Electric Line Technician
Also posted as Line Technician; Power Line Technician; Distribution Line Technician; Journey Line Technician; Lineworker Technician; Apprentice Line Technician
An electric line technician constructs, energizes, maintains, troubleshoots, and restores overhead electric transmission and distribution systems that deliver reliable power to utility customers. Most people enter through a paid apprenticeship or utility trainee program rather than a four-year degree.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Build and maintain lines
Install poles, conductors, crossarms, insulators, transformers, switches, and related line equipment.
Work aloft near energized lines
Climb poles and structures or work from aerial devices near energized and de-energized circuits.
Switch, ground, and isolate
Perform switching, grounding, line isolation, voltage testing, and safe work-zone setup.
Restore outages
Troubleshoot outages, damaged conductors, equipment failures, and abnormal conditions.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
Overhead Line Work
Building and maintaining overhead transmission and distribution lines.
Energized Work Practices
Working safely on and around energized conductors and equipment.
Climbing & Aerial Devices
Climbing structures and operating aerial devices to reach the work.
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