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Power Line Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Village of Winnetka

Electric Lineworker

Winnetka, IL

$138K - $143K/yr

Connect service drops between power line and customer. Install, remove, and wire transformer banks, traffic signals, and street light poles; connect street lights and traffic signals to power circuit.

Village of Winnetka, IL

Electric Lineworker

Winnetka, IL · On-site

$138K - $143K/yr

Line work includes identifying and repairing defective devices, conduits, cables, wires, transformers, circuit breakers, and switches; inspecting and testing power lines and auxiliary equipment ...

City of Chicago

LOAD DISPATCHER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$11K/mo

... power line or telecommunications line installer and repairer work experience Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are available: o Successful completion of a US ...

GFT.

Group Leader, Power

Chicago, IL

$140K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking a Transmission Line Engineering Group Leader to join our Power Business Group! This role would report to the Charlotte, NC, Roanoke, VA, Marlton, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA, St. Louis, MO ...

GFT.

Group Leader, Power

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking a Transmission Line Engineering Group Leader to join our Power Business Group! This role would report to the Charlotte, NC, Roanoke, VA, Marlton, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA, St. Louis, MO ...

GFT.

Group Leader, Power

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking a Transmission Line Engineering Group Leader to join our Power Business Group! This role would report to the Charlotte, NC, Roanoke, VA, Marlton, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA, St. Louis, MO ...

Qualus Corporation

Lead Relay Field Engineer

Virginia, IL · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Commission new substations, power equipment, relaying (electro-mechanical, solid state and microprocessor), pilot channel equipment (power line carrier, pilot wire, transfer, transfer trip, fiber ...

GFT.

Transmission Line Engineers

Chicago, IL

$90K - $125K/yr

Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting-edge projects that drive the future of ... As a Senior Transmission Line Engineer, you will lead and oversee transmission line project designs ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPower Line JobsPower Line Jobs in Illinois

Power Line information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do power line jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for power line in Illinois is $18.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a power line worker?

Power line workers, also known as lineworkers or linemen, are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair electrical power lines and related equipment. They work on both overhead and underground power lines to ensure the continuous and safe delivery of electricity to homes, businesses, and other facilities. Their job often involves working at heights, dealing with high-voltage electricity, and responding to emergencies such as storm damage or power outages. Power line workers must follow strict safety protocols and typically receive extensive training to handle the risks associated with their work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power line technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Line Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, climbing and rigging techniques, and typically a diploma or apprenticeship in electrical or power line technology. Familiarity with equipment such as bucket trucks, safety harnesses, and line testing tools, as well as OSHA safety certifications, is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set outstanding technicians apart. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, minimizing service disruptions, and ensuring the reliable delivery of electrical power.

What are some common challenges faced by power line workers, and how can they best prepare for them?

Power line workers often encounter challenges such as working at great heights, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and the need to handle live electrical wires safely. To prepare, it's important to undergo rigorous safety training, stay updated on the latest industry safety protocols, and maintain physical fitness. Teamwork is essential, as most tasks require close coordination with other crew members to ensure both efficiency and safety. Staying adaptable and vigilant helps manage unexpected situations, such as emergency repairs during storms or outages.

What is the difference between Power Line vs Electrician?

AspectPower LineElectrician
Required CredentialsLineworker certification, OSHA safety trainingElectrician license, technical training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, high voltage power lines, utility polesIndoor/outdoor, buildings, electrical systems
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, constructionResidential, commercial, industrial sectors
Common Search & ComparisonPower Line vs Electrician

Power Line workers primarily focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing high-voltage power lines outdoors, often working on utility poles. Electricians work on electrical systems within buildings, handling lower voltage systems. While both roles require electrical knowledge and safety training, Power Line workers specialize in outdoor, high-voltage environments, whereas Electricians work in indoor and outdoor settings on various electrical systems.

How to get into working on power lines?

To work on power lines, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in electrical work or lineman skills. Certifications such as OSHA safety training and climbing or equipment operation skills are also important, along with physical fitness and a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Power Line jobs in Illinois?

For Power Line jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Power Line jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Power Line jobs in Illinois are:

Power Line jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Line job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,613 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Assistant Civil Engineer - Underground Submarine Cables (Chicago)

Chicago, IL • On-site

Burns & McDonnell
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Burns & McDonnellexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Assistant Cables Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to assist project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects including underground, trenchless and/or submarine power cable lines. Cable lines may include low to medium voltage distribution and high voltage transmission. The Assistant Cables Engineer will work with the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting power line plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs.

  • Assists in the underground power line design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion, including electrical, civil and mechanical principles.
  • Assists with modifying and reviewing production drawings for various projects involving medium-to high-voltage (13-500kV) power lines.
  • Assists in designing power line components for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers, including plan and profile drawings, structure load diagrams and foundation drawings.
  • Applies basic knowledge of commonly used civil and electrical engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the civil and electrical engineering services industry.
  • Assists with research and compiles project-related data as required by the project managers. Assists with compiling studies and reports.
  • Assists with correcting and updating drawings provided by senior engineers to verify that corrections are made within multiple CAD-related software.
  • Assists with client presentations, shop drawing review, and contract administration for the design of medium to high voltage power lines.
  • Assists in performing field inspections, measurements or calculations for public and private clients.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.
  • Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program required or; 
  • Bachelor Degree in related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required. 
  • Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred. 
  • Basic knowledge of electrical power flow preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Basic distribution design software experience preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred. 
  • Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
  • Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.

  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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