Power line workers install, maintain and repair electrical power lines that are used in transmission and distribution systems. They work on poles, towers, underground systems, transformers, switches, voltage regulators and grid equipment. Electrical power-line installers and repairers earned a median annual wage of $92,560 in May 2024. $44.50 per hour. Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, and will create an average of about 10,700 openings per year.
Jobs For Power Line Workers 2026 Information
| Job Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Popular Roles | Utility Line Technician, Lineworker, Lineman, Electrical Line Installer, Power Line Worker |
| Workplaces | Utilities, Utility Contractors, Local Government, Federal Government, Electrical Grid Projects |
| Training | Technical training, apprenticeship and long-term training for employment |
| License | Heavy utility vehicle drivers may need CDL license |
| Best For | Veterans, Electrician Helpers, Technical Students, Construction Workers, Utility Workers |
What Does A Power Line Worker Do?
A power line worker installs and repairs the cables and wires that carry electricity from power plants and substations to homes, businesses and public buildings. BLS says these workers may also erect poles or transmission towers.
This is a serious trade in engineering. Lineworkers work with high-voltage electricity, heavy equipment, bucket trucks, utility poles, transformers, switches and storm-damaged systems. The job is well paid but requires discipline, teamwork, safety awareness, physical strength and comfort working outdoors in difficult conditions.
Power Line Worker Job Titles
- Power line technician
- Lineworker, Electrical
- Lineworker
- Line Installation
- Line Repairer
- Utility Line Technician
- Lineworker, Transmission
- Distribution Lineworker
- Journeyman Line Worker
- Apprentice Lineman
- Overhead Line Worker
- Lineworker, Underground
Power Line Worker Responsibilities & Duties
Power line worker responsibilities vary by employer, utility system, weather, and whether the worker is on transmission, distribution, underground, or emergency repair work.
Possible Daily Activities
- Power line installation, maintenance and repair
- Stringing electrical cable and wires on poles, buildings and towers
- Testing and inspection of auxiliary equipment and power lines
- Identifying faulty transformers, switches, voltage regulators and circuit devices
- Climbing transmission poles and towers
- Using bucket trucks to reach overhead equipment.
- Digging ditches or assisting in the installation of underground power lines
- Operate power equipment such as utility trucks, augers, cranes, etc.
- Power outage response after storms or emergencies
- Adhering to strict electrical safety and fall-protection guidelines
Power Line Worker Salary in United States 2026
Salary of power line workers in USA varies based on state, city, employer, union status, overtime, storm work, experience, CDL status, and whether the worker is an apprentice or journey-level lineworker. As of May 2024, the bottom 10 percent earned less than $50,020 and the top 10 percent earned more than $126,610, according to BLS .
Salary by Sector
- Federal government: median annual wage of $104,540 (as of May 2024).
- Utilities: $102,050 median annual earnings.
- Local government: Median annual wage, $87,550.
- Specialty trade contractors: Median annual wage $76,290.
- Utility system construction $74,550 median annual wage.
- Electrical power distribution systems
- Build line
- Basics of transformer
- Voltage regulators & switches
- Pole climbing, bucket truck work
- Electricity systems, underground
- Testing diagnostics
- Pole top & bucket rescues
- Protection from falls
- Safe electrical practices
These are national median numbers and are not guaranteed employment offers. Actual pay may vary based on location, overtime, emergency response, employer contract, and experience level. Lineworkers who respond to storms or travel for grid projects can earn more with overtime and per diem arrangements.
Power Line Worker Job Outlook
Power line worker jobs in USA are supported by grid expansion, housing development, business growth, electric vehicle infrastructure, reliability upgrades and storm-related repair needs.
BLS says the employment growth is expected to come mainly from the need for more electricity grid, new electric power lines, EV grid connections, and a more complicated interstate power grid. Data center development, renewable energy projects and transmission grid construction are also driving demand. The U.S. power sector will need more workers in transmission, grid connection, manufacturing, construction and operations to support power capacity growth through 2030, Reuters reported in May 2026.
USA: Training for Power Line Workers
Training for power line workers generally includes a classroom portion, as well as on-the-job training under supervision. Electrical power-line installers and repairers usually need a high school diploma and years of on-the-job training, BLS reports. Apprenticeships are widely available and can take up to 3 years to complete.
Potential Training Topics:
Standards for Apprenticeships
One of the best ways to enter this career is a lineworker apprenticeship. Apprentices earn while they learn and pick up skills gradually from experienced workers. Electrical power-line installers and repairers install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. They may erect poles and transmission towers, according to Apprenticeship.gov .
Typical Apprenticeship Prerequisites Could Be
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Usually age 18 or older minimum age requirement
- Basic math skills or algebra training
- Test or interview of aptitude
- Physical examination
- Screening for substance abuse
- Valid driver’s licence
- Ability to work outside, at heights and in emergency situations
- Ability to follow technical instruction and field training
- CDL and License Requirements
- Power line worker requirements vary by employer and state. Heavy vehicle drivers usually must have a commercial driver’s license from their state, and workers who drive crews across state lines may require an interstate CDL, with extra federal requirements.
- Certifications and Useful Requirements
- Applying for Power Line Worker Jobs Online
- Power line worker jobs apply online depends on your experience level. Search for beginner lineworker apprentice, groundman, utility helper or pre-apprentice lineworker jobs. Experienced workers can search for jobs as journeyman lineman, line repairer, transmission lineworker, distribution lineworker or utility line technician.
- Application online
- A number of factors contribute to this trend.
- Look for power line worker jobs near me.
- Use keywords like lineman jobs, lineworker apprenticeship, power line installer, and utility line technician. Check CDL, apprenticeship, travel, physical, safety requirements.
- Write a skilled trade resume.
- Add electrical, construction, CDL, safety, climbing and equipment skills.
- Look at utility company websites, contractors, unions, apprenticeship programs, or reliable job boards.
- Prepare for aptitude tests, physical tests, interviews and safety screening.
Tips for a Power Line Worker Resume
- Power Line Worker
- Line man
- Apprentice Lineworker
- Linemen (Electrical Line Worker)
- Utility Line Repairs
- Distributing power
- Power lines
- Bucket Truck
- Poles for climbing
- Maintenance of Transformer
- CDL,
- Safety with electricity
Prove to us that safety is your top priority.
Be honest about your comfort level with heights, storms, travel, and outdoor work.
Mention CDL, CPR, first aid, OSHA, or rescue training if available.
A power line worker career can start at the ground level and move up to journey-level and supervisory positions. BLS says qualified apprentices may reach journey level after about 3 or 4 years and experienced workers may become supervisors or trainers .
Potential Career Path
- Fielder (utility)
- Lineworker Trainee
- Lineman Journeyman
- Lineworker, Journeyman
- Distribution Linemen
- Lineworker, Transmission
- Lead
- Line Supervisor
- Utilities Trainer
- Supervisor, Grid Maintenance
Final Words
Power Line Worker Jobs in USA 2026 – Salary, Training, Requirements are a great choice for those who want a well-paid skilled trade career, outdoor work, technical training, and long-term demand in the utility field. The job can be dangerous, but disciplined workers with good safety habits, stamina and technical skills can build a serious career. Check the latest salary, apprenticeship openings, CDL requirements, physical tests, safety training, travel expectations, and storm response duties before applying. Benefits and employer reputation. A solid resume, CDL, electrical knowledge, safety mindset and willingness to complete apprenticeship training will increase your chance of getting hired.Power line worker jobs, lineman jobs and lineworker apprenticeship jobs can be strong career paths in 2026 if you want to build a skilled trade career in the USA.
