Electrical Power-Line Installer

Your Fit

Income

$94K

Preparation

Some

Growth

2.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Electrical Power-Line Installer?

Electrical Power-Line Installers are specialized technicians who install, maintain, and repair high-voltage power lines and systems that distribute electricity. They play a critical role in ensuring that homes, businesses, and industries have a reliable power supply.

Sample job titles:

Electrical Lineman, Lineworker, Power Lineman, Service Man

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Electrical Power-Line Installer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Electrical Power-Line Installer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Electrical Power-Line Installer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$62K per year	$78K per year	$94K per year	$104K per year	$119K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Electrical Power-Line Installer do?

Work environment

These professionals typically work outdoors in various environments, including urban, rural, and remote areas. The job can be physically demanding and often involves working at great heights on poles or in bucket trucks. Power-line installers might work in adverse weather conditions and are required to adhere to strict safety protocols.

Quick task list

Installs and maintains electrical power lines and systems.
Inspects and repairs power lines, towers, and related equipment.
Climbs poles or uses bucket trucks to access lines.
Responds to outages and emergency situations.
Ensures compliance with safety standards and regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

High-Voltage Line Installation: Working on high-voltage lines for regional and national power grids.
Emergency Power Restoration: Specializing in quickly restoring power during outages and after natural disasters.
Rural Electrification: Focusing on bringing electrical infrastructure to rural or underdeveloped areas.
Smart Grid Technology: Specializing in the installation and maintenance of smart grid technology for improved energy distribution and efficiency.

Description

Electrical Power-Line Installers are vital to the infrastructure of modern societies. Their job requires not only physical strength and endurance to handle heavy equipment and work in challenging conditions but also a deep understanding of electrical systems. They must be knowledgeable about the complexities of electrical grids, including how to safely install and maintain high-voltage lines and transformers.

Safety is a paramount concern in this occupation. Installers must rigorously adhere to safety protocols to protect themselves and the public from the dangers of high-voltage electricity. The job often requires teamwork, with crews working together to complete tasks efficiently and safely. Installers must be able to read and interpret blueprints and electrical schematics, and they often use a variety of tools and technology in their work.

The nature of the job means that power-line installers may be called upon at any hour, especially during emergencies like storms or power outages. This can include working overtime or on weekends. Despite the demands, there is a significant sense of accomplishment in keeping communities powered and in responding rapidly to restore power during emergencies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the essential service of providing and maintaining electricity.
The challenge and variety of working outdoors and in different environments.
The camaraderie and teamwork involved in the work.

You might make a good Electrical Power-Line Installer if you are...

Comfortable with physical work and heights.
Interested in electricity and power systems.
Able to work in a team and communicate effectively.
Prepared to work in various weather conditions and at odd hours.
Committed to safety and rigorous adherence to protocols.

Pros:

Critical Role in Society: Ensuring the continuous supply of electricity, which is vital for modern life.
Job Security: High demand for these skills, especially in regions expanding their electrical infrastructure.
Competitive Compensation: Attractive wages, often including overtime pay.
Opportunities for Advancement: Potential to progress to supervisory or specialist roles.
Outdoor Work: Ideal for those who prefer working outside rather than in an office setting.

Cons:

Safety Risks: High-risk occupation due to working with high-voltage power lines and heights.
Physically Demanding: Requires physical strength and stamina, often in challenging weather conditions.
Irregular Hours: Emergency repair work can lead to unscheduled and long hours.
Extensive Training: Requires thorough, ongoing training to stay current with safety protocols and technologies.
Travel: May require travel to various sites, affecting work-life balance.

How to become an Electrical Power-Line Installer

Typical education

Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Technical training or apprenticeship programs, which can last up to four years, are common in this field. Some jobs might require additional certifications or coursework in electrical technology.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physics and Mathematics: Fundamental for understanding electrical concepts and calculations.
Industrial Arts or Vocational Education: Basic electrical knowledge and safety practices.
Physical Education: Building physical stamina and strength.
Technical Drawing or Drafting: Skills for reading and interpreting blueprints and schematics.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Robotics Club: Developing technical and problem-solving skills.
Outdoor Sports or Activities: Building physical fitness and endurance.
Volunteering in Community Projects: Especially those involving electrical or construction work.
Part-Time Work: In construction, electrical, or maintenance fields for practical experience.

Preparation after high school

Technical or Vocational School: Programs specifically focused on electrical power-line installation and repair.
Apprenticeship Programs: Hands-on training under experienced professionals, often offered by utility companies.
Community College: Associate degree programs in electrical technology or related fields.
Certifications: Such as the Electrical Lineworker Certification, to demonstrate competence and enhance job prospects.
On-the-Job Training: Entry-level positions in utility companies to gain practical experience.

More resources

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) - Offers training and resources for electrical professionals.
Electrical Training Alliance - Detailed information on apprenticeship programs.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Essential safety guidelines and training resources.
The Lineman's and Cableman's Handbook - A comprehensive guide for line installers and repairers.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - A union providing resources, support, and training for electrical workers.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.