Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Telecommunications Lineworker
What telecommunications lineworkers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Hold a tailboard meeting and load the truck. From there, the day usually includes install aerial and underground cable, splice and test fiber optics, and climb poles and use bucket trucks. Most work full-time with overtime, on-call duty and storm work.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a telecommunications lineworker working full time.
- Hold a tailboard meeting and load the truck.
- Set up traffic control at the job site.
- Lash fiber cable to a strand from a bucket truck.
- Splice fiber in a closure.
- Test splices with an OTDR.
- Repair a cable damaged by a fallen limb.
- Clean up and log work.
Where telecommunications lineworkers work
Lineworkers work outdoors at heights, in trenches and in vehicles, in all weather.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time with overtime, on-call duty and storm work.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Install aerial and underground cable
- Splice and test fiber optics
- Climb poles and use bucket trucks
- Repair damaged lines
- Install network equipment
- Locate and mark utilities
- Restore service after storms
Tools you’ll use every day
- Bucket trucks
- Fusion splicers
- OTDR testers
- Climbing gear
- Cable placers
- Locating equipment
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Good pay without a degree
- Fiber skills in demand
- Outdoor, active work
- Paid training
What’s hard
- Heights and weather
- Storm and on-call work
- Physical demands
- Employment projected to decline overall
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like working outdoors
- I’m comfortable at heights
- I want good pay without a degree
- I like technology
- I can handle storm work
- I like team crews
Not sure? Take the free Telecommunications Lineworker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Keep clearance from power lines
- Use fall protection
- Set up proper traffic control
- Call 811 before digging