EnergyGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.
Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
Annual openings
224
BLS median wage
$103,980
Typical education
High school (GED)
10-year growth
+10%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
High school (GED)
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
Work experience
Moderate on-the-job training and experience is expected.
Employer competency information
- Safety — Safety knowledge is critical from entry-level to top management.
- Working with Tools and Technology — Many of the technical roles use tools as an important part of their day-to-day job.
- Communication and Teamwork — Good communication skills are important both with team members and customers.
- Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Analytical Thinking — Many of the day-to-day activities of technical and customer service roles are related to solving problems.
Line workers are a significant need to Electric Utilities and an important entry level opportunity. Advancement to a qualified Journeyman Line Installer is highly valued in the industry.
Power-line Repairers take care of their community by going out when the storm rolls in.
You can start as an apprentice, move to Power-Line Installer and Repairer and move up to Foreman. You can also take your electrical experience into another industry.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Trades
- Energy and Utilities
Automation exposure
High exposure
Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.
A typical 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.
- 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.
- Travel in trucks, helicopters, and airplanes to inspect lines for freedom from obstruction and adequacy of insulation.