Installation & Repair · SOC 49-9051
Line work is physically dangerous and safety-critical — AI can optimize coordination and testing but cannot climb poles or splice wire.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Grid expansion for electrification and renewables is driving strong demand for line workers through 2035; AI improves coordination but cannot perform the physical field work.
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$53,990 median pay
$37,120 median pay
$74,690 median pay
$59,810 median pay
$63,760 median pay
AI job-risk card
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers is 22/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
22 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Work assignment coordination and scheduling, Conductor testing and circuit tracing using diagnostic tools, Splicing documentation and connection verification. Harder to automate: Driving to and working at remote or elevated job sites, De-energizing lines and grounding for safety, Physical installation of cables, transformers, and switches, Emergency storm-damage response and restoration.
Lean into Smart grid and SCADA system awareness, High-voltage safety and OSHA 1910.269 compliance, Renewable energy interconnection (solar, wind), Underground cable installation and splicing. Consider roles such as Electrical grid operations supervisor or Utility project estimator or Substation technician.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.