Also called: Troubleman, First Responder Lineworker, Service Lineworker
A solo lineworker who is first on the scene when the power goes out, finding the problem and fixing it or calling in a crew.
At 2 a.m. you get a call that a neighborhood is dark. You drive your bucket truck around until you find a blown fuse on a pole, replace it, and the houses light up. Most days are a string of these puzzles across your district.
Estimated from BLS electrical power-line installers; overtime adds a lot.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Apprenticeship, about 4 years after high school. Journeyman lineworker card (3-4 year apprenticeship) plus several years of experience.
Ways in: Apprenticeship. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Electrical Lineworker Program (trade school).
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Electrical power-line installers and repairers.
Low risk for 10 years. Smart sensors point to the fault faster, but driving out at 2 a.m. to find and fix it alone stays human.
Classes: Physics, Electrical CTE class, Weight training.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-9051.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.