How much does a power line worker make?
a year · about $46 an hour
A typical power line worker in the United States makes $95,320 a year, about $46 an hour, about 1.9× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check outage reports and test lines to find faults, then use a bucket truck or climb a pole to repair wires and equipment. They work outdoors, and storms may send crews away for long, urgent shifts.
Did you know? Some U.S. power-line workers inspect lines from helicopters or airplanes, checking for obstructions and damaged insulation.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $51,470 and $128,690How do you become one?
Finish high school/GED and meet local age rules (often 18); algebra, aptitude, or fitness tests may be required for an apprenticeship. In the U.S., apprentices combine classes and fieldwork for up to 3 years; heavy-truck drivers usually need a state CDL.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience: apprentices become journey-level workers who can do most jobs without supervision, and experienced workers may move into leadership. It also varies by employer, such as utilities, government, or contractors, and by location; overtime and long storm-repair shifts can change total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Hawaii ($134,340), lowest in Mississippi ($75,890).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $51,470 | $95,320 | $128,690 | about 131,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $134,340 | about 600 |
| Washington | $133,060 | about 2,000 |
| Oregon | $131,090 | about 2,000 |
| California | $129,040 | about 9,000 |
| Connecticut | $126,850 | about 940 |
Official definition: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers. Excludes “Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay” (49-2095).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/print/line-installers-and-re
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9051.00
- www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations/listings?occupationCode=49-905
- www.dws.nm.gov/en-us/Apprenticeship-Programs/Lineman
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY