How to become an electrical power line and cable worker
Official title: Electrical power line and cable workers
Also called: Power lineman/woman, Power line patroller, Apprentice power line repairer, Cable splicer - electrical power, Cable installer - electrical power, Lead splicer - electric power systems, Line checker - electric power systems, Lineworker - electrical power systems, Wire splicer - electric power systems, Cable jointer - electric power systems, Cable splicer - electric power systems, Line repairer - electric power systems
Electrical power line and cable workers construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. They are employed by electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies, electrical contractors and public utility commissions. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems including overhead and underground power lines and cables, insulators, conductors, lightning arrestors, switches, transformers and other associated equipment
- Erect and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers and guy wires
- Splice, solder and insulate conductors and related wiring to connect power distribution and transmission networks using splicing tools, related electrical equipment and tools
- Inspect and test overhead and underground power lines and cables and auxiliary equipment using electrical test equipment
- Climb ladders or operate hydraulic buckets when working aloft on poles and towers, or work in confined spaces such as trenches and tunnels to install power lines and cables and associated equipment
- Install and maintain street lighting systems
- Communicate with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a provincial three- or four-year lineman/woman apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in electrical technology is usually required for electrical power line and cable workers. Trade certification for powerline technicians is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Trade certification for powerline technicians (construction) is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador. Trade certification for distribution construction linemen/women is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified powerline technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a provincial three- or four-year lineman/woman apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in electrical technology is usually required for electrical power line and cable workers. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $89,700 a year The middle half earn $71,175 to $99,450.
- About 12,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 14,000 are projected by 2033. (+8.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- Industrial electricians
- Power system electricians
- Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
- Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
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Questions people ask
How do I become an electrical power line and cable worker?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a provincial three- or four-year lineman/woman apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in electrical technology is usually required for electrical power line and cable workers. Trade certification for powerline technicians is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Trade certification for powerline technicians (construction) is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador. Trade certification for distribution construction linemen/women is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified powerline technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does an electrical power line and cable worker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $89,700 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $71,175 to $99,450.
Is an electrical power line and cable worker a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 12,900 to about 14,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an electrical power line and cable worker?
Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03