Employment of line installers and repairers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by specialty.
Employment of telecommunications line installers and repairers is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024. As the population grows and customers increasingly demand enhanced connectivity, installers will continue to build out and provide newer and faster telephone, cable, and Internet services. However, growth may be limited because many households already have access to high speed Internet.
Employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be largely due to the growing population and expansion of cities. With each new housing development or office park, new electric power lines are installed and will require maintenance. In addition, the interstate power grid will continue to grow in complexity to ensure reliability.
Job Prospects
Good job opportunities are expected overall. Highly skilled workers with apprenticeship training or a 2-year associate's degree in telecommunications, electronics, or electricity should have the best job opportunities.
Employment opportunities should be particularly good for electrical power-line installers and repairers, as workers in this field retire or leave the occupation for another job.
Line Installers and Repairers
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Electrical power-line installers and repairers
11%
Total, all occupations
7%
Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations
6%
Line installers and repairers
6%
Telecommunications line installers and repairers
1%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program