Electrical Power-Line Installer
SOC 49-9051.00 · ESCO 7413
Role snapshot
Overview
Electrical Power-Line Installers climb utility poles and towers to install, maintain, and repair the cables that carry electricity to homes and businesses. Working at height in all weather, they follow strict safety protocols while restoring service after storms or outages. This physically demanding role is critical for ensuring reliable power distribution.
Ensures the continuous and safe delivery of electricity to communities, playing a vital role in maintaining essential services, supporting economic activity, and responding to emergencies.
On the job
- Install, repair, and maintain electrical power transmission and distribution lines
- Climb poles and use hydraulic lifts to access overhead lines and equipment
- Operate specialized equipment such as trenchers, digger derricks, and bucket trucks
- Identify and troubleshoot electrical issues, performing emergency repairs during outages
- Adhere strictly to safety regulations and procedures, including using personal protective equipment
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
High school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by extensive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program. Some may also complete a certificate or associate's degree in a related field.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
low
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
AI can assist significantly with fault detection, predictive maintenance, and optimal repair routing, but the physical work of installation and repair remains manual.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
Physical installation, repair, and emergency response in dynamic, complex environments cannot be completed by AI alone, requiring human dexterity and improvisation.
Adoption pressure
moderate
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
Due to critical infrastructure status and high safety requirements, there is strong motivation for AI adoption in monitoring and planning, but physical robotics adoption is capital-intensive.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success critically depends on human judgment for on-site problem-solving, adherence to safety protocols, improvisation, and direct accountability for public safety.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
moderate
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
As AI takes on more diagnostic and planning tasks, the role can adapt to focus on complex physical repairs, specialized equipment operation, and oversight of new technologies.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Optimizing maintenance schedules and resource allocation
- Analyzing sensor data for predictive equipment failure
- Identifying line faults and damage via drone or sensor inspection
- Suggesting optimal routes for repair crews during outages
- Providing decision support for complex electrical troubleshooting
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Climbing poles and operating hydraulic lifts for overhead work
- Performing precise physical installation and connection of power lines
- Executing complex repairs and replacements of damaged infrastructure
- Responding to and managing emergency outages in adverse conditions
- Ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and site-specific risks
- Training and mentoring apprentices in practical skills
How the role may evolve
From routine troubleshooting to leading complex field operations.
The technician's focus will shift from repetitive diagnostic checks to managing advanced AI-driven tools and executing the most challenging physical tasks, enhancing overall grid reliability.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency in operating and interpreting AI-assisted diagnostic tools
- Advanced problem-solving and improvisation for unforeseen field conditions
- Expertise in complex physical repairs and specialized equipment operation
- Leadership in emergency response and critical decision-making under pressure
- Commitment to continuous learning of new technologies and safety standards
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- Medium
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Electrical Power-Line Installer
Utilities & Energy
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCI
People who enjoy hands-on, practical tasks, working outdoors, and solving technical problems related to electrical systems tend to find this role satisfying.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Demonstrates strong attention to detail and adheres strictly to safety protocols, crucial for working with high voltage.
Practical
Prefers hands-on work and solving tangible problems, often in challenging outdoor conditions.
Calm under pressure
Maintains composure and focus during emergency outages or difficult weather conditions.
Systematic thinker
Applies logical reasoning to diagnose electrical issues and follow precise repair procedures.
Cooperative
Works effectively and safely as part of a crew, relying on clear communication and mutual support.
Best for
- Individuals who thrive in structured environments with clear safety protocols and enjoy solving practical, technical problems
- Those who are comfortable with physical labor, working outdoors, and being an essential part of a critical service team
Watch out for
- The role involves working at heights and in all weather conditions, which can be physically demanding
- Emergency call-outs and regular weekend work are common, impacting personal time
A week in the life
A representative working week for an Electrical Power-Line Installer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Electrical Power-Line Installer roles
What does an Electrical Power-Line Installer do?
An Electrical Power-Line Installer electrical Power-Line Installers climb utility poles and towers to install, maintain, and repair the cables that carry electricity to homes and businesses. Working at height in all weather, they follow strict safety protocols while restoring service after storms or outages. This physically demanding role is critical for ensuring reliable power distribution. Ensures the continuous and safe delivery of electricity to communities, playing a vital role in maintaining essential services, supporting economic activity, and responding to emergencies.
How much does an Electrical Power-Line Installer earn?
An Electrical Power-Line Installer earns a median of $78,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $55,000 to $110,000.
What qualifications do you need to become an Electrical Power-Line Installer?
To become an Electrical Power-Line Installer, high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by extensive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program. Some may also complete a certificate or associate's degree in a related field. Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
What personality suits an Electrical Power-Line Installer?
Electrical Power-Line Installer roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 82/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 75/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Conscientious, Practical, Calm under pressure and Systematic thinker. Demonstrates strong attention to detail and adheres strictly to safety protocols, crucial for working with high voltage. On interests, Electrical Power-Line Installer maps to a RCI Holland Code profile — people who enjoy hands-on, practical tasks, working outdoors, and solving technical problems related to electrical systems tend to find this role satisfying.
Who does an Electrical Power-Line Installer role suit?
An Electrical Power-Line Installer role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. High Realistic (R) affinity for hands-on, outdoor, and physically active work. Strong Conventional (C) and Investigative (I) aspects for following safety procedures and troubleshooting electrical systems. Requires high conscientiousness for precision and safety, and low neuroticism for handling stress.
What are the downsides of being an Electrical Power-Line Installer?
Electrical Power-Line Installer roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The role involves working at heights and in all weather conditions, which can be physically demanding. Emergency call-outs and regular weekend work are common, impacting personal time.
What is the work environment like for an Electrical Power-Line Installer?
Work as an Electrical Power-Line Installer is mostly outdoors-based with onsite arrangements common, highly structured, with set processes and deadlines and low exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 49% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be an Electrical Power-Line Installer?
Core skills for an Electrical Power-Line Installer include Electrical system knowledge, Pole climbing and aerial work, Safety protocol adherence, Troubleshooting and repair and Heavy equipment operation.
How do you become an Electrical Power-Line Installer?
Common entry routes into Electrical Power-Line Installer roles include Groundman Apprentice, Utility Worker and Electrical Apprentice.
What career progression is there for an Electrical Power-Line Installer?
From an Electrical Power-Line Installer role, common next steps include Line Supervisor and Safety Coordinator; lateral moves include Substation Technician.
What is the job outlook for Electrical Power-Line Installer roles?
The outlook for Electrical Power-Line Installer roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Electrical Power-Line Installer roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Electrical Power-Line Installer roles at 30 out of 100, which is low. Improved fault detection and predictive maintenance are areas where AI will contribute, yet the physical work of line repair and emergency service restoration remains human-centric. AI is most likely to take on optimizing maintenance schedules and resource allocation, analyzing sensor data for predictive equipment failure and identifying line faults and damage via drone or sensor inspection. Climbing poles and operating hydraulic lifts for overhead work, performing precise physical installation and connection of power lines and executing complex repairs and replacements of damaged infrastructure stay with people. From routine troubleshooting to leading complex field operations. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.