How to Become an Electric
Power Line Installer and Repairer

Best Education Tracks, Key Skills, and Top Certifications

If you want to know how to become an electric power line installer and repairer, also known as a lineman, this guide can help you. Our comprehensive guide includes education pathways, salaries, job outlook, skills, and certifications. Most of our important systems rely on electricity and the Internet, so this type of job is here to stay.

What Is an Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer?

An electric power line installer and repairer is a technician who installs and maintains power lines. As a lineman, you will install or repair electrical wires used in electrical power or distribution systems.

Electric power line installing and repairing is a hazardous career. The professionals work with high voltages, so you need an extensive background to stay safe. Read on to determine which education path will land you a job as an electric power line installer and repairer.

What Type of School Should You Attend to
Become an Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer?

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To become an electric power line installer and repairer, you can go to a few different types of schools. Most apprenticeships only require a high school diploma, but a certificate or associate degree can help you along your way.

Because this position is hands-on, you need to get experience in the field before you get a job. You cannot become an electric power line installer and repairer in a classroom. If you want to be a lineman, you have to get physical experience along with your degree.

Best Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Education Tracks

If you want to become a line installer and repairer, you have many education pathways. There are vocational programs, community colleges, degree programs, and online courses. Read below to learn more about the different paths you can take to become a lineman.

1

Vocational School

A vocational school, also known as a trade school, will help you develop valuable lineman skills. You will develop hands-on job training experience to succeed in the field. If you want to get the technical skills you need, you should consider attending an electrical lineworker program.

You can try looking for different programs in your state to see which might work best for you. Some lineman trade school programs only take a couple of weeks, so this is a good option if you want to enter the field quickly. You can also get an apprenticeship this way.

2

Community College

Associate degree programs can teach you the theory behind the practice. You can learn about electrical systems, fiber optics, and more. Understanding these systems will help you perform better in the field.

An associate degree from a community college will help you learn the basics to start your career. Most hiring companies do not require a degree, so this is an extra step. If you want to scale up the ladder quickly, an associate degree program can help.

3

Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Bachelor’s Degrees

Most companies and organizations do not require you to have a bachelor’s degree for this position. However, if you want a higher position in the industry, a bachelor’s degree may be necessary.

You can pursue a bachelor’s degree in management, business, or a science and technology field. This will increase your chances of employment as an electric power line installer and repairer. Degrees can be expensive and take a lot of time, so make sure you are ready before you apply, and take online colleges into consideration.

4

Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Courses

If you are interested in extra education, you can try taking an online course. Providers like Alison offer electric power line installer and repairer courses that you can take from home. This is a good option if you want to learn more about the trade before investing in a certificate or degree.

How to Become an Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become an Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming an electric power line installer and repairer is not as difficult as you might think. If you want to become a line installer and repairer, try to follow the steps below.

Get your high school diploma.

Before you start your journey as a lineman, you have to get your high school diploma or GED. Your math and science courses will be most useful later.

Get your vocational education.

An online course or program in electrical repair will give you the information you need about the career and best practices. This step is optional, but it is important if you want to move up in the field.

Apply for an apprenticeship.

After you have a good background, you can start applying for apprenticeships. This is the most important step because you will get hands-on experience in the field.

Get certified.

If you want to get a job quickly, a certification can help. The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee offers different certification exams. Certifications are not required, but they are useful and can prove your skills to potential employers.

Start searching for jobs.

Now that you have the experience you need, you can get a job in the field. You can work in the public or private sector depending on your preference.

Key Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Skills

Key Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Skills

Becoming a line installer and repairer requires an ample amount of experience and skills. Read below to learn more about the skills you need to become a lineman.

Troubleshooting

This job centers around solving electrical problems. To succeed as an electric power line installer and repairer, you need to be able to spot issues and discover new solutions. You might have to make troubleshooting decisions on the fly.

Telecommunications

To become an electric power line installer and repairer, you need to be familiar with electrical systems. You should have knowledge of transmission, switching, control, and operation of telecommunication systems. Mastering these topics can go a long way in overcoming different challenges.

Systems Analysis and Evaluation

You should be able to determine how a particular system works and if it undergoes any changes. Sometimes, problems can be small and hard to spot. It is your role to inspect operations and identify the ways you can improve overall performance.

Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Salary and Job Outlook

According to PayScale, the average salary of a lineman is roughly $68,500. This figure is subject to change depending on your experience, the project, and where you work. If you have a degree, you might get paid more.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), lineman jobs will not increase or decrease in the next decade. However, the job outlook is still good. Due to population growth, linemen need to install new power lines for offices and residential areas.

41000
Min salary

$

68500
Average salary

$

102000
Top salary

$

Entry-Level Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Job Requirements

You only need to join an apprenticeship or vocational training program to get an entry-level position. Hiring companies want to see your abilities and skills as opposed to your educational background. According to ZipRecruiter, the average entry-level lineman earns nearly $52,000 per year.

What Does an Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Do?

What Does an Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Do?

Line installers and repairers help build and maintain power grid systems. These professionals need to know the protocols and safety regulations required for certain tasks. They also need to be familiar with electrical systems.

Read below for more lineman roles and responsibilities.

Build Systems

If you become a line installer and repairer, you will build systems such as transformers, distribution boxes, and conduit systems. You should know how to cut, feed, and splice wires. This is one of the most important roles of a lineman.

Perform Quality Control Inspections

As a line worker, you should conduct inspections of different processes and services. It is your duty to ensure everything is working well. This means that you will control the overall operations of systems and equipment.

Repair Power Lines

It is your main job to fix broken machines or systems as needed. Your experience from your education and apprenticeship will help you develop the best solutions. Power line installers and repairers need to know how to repair power lines and other vital components of electrical systems.

Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Certifications

To become an electric power line installer and repairer, you do not need any certifications. However, if you want to have a competitive edge in the field, you should consider getting certified. Read below for some popular lineman certifications.

Cable Splicing Certification

This certification can prove your skills in cable splicing. To earn this certification, you need to pass a test and demonstrate your skill level. The Electrical Training Alliance provides this certification for anyone who wants to work in the electrical industry.

Instrumentation Certification

In conjunction with the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee offers this certification. Once you complete the exam, the certification will demonstrate your mastery of instrumentation.

How to Prepare for Your Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Job Interview

How to Prepare for Your Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Job Interview

A line worker job interview is just like any other interview. You need to prepare for the questions and demonstrate your skills.

Practicing interview questions is the best way to ace your job interview. Read below for some common electric power line installer and repairer job interview questions.

Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer Job Interview Practice Questions

  • What is the role of the fuse or breaker?
  • What is your area of specialty?
  • How would you handle a disagreement with a team member?
  • What have been your major projects in your career?
  • How do you approach problem-solving?

How Long Does It Take to Become an Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer?

It usually takes four years to become an electric power line installer and repairer. Your education might only take a few weeks, but the apprenticeship is usually four years. Although this is a long time, it is much shorter than other careers.

2
Associate degree

years

4
Bachelor’s degree

years

6
Master’s degree

years

Should You Become an Electric Power Line Installer
and Repairer in 2021?

Yes, you should become an electric power line installer and repairer in 2021. If you are good with your hands and like to learn about electrical systems, this is a fantastic career path. You will need to use your analytical and problem-solving skills in the field. Since our world needs electricity, we will always need electric power line installers and repairers.

Electric Power Line Installer and Repairer FAQ

Who makes more: linemen or electricians?

Linemen are paid higher than electricians because of the level of risk they experience. Linemen usually work from heights, sometimes with live wires, so they need to follow more safety standards.

What is the difference between electrical linemen and electrical wiremen?

Linemen and wiremen are both electrical workers and have a similar job description. They both install, maintain, and repair electrical components. The only difference is that they specialize in different areas of electricity.

Is it dangerous for linemen to work in the rain?

Electric power line installers and repairers can work in any weather condition. Power lines sometimes require immediate repair to avoid electric power surges. A lineman is properly trained to restore transmission using stipulated safety precautions.

How many hours do electric power line installers and repairers work?

Linemen work an average of eight hours a day for five days a week. However, if there is an emergency, you might have to work additional hours.

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