Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

SOC code 49-9051 · O*NET-SOC 49-9051.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$95,320

a year

Hourly

$45.83

per hour

10th$51,470Median$95,32090th$128,690

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$91,970

$44.22 per hour

Middle 50%

$67,270 – $109,740

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$51,470 – $128,690

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

131,070

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $51,470; $24.74/hr
25th percentile: $67,270; $32.34/hr
Median percentile: $95,320; $45.83/hr
75th percentile: $109,740; $52.76/hr
90th percentile: $128,690; $61.87/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+7%

Growing faster than average

127,400

jobs in 2024

135,800

projected for 2034

About 8,400 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do electrical power-line installers and repairers do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)50%
Post-Secondary Certificate19%
Less than a High School Diploma18%
Some College Courses10%

Common questions

How much does an electrical power-line installers and repairers earn?

The national median is $95,320 a year. The full range runs from $51,470 at the 10th percentile to $128,690 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an electrical power-line installers and repairers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is electrical power-line installers and repairers in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 7% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.4/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Building and Construction3.6/5
English Language3.4/5
Education and Training3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.3/5
Transportation3.3/5
Mechanical3.3/5
Customer and Personal Service3.1/5
Design3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Repairing.