Overhead line worker
Also known as: overhead linesman, low voltage lineworker, overhead transmission and distribution linesperson, high voltage lineworker, overhead power line worker, overhead line engineer
About this occupation
Overhead line workers construct and maintain power supply and control cables in overhead power lines. They also make and repair electrical cables connecting customers to the electricity network.
A specialisation of electricity distribution worker.
Essential skills and knowledge
- electric current
- electrical power safety regulations
- follow safety procedures when working at heights
- electrical discharge
- repair overhead power lines
- inspect overhead power lines
- work ergonomically
- wear appropriate protective gear
- repair underground power cables
- install power lines
- transmission towers
- electricity
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (O*NET 49-9051.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
- Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
- Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
- Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
- Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.
- Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Active Listening, Troubleshooting, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$95,320 a year (2025), 131,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (3.6)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
- Helpers--Electricians
- Electricians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
- Hoist and Winch Operators
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Riggers
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.