Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Electrical Lineworker
What electrical lineworkers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Tailboard briefing: review the job, hazards, energy sources and minimum approach distances. From there, the day usually includes install and maintain overhead and underground power lines, climb poles and operate bucket trucks and digger derricks, and replace transformers, insulators, crossarms and conductors. Full-time with frequent overtime. On-call rotations and storm duty can mean long shifts, nights, weekends and travel to other states for mutual aid.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an electrical lineworker working full time.
- Tailboard briefing: review the job, hazards, energy sources and minimum approach distances.
- Inspect rubber gloves, sleeves and fall protection, then set up the work zone with cones and signs.
- Replace a damaged crossarm from the bucket using insulated tools and cover-up.
- Set a new pole with the digger derrick and frame it for a three-phase extension.
- Pull in and sag new conductors to specification.
- Complete paperwork and clean up the site.
- Get called out for a storm outage: patrol the line, find a broken pole and begin restoration.
Where electrical lineworkers work
Lineworkers work outdoors in all weather, at heights and around high-voltage electricity. They often travel for storm restoration and may work long, irregular hours during emergencies. The work is physically demanding and requires strict safety discipline.
Hours and schedule
Full-time with frequent overtime. On-call rotations and storm duty can mean long shifts, nights, weekends and travel to other states for mutual aid.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Install and maintain overhead and underground power lines
- Climb poles and operate bucket trucks and digger derricks
- Replace transformers, insulators, crossarms and conductors
- Restore power after storms and emergencies
- Follow switching orders and isolate and ground lines
- Inspect and test lines and equipment
- Trim or coordinate vegetation clearance near lines
Tools you’ll use every day
- Bucket trucks and digger derricks
- Hot sticks and insulated tools
- Rubber insulating gloves, sleeves and cover-up
- Climbing gaffs and fall-restriction devices
- Voltage detectors and personal protective grounds
- Hydraulic tools and compression presses
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Excellent pay without a four-year degree
- Paid apprenticeship training
- Essential work keeping the power on
- Strong demand from grid upgrades and storm restoration
What’s hard
- High-hazard work with electrocution and fall risks
- Long hours and travel during storms
- Physically demanding in extreme weather
- Requires a multi-year apprenticeship
You’ll likely thrive if…
- Heights don’t bother me
- I can follow strict safety procedures every single time
- I’m physically strong and like demanding work
- I’m willing to work storms, nights and travel
- I want high pay without a four-year degree
- I trust and support my crew
Not sure? Take the free Electrical Lineworker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Maintain minimum approach distances and use properly rated rubber goods
- Treat all lines as energized until tested and grounded
- Use fall protection when climbing and working aloft
- Follow switching, clearance and lockout procedures exactly