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Powerline Installer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Powerline Installer information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$71

How much do powerline installer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for powerline installer in California is $27.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a powerline installer?

Powerline installers, also known as lineworkers or electrical linemen, are skilled technicians who install, maintain, and repair electrical power transmission and distribution systems. Their work involves setting up and maintaining the poles, wires, and related equipment that deliver electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. Powerline installers often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may need to respond to emergencies, especially after storms or natural disasters. This job requires a good understanding of electrical systems, safety practices, and the ability to work at heights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powerline installer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Powerline Installer, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by apprenticeships or vocational training. Familiarity with tools like voltmeters, hydraulic presses, bucket trucks, and safety equipment, as well as relevant OSHA certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a commitment to safety are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, reliable installation and maintenance of powerlines, which directly impacts public safety and the electrical grid.

What are some common safety challenges faced by powerline installers and how are they addressed on the job?

Powerline Installers frequently work at significant heights and near high-voltage electrical lines, which presents unique safety challenges. To address these risks, strict adherence to safety protocols such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), following lockout/tagout procedures, and participating in regular safety training is essential. Teams often conduct daily safety briefings and rely on strong communication to ensure everyone is aware of hazards and emergency procedures. Employers typically provide specialized equipment and enforce compliance with OSHA and industry standards to minimize accidents and injuries on the job.

What is the difference between Powerline Installer vs Lineman?

AspectPowerline InstallerLineman
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, possibly apprenticeshipHigh school diploma, apprenticeship, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on utility poles, underground linesOutdoor, on utility poles, high-voltage lines
Industry UsageUtility companies, construction projectsUtility companies, electrical contractors
Job FocusInstalling and maintaining power linesInstalling, repairing, and maintaining power and communication lines

Powerline Installers primarily focus on installing new power lines and ensuring proper setup, while Linemen handle both installation and repair of existing lines, often working on higher-voltage systems. Both roles require safety training and work outdoors, but Linemen typically have more advanced certifications and responsibilities.

How much do powerline installers make?

Powerline installers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, with experienced workers and those in certain regions earning higher. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the installation environment.

How much money do people who work on power lines make?

Powerline installers and repairers typically earn a median annual wage of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. The job often requires working outdoors, climbing poles or towers, and handling high-voltage equipment, which can influence pay rates.

How to become a powerline installer?

To become a powerline installer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Skills in climbing, electrical systems, and safety procedures are essential, and some states require specific certifications or licenses to work on electrical lines. Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Powerline Installer jobs in California?

For Powerline Installer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Powerline Installer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Powerline Installer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Powerline Installer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Powerline Installer job openings:

Powerline Installer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Powerline Installer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,482 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Electric Powerline Inspector

RennickBarrett Recruiting, INC

El Centro, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

This is a twelve (12) month contract assignment
OVERVIEW:
Experience required:
  • Four years of electrical, power line construction, line equipment operations or field electrical engineering experience and qualified Lineman Journeyman
  • OR: 48 months of validated line construction work experience and a minimum score of 80% on the District Lineman Journeyman test.
  • OR: Eight years' experience with electric line construction experience including operating electric line trucks, buckets trucks and auxiliary equipment.
DUTIES:
  • Electric Powerline Inspector will validate the current data and performance and efficacy of Construction Inspection of the Pole Replacement Program, Pole Reinforcement Program and Pole Attachment Projects of the District.
  • Validate the GIS data for Transmission Lines (Installation date, manufacturing date, etc.) review and approval Pole Replacement Installation on the field, Review, equipment specification, transmission construction guidelines.
  • Patrols and inspects underground and overhead distribution system for physical defects, irregularities and hazardous conditions; opens vaults, switches, padmount transformers and other facilities to identify electrical lines and location as directed. 
  • Inspects the need for tree trimming for electric transmission system; maintains related records. 
  • Maintains records and logs of activities in the field and meets with supervisor to discuss field related matters; writes periodic reports of observations; prepares notations and rough sketches of infractions, defects and changes; and requests a maintenance crew as needed. 
  • Prepares work service on repairs or replacement of equipment regarding transmission or distribution system; notifies power dispatcher on major repairs. 
MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • May open and close switches as directed by supervisory personnel. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
Education:
  • High school equivalency with supplemental college courses in principles of electricity and mathematics.
  • Four years of electrical, power line construction, line equipment operations or field electrical engineering experience and qualified Lineman Journeyman or 48 months of validated line construction work experience and a minimum score of 80% on the District Lineman Journeyman test.
  • OR Eight years' of electric line construction experience including operating electric line trucks, buckets trucks and auxiliary equipment.   
Licensing:
A valid driver's license issued by the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles, is required. 
A valid California Class "A" driver license may be required, as determined by supervision for specified employees in this classification.