Electrical power-line installers and repairers
SOC Code: 49-9051
Electrical power-line installers and repairers carries a 18% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $92,560 and +6.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 127,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Electrical power-line installers and repairers (SOC 49-9051) carries an AI exposure score of 18%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 127,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $92,560, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Electrical power-line installers and repairers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Electrical power-line installers and repairers is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train — apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
- 2. Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
- 3. Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
- 4. Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
- 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. Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments.
- 7. Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
- 8. Replace or straighten damaged poles.
- 9. String wire conductors and cables between poles, towers, trenches, pylons, and buildings, setting lines in place and using winches to adjust tension.
- 10. Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Troubleshooting
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Electrical power-line installers and repairers?
Electrical power-line installers and repairers has an AI exposure score of 18%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Electrical power-line installers and repairers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Electrical power-line installers and repairers is projected to grow by 6.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 127,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Electrical power-line installers and repairers?
Key skills for Electrical power-line installers and repairers include Active Listening, Troubleshooting, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Electrical power-line installers and repairers earn?
The median annual wage for Electrical power-line installers and repairers is $92,560, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Electrical power-line installers and repairers?
The typical entry-level education for Electrical power-line installers and repairers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Electrical power-line installers and repairers?
Electrical power-line installers and repairers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).