77	$29.97	$32.50	$33.71	$37.08
	Monthly	$4,639	$5,194	$5,632	$5,842	$6,426
	Yearly	$55,685	$62,350	$67,601	$70,110	$77,133
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$40.41	$43.06	$47.27	$47.34	$53.25
	Monthly	$7,003	$7,462	$8,192	$8,204	$9,228
	Yearly	$84,069	$89,559	$98,320	$98,473	$110,760
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$17.70	$25.75	$37.27	$47.33	$52.57
	Monthly	$3,067	$4,462	$6,459	$8,202	$9,110
	Yearly	$36,813	$53,557	$77,541	$98,457	$109,349
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$28.83	$35.50	$42.60	$47.34	$53.25
	Monthly	$4,996	$6,152	$7,383	$8,204	$9,228
	Yearly	$59,953	$73,846	$88,623	$98,468	$110,766
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$22.09	$31.12	$41.76	$50.04	$57.74
	Monthly	$3,828	$5,393	$7,237	$8,672	$10,006
	Yearly	$45,950	$64,715	$86,861	$104,081	$120,082
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$40.67	$43.51	$47.34	$51.61	$58.22
	Monthly	$7,048	$7,540	$8,204	$8,944	$10,090
	Yearly	$84,592	$90,499	$98,470	$107,341	$121,108
Vancouver	Hourly	$34.31	$41.68	$47.33	$51.37	$58.22
	Monthly	$5,946	$7,223	$8,202	$8,902	$10,090
	Yearly	$71,364	$86,706	$98,456	$106,861	$121,109
Walla Walla	Hourly	$20.68	$23.64	$29.19	$37.67	$45.72
	Monthly	$3,584	$4,097	$5,059	$6,528	$7,923
	Yearly	$43,019	$49,166	$60,722	$78,357	$95,095
Wenatchee	Hourly	$40.16	$42.48	$45.71	$48.26	$51.83
	Monthly	$6,960	$7,362	$7,922	$8,363	$8,982
	Yearly	$83,539	$88,354	$95,088	$100,387	$107,806
Yakima	Hourly	$18.74	$28.69	$39.50	$42.32	$46.70
	Monthly	$3,248	$4,972	$6,845	$7,334	$8,093
	Yearly	$38,972	$59,657	$82,157	$88,024	$97,150
United States	Hourly	$18.37	$25.16	$34.09	$42.30	$48.83
	Monthly	$3,184	$4,360	$5,908	$7,331	$8,462
	Yearly	$38,200	$52,340	$70,910	$87,990	$101,560

Telecommunications line installers and repairers (SOC 49-9052)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$17.81	$24.39	$31.24	$36.85	$44.56
	Monthly	$3,086	$4,227	$5,414	$6,386	$7,722
	Yearly	$37,050	$50,730	$64,980	$76,660	$92,680
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$19.57	$31.54	$34.37	$37.11	$38.76
	Monthly	$3,391	$5,466	$5,956	$6,431	$6,717
	Yearly	$40,703	$65,599	$71,474	$77,189	$80,619
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$18.43	$21.13	$25.55	$30.57	$35.55
	Monthly	$3,194	$3,662	$4,428	$5,298	$6,161
	Yearly	$38,341	$43,945	$53,131	$63,575	$73,953
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$18.49	$25.38	$32.01	$37.78	$46.21
	Monthly	$3,204	$4,398	$5,547	$6,547	$8,008
	Yearly	$38,445	$52,803	$66,572	$78,588	$96,110
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Vancouver	Hourly	$17.01	$19.96	$27.80	$33.73	$38.02
	Monthly	$2,948	$3,459	$4,818	$5,845	$6,589
	Yearly	$35,371	$41,531	$57,830	$70,148	$79,091
United States	Hourly	$14.88	$18.49	$28.02	$37.41	$44.44
	Monthly	$2,579	$3,204	$4,856	$6,483	$7,701
	Yearly	$30,950	$38,460	$58,280	$77,820	$92,440

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Wages for line installers and repairers vary by the type of lines they work on. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. In addition, most line installers and repairers belong to unions. Union contracts set wages and wage increases.

Line installers and repairers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (SOC 49-9051)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,970	8.1%	16.1%	193
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	240	5.4%	13.4%	21
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	99	7.1%	8.6%	9
Benton and Franklin Counties	118	8.5%	15.0%	12
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	78	6.4%	11.9%	7
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	122	4.9%	15.2%	10
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	118	5.9%	14.1%	11
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	58	3.4%	14.6%	5
King County	396	11.9%	19.6%	42
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	44	-2.3%	13.8%	3
Pierce County	222	5.4%	15.2%	20
Snohomish County	136	8.8%	12.4%	13
Spokane County	223	7.6%	13.9%	21
United States	119,400	8.0%	5.2%	11,400

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers (SOC 49-9052)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,458	8.0%	16.1%	174
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	31	12.9%	8.6%	4
Benton and Franklin Counties	43	-2.3%	15.0%	4
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	12	8.3%	11.9%	1
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	93	-4.3%	15.2%	8
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	10	10.0%	14.1%	1
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	19	10.5%	14.6%	2
King County	461	11.7%	19.6%	60
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	11	0.0%	13.8%	1
Pierce County	247	6.9%	15.2%	28
Snohomish County	377	4.0%	12.4%	41
United States	122,700	1.0%	5.2%	13,900

National employment

Major employers:

Telecommunications companies
Utility construction companies
Building equipment contractors

National outlook

The demand for this occupation will grow as there is more need for telecommunications lines for cable and Internet.

The electrical power network is expanding more slowly. The existing network needs repairs, but there is little expansion expected. However, many job openings will occur as experienced electrical line installers retire.

The best job prospects are for people with an associate degree in telecommunications or formal apprenticeship training.

Other resources

Chelan County PUD Apprenticeships

Communications Workers of America
501 - 3rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.434.1100

Electric League of the Pacific Northwest
PO Box 50633
Bellevue, WA 98015
425.646.4727

IBEW: Local Chapter
PO Box 68728
Seattle, WA 98168
206.323.4505

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
900 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.833.7000

National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
5001 Howerton Way, Suite N
Bowie, MD 20715
888.652.4007
301.715.2300

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU)
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Seattle City Light Apprenticeship Program
206.386.1603

US Telecom Association
601 New Jersey Avenue, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20001
202.326.7300

Utility Workers Union of America
1300 L Street NW, #1200
Washington, DC 20005
202.899.2851

References

Career cluster

Architecture and Construction

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zones

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.