Occupation Summary

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

O*NET 49-9051.00

Description:

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

Annual Wages:
$70,092.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 23.82%.
Education Level:
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
  2. Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
  3. Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
  4. Place insulating or fireproofing materials over conductors and joints.
  5. Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.
  6. Identify defective sectionalizing devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, switches, relays, or wiring, using wiring diagrams and electrical-testing instruments.
  7. Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
  8. Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
  9. Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments.
  10. String wire conductors and cables between poles, towers, trenches, pylons, and buildings, setting lines in place and using winches to adjust tension.
  11. Test conductors, according to electrical diagrams and specifications, to identify corresponding conductors and to prevent incorrect connections.
  12. Replace or straighten damaged poles.
  13. Install watt-hour meters and connect service drops between power lines and consumers' facilities.
  14. Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
  15. Travel in trucks, helicopters, and airplanes to inspect lines for freedom from obstruction and adequacy of insulation.
  16. Dig holes, using augers, and set poles, using cranes and power equipment.
  17. Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
  18. Splice or solder cables together or to overhead transmission lines, customer service lines, or street light lines, using hand tools, epoxies, or specialized equipment.
  19. Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
  20. Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
  21. Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
  22. Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
  23. Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers employed Annual Growth Rate
Electric power generation, transmission and distribution 46.2 -0.06
Utility system construction 29.7 0.20
Building equipment contractors 4.7 -0.18
Natural gas distribution 2.6 -1.05


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $33.70
2022 National average hourly wage $39.79
2020 National employment 115,900
2020 Texas employment 10,037
Texas projected employment by 2030 12,428
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 1,206




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
71.60%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
68.00%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
66.60%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
66.40%
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
66.20%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
65.20%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
62.60%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
59.20%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
58.00%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
57.00%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
67.60%
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
67.60%
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
65.00%
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
65.00%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
65.00%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
62.40%
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
62.40%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
62.40%
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
62.40%
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
62.40%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
80.00%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
80.00%
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
80.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
80.00%
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
75.00%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
72.40%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
72.40%
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
72.40%
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
72.40%


  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
    -- Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
  • Performing General Physical Activities
    -- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
  • Handling and Moving Objects
    -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
    -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
    -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Other Activities


  • Independence
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.



Tools

Air compressors: Air compressors;

All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled: All terrain vehicles ATV;

Ammeters: Ammeters;

Articulating boom lift: Bucket trucks;

Augers: Augers;

Awls: Awls;

Backhoes: Backhoes;

Bench vises: Bench vises;

Blocks or pulleys: Block and tackle equipment;

Bolt cutters: Bolt cutters;

Boring machines: Power borers;

Cable clamp and staple: Jumper clamps;

Cable reels: Reel jacks; Tension machines;

Circuit breakers: Load break tools;

Circuit tester: Continuity meters;

Circuit tracers: Line tracers;

Conduit benders: Hand benders; Hydraulic benders; Cable benders; Power benders;

Conventional truck cranes: Truck-mounted cranes;

Detection apparatus for non metallic objects: Non-metallic NM cable locators;

Drill bit set: Drill bit sets;

Dump trucks: Dump trucks;

Dynamometers: Digital dynamometers;

Ear plugs: Ear plugs;

Electrical insulators: Arc suppression blankets;

Electrical power sensors: Charge-actuated spiking tools;

Electrical resistance or conductance sensors: Ground testers;

Extension pole: Pike poles;

Facial shields: Face shields;

Fiber optic test sources: Optical power meters;

Fire blankets: Fire blankets;

Fire extinguishers: Fire extinguishers;

Fire retardant apparel: Fire retardant clothing;

Fish tape: Fish tapes;

Flares: Flares;

Flatbed trailers: Power reel trailers;

Forklifts: Wheeled forklifts;

Fuse pullers: Fuse pullers;

Gas detectors: Toxic gas detectors;

Gas generators: Portable generators;

Gin pole and accessories: Gin poles;

Goggles: Safety goggles;

Grab hooks: Climbing hooks;

Grounding devices or assemblies: Static discharge sticks; Running grounds;

Grounding hardware: Grounding devices;

Hacksaw: Hacksaws;

Hammers: Hammers;

Hand drill bit for wood: Auger bits;

Hand reamer: Hand reamers;

Hard hats: Hard hats;

Hazardous material protective apparel: Conductive clothing;

Heat tracing equipment: Infrared guns;

Hex keys: Allen wrenches;

Hoists: Overhead hoists; Capstan hoists;

Hydraulic press frames: Hydraulic presses;

Hydraulic shears: Hydraulic cutters;

Jacks: Pole jacks; Chain jacks;

Ladders: Ladders;

Laser printers: Laser printers;

Levels: Levels;

Lifelines or lifeline equipment: Lifelines;

Lifting hooks: Cant hooks; Peaveys;

Lifts: Hand lines;

Light trucks or sport utility vehicles: Light pickup trucks;

Linemans pliers: Insulated pliers;

Lug crimping tool dies: Compression tools;

Mask or respirators filters or accessories: Breathing protection equipment;

Measuring wheels for distance: Measuring wheels;

Megohmmeters: Megohmmeters;

Mill saw file: Single-cut mill saw files;

Multimeters: Clamp-on multimeters;

Needlenose pliers: Needlenose pliers;

Nut drivers: Nut drivers;

Ohmmeters: Ohmmeters;

Oscilloscopes: Oscilloscopes;

Pad or keyhole saw: Keyhole saws;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Phasemeters: Phase rotation meters;

Pick or place robots: Robotic arms;

Picks: Picks;

Pipe wrenches: Pipe wrenches;

Platform lift: Material handling aerial devices;

Plumb bobs: Plumb bobs;

Pneumatic drill: Pneumatic drills;

Pneumatic hammer: Ground rod drivers; Air hammers; Jackhammers;

Potentiometers: Potential testing meters;

Power chippers: Power chippers;

Power drills: Hydraulic drills; Concrete drills; Hammer drills; Gas drills; Electric drills;

Power saws: Concrete saws; Chain saws; Saber saws;

Power screwguns: Electric screw guns;

Power trimmers: Tree trimmers;

Pressure or steam cleaners: Power washers;

Protective gloves: Asbestos gloves; Leather gloves; Insulated gloves;

Pry bars: Crowbars;

Pullers: Comealongs; Elbow pullers;

Punches or nail sets or drifts: Knockout punches; Punches;

Recreational motorboats: Boats;

Reflectometers: Time domain reflectometers;

Safety boots: Safety boots;

Safety harnesses or belts: Pole belts; Fall arrest harnesses; Bashlin belts;

Safety shoes: Climbing spikes;

Saws: Buck saws; Hand saws;

Scaffolding: Scaffolding;

Screwdrivers: Screwdrivers;

Shovels: Shovels;

Skid steer loaders: Skid steer loaders;

Sledge hammer: Sledgehammers;

Slings: Lifting slings;

Slip or groove joint pliers: Slip joint pliers;

Snowmobiles or snow scooter: Snowmobiles;

Socket sets: Socket wrench sets;

Soldering iron: Soldering irons;

Spades: Digging spades;

Specialty wrenches: Insulated wrenches;

Spot welding machine: Welding tools;

Strap wrenches: Nylon strap wrenches;

Stripping tools: Cable strippers;

Tampers: Hydraulic tampers;

Telescoping boom lift: Radial boom derrick trucks; Telescoping boom trucks;

Tongs: Wire tongs;

Torque wrenches: Torque wrenches;

Traffic signals: Arrow boards;

Trenching machines: Trenchers;

Two way radios: Two way radios;

Utility knives: Utility knives; Insulated knives; Insulated skinning knives;

Voltage or current meters: Insulator testers; Current leakage meters; Digital recording amp meters; Digital voltmeters DVM;

Water pumps: Water pumps;

Wheel bulldozers: Wheeled bulldozers;

Wheel chocks: Wheel chocks;

Winches: Winches; Wire tuggers;

Wire cutters: Wire cutters;

Wire lug crimping tool: Wire crimpers;

Wire or cable cutter: Ratchet cutters; Insulated cable cutters; Cable cutters;

Wood chisels: Wood chisels;


Technology

Computer aided design CAD software: Bentley MicroStation; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software;

Electronic mail software: Email software; Microsoft Outlook;

Geographic information system: Geographic information system GIS systems;

Inventory management software: Inventory management software;

Mobile location based services software: Global positioning system GPS software;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Spreadsheet software: Spreadsheet software; Microsoft Excel;

Video conferencing software: Zoom;

Word processing software: Word processing software; Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers include:
  • 49-2092.00 Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
  • 49-2093.00 Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  • 49-2095.00 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
  • 47-2111.00 Electricians
  • 47-3013.00 Helpers--Electricians
  • 53-7041.00 Hoist and Winch Operators
  • 51-8012.00 Power Distributors and Dispatchers
  • 49-9096.00 Riggers
  • 49-9097.00 Signal and Track Switch Repairers
  • 49-9052.00 Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers


Sources of Additional Information
  • For information about apprenticeships or job opportunities for line installers and repairers, contact local electrical contractors, a local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a local joint union-management apprenticeship committee, or the nearest office of your state employment service or apprenticeship agency. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s toll-free help line, 1 (877) 872-5627 or the Employment and Training Administration.
  • For more information about line installers and repairers, visit: American Public Power Association
  • Center for Energy Workforce Development
  • Telecommunications Industry Association
  • For information about certification, visit: BICSI
  • The Fiber Optic Association
  • Electrical Training ALLIANCE
  • Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
  • Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.