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    Become an Electrical Line Worker

    Build, repair, and maintain the power lines that keep communities running.

    Duration
    6–12 months
    Certifications
    OSHA 10; NCCER Line Worker Certification
    Key Skills
    Physical stamina, problem-solving, teamwork, safety focus, mechanical aptitude
    Work Settings
    Utility companies, electrical contractors, energy providers, telecommunications, municipal services
    Job Outlook
    +6% (Faster than average)
    Salary Range
    $55K–$95K+

    What Is Electrical Line Worker?

    Electrical Line Workers play a critical role in keeping power systems stable, especially during storms, outages, and infrastructure upgrades. Students learn pole climbing, line installation, transformer work, safety procedures, and equipment operation.

    This program is ideal for individuals who want a physically active, outdoor, high-demand career with strong job security and union opportunities.

    What You'll Learn in Electrical Line Worker Training

    Core Skills

    • Line installation
    • Pole climbing
    • Rigging
    • Electrical theory
    • Transformer maintenance
    • Safety procedures
    • Bucket truck operation
    • System troubleshooting

    Safety & Compliance

    • Electrical safety
    • Lockout/tagout
    • NEC basics
    • PPE
    • Hazard awareness
    • Jobsite safety

    Tools & Technology

    • OSHA 10
    • NCCER Line Worker Certification

    Admissions Requirements for Electrical Line Worker Training

    Most Electrical Line Worker programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.

    Minimum age requirement
    Ability to perform physical job tasks
    High school diploma/GED may be preferred

    Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.

    Certifications for Electrical Line Worker

    This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.

    OSHA 10

    OSHA

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    NCCER Line Worker Certification

    NCCER

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.

    Electrical Line Worker Salary & Job Outlook

    $55K–$95K+
    National Salary Range
    ~$78,000
    Median Salary
    +6% (Faster than average)
    Job Growth Rate
    High Demand
    Market Outlook

    Growing demand driven by ongoing investment in power infrastructure, grid modernization efforts, and the need to maintain and expand electrical transmission and distribution systems

    Career Outlook for Electrical Line Worker

    Work Settings

    Utility companies, power distribution networks, electrical contractors, municipalities, telecommunication providers

    Advancement Path

    Advance to journeyman electrician (where applicable); specialize (commercial, industrial, solar); move into foreman or estimator roles.

    What Is the Difference Between Electrical Line Worker and Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)?

    TL;DR: Electrical Line Workers focus on power transmission and distribution in outdoor utility environments, while Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) emphasizes applied electrical systems and technical analysis.

    Electrical Line Worker programs prepare students to build, maintain, and repair high-voltage power lines and electrical distribution systems, often working outdoors in physically demanding conditions and at significant heights. Training emphasizes safety procedures, climbing techniques, heavy equipment operation, and utility-specific standards. Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) programs focus more on electrical theory, electronics, control systems, and applied engineering support, typically in lab, plant, or technical office environments rather than on power lines. Choose Electrical Line Worker if you want a physically active, utility-focused career working on power infrastructure; choose EET if you prefer a technical role analyzing, supporting, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment.

    Comparing Programs
    Electrical Line Worker
    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)
    Primary Focus
    Electrical Line Worker

    Power transmission and distribution in utility environments

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Applied electrical systems analysis and technical support

    Typical Training Length
    Electrical Line Worker

    Certificate or apprenticeship-style utility training programs

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Associate-level or technical diploma programs

    Core Skills
    Electrical Line Worker

    Line construction, climbing, safety procedures, equipment operation

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Electronics, control systems, diagnostics, electrical theory

    Certifications
    Electrical Line Worker

    Utility or lineworker certifications depending on employer and region

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Engineering technology or technical electrical credentials

    Work Settings
    Electrical Line Worker

    Outdoor utility sites, substations, power lines

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Labs, plants, technical offices, industrial environments

    Technology Used
    Electrical Line Worker

    Bucket trucks, climbing gear, heavy utility equipment

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Testing equipment, automation systems, electrical instruments

    Career Progression
    Electrical Line Worker

    Senior lineworker, crew lead, utility operations roles

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Electrical engineering technician, automation or systems specialist

    Best For
    Electrical Line Worker

    Students wanting physically demanding work on power infrastructure

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Students preferring technical analysis and support roles with electrical systems

    Electrical Line Worker

    Students wanting physically demanding work on power infrastructure

    Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)

    Students preferring technical analysis and support roles with electrical systems

    Benefits of Electrical Line Worker Training

    Strong job demand and stability
    Outdoor, hands-on work
    Opportunity for unionized roles
    Excellent long-term earning potential
    Impactful community infrastructure career

    Electrical Line Worker Student Reviews

    "This program prepared me for real field conditions — especially climbing and safety work."

    Mason F.
    Apprentice Lineman

    "I quickly moved into an apprenticeship after getting certified."

    Angela D.
    Line Worker Trainee

    "Great training and instructors. I felt confident on day one."

    Troy L.
    Utility Technician

    Electrical Line Worker FAQs

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