Who Earns What

How much does a power line worker make?

US Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
$95,320

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 know
This job$95,320
Typical worker$50,980
Elementary teacher$63,970
Doctor$244,180
Cashier$32,880

If 100 people had this job

Most earn between $51,470 and $128,690
50 of 100
more than half

How 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
Whole US$95,320
Hawaii$134,340
Washington$133,060
Oregon$131,090
California$129,040
Connecticut$126,850
Louisiana$76,410
Oklahoma$76,010
Mississippi$75,890

Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.

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Who earns more?
Data table and sources
Power line worker pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread) — Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lower earner (10th from bottom)Typical person (median)Higher earner (10th from top)People in this job
$51,470$95,320$128,690about 131,000
States where power line workers earn the most (median, May 2025)
StateTypical person (median)People in this job
Hawaii$134,340about 600
Washington$133,060about 2,000
Oregon$131,090about 2,000
California$129,040about 9,000
Connecticut$126,850about 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

Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY