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$5

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$19

How much do underground cable jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground cable in the United States is $16.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in underground cable installation and maintenance?

Professionals in underground cable installation and maintenance often face challenges such as working in confined spaces, dealing with unexpected obstacles like rocks or existing utilities, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Weather conditions and ground moisture can also complicate excavation and cable laying processes. Teamwork is essential, as the role typically involves close collaboration with engineers, safety officers, and other utility workers to ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Underground Cable vs Overhead Line Worker?

AspectUnderground CableOverhead Line Worker
CertificationsElectrical licenses, safety trainingElectrical licenses, safety training
Work EnvironmentUnderground, confined spacesAbove ground, outdoor
Industry UsageUtility companies, telecommunicationsUtility companies, power distribution
Job FocusInstalling, maintaining underground cablesInstalling, repairing overhead power lines

Underground Cable workers focus on installing and maintaining cables beneath the ground, often requiring specialized safety and electrical certifications. Overhead Line Workers operate on above-ground power lines, working outdoors in various weather conditions. Both roles are essential in utility infrastructure but differ mainly in work environment and specific tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground cable technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Cable Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, cable installation techniques, and safety regulations, usually supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with cable locators, fusion splicers, trenching equipment, and GIS mapping systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient installation and maintenance of underground cable systems, minimizing service disruptions and safety risks.

What are underground cables?

Underground cables are electrical power or communication cables that are installed below the ground surface, rather than being strung overhead on poles. They are used to transmit electricity or data while being protected from weather, accidents, and vandalism. These cables are commonly found in urban areas, airports, and places where overhead lines are impractical or undesirable. Underground cables help improve the reliability and aesthetics of power and communication networks, but they can be more expensive to install and repair compared to overhead lines.

Is there a demand for underground cable technicians?

Underground cable technicians are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for installing, maintaining, and repairing underground electrical and communication systems. The job often requires knowledge of safety protocols, specialized tools, and certifications, and employment opportunities are typically available in utility companies, construction firms, and telecommunications providers.
More about Underground Cable jobs
What cities are hiring for Underground Cable jobs? Cities with the most Underground Cable job openings:
What states have the most Underground Cable jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Cable jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Underground Cable jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Cable jobs are:
Underground Cable jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Cable job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,666 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Estimator - Michels Underground Cable, Inc

Michels Corporation

Milwaukee, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Installing underground cables for power transmission, power distribution, renewable energy and communication networks is a necessary step in hardening the electrical grid, delivering reliable communication networks, and integrating renewable energy into our existing systems. Michels Underground Cable, Inc. is one of the most trusted underground line and duct bank contractors in the United States. We do it all - from directly burying or installing protective casing for solid and stranded conductors and copper, fiber optic and coaxial cable. Our work improves lives. Find out how a career at Michels Underground Cable, Inc. can change yours.

As an Estimator, your key responsibilities will be to evaluate bid specifications and drawings, ensuring that we know everything required to successfully bid and win the project. Follow-up with subcontractors to ensure that bids are received, and work with the Project Management teams to follow-up on bids and budgets to close the business. Critical for success are the abilities to produce highly accurate work in a timely manner, maintain strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Communication skills, both oral and written, are a must. A strong understanding and being comfortable working with numbers has been a key success to this role.

Why Michels Underground Cable, Inc.?

  • Customers trust us to build cables that will be out of sight, but in high demand
  • Our steady, strategic growth revolves around a commitment to quality
  • We are family owned and operated
  • We invest an average of $5,000 per employee on training each year 
  • We perform challenging, meaningful work that improves the world
  • We believe everyone is responsible for promoting safety, regardless of job title
  • We are a part of the Michels family of companies - one of North America's largest, most diversified energy and infrastructure contractors
  • We offer a comprehensive benefits program, including Health, Dental, Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) plan, Legal Plan, and Identity Theft and Monitoring Plan.  Depending on your positions and location you may participate in a different benefit plan. 

Why you?

  • You want to do your best work with the best crews
  • You relish new challenges and evolving technology
  • You pride yourself in exceeding expectations
  • You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated
  • You believe that individual commitment to a group effort is key to success
  • You want your work to make a difference in people's lives

What it takes?

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering and 3-5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of both
  • Estimating experience or exposure to the electrical/utility industry
  • Must possess a valid driver license for the type(s) of vehicles which may be driven and an acceptable driving record
  • Solid Microsoft Office experience, with advanced knowledge of Excel
  • Ability to travel 25% of the time 

Apply