Work
Line workers are responsible for the maintenance of power lines and telecommunications systems. They typically work in small crews and their main responsibility is to ensure that power lines remain up and running. This means they are often exposed to inclement weather conditions, but also that they can work in a variety of industries, not just power companies.
Given the training requirements, there is currently a demand for line workers in every state and nearly every city across the country.
Utilities and Telecoms
There are many companies that hire line workers in Colorado: Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy, Comcast and AT&T.
These companies connect to each other and use the same construction projects to build new lines. This makes it easy for linemen to work for multiple different companies simultaneously without having to travel far distances.
If you’re interested in a career as a line worker in Colorado, the first step is becoming an Apprentice Lineman (ALM). There are two ways of doing this: either through a formal apprenticeship program or by going through an ALM training school while working at your company’s warehouse or office.
Training
Training and apprenticeships.
Most new line workers begin their careers by completing a formal training program, which can be offered through community colleges and technical schools or through utility companies themselves. Training programs provide classroom instruction and hands-on experience in basic electrical theory, blueprint reading, cable splicing, pole climbing and equipment operation. They usually last six months to one year, though some can be longer depending on the level of certification they confer.
While some training programs require applicants to have earned a high school diploma or GED certificate, others have no formal education requirements. All require applicants to pass an entrance exam that measures their aptitude related to electricity and other relevant topics. Some programs are tuition-free; others charge students a fee that is reimbursed upon completion of the program if they choose to work for that company.
Apprenticeships are another way aspiring line workers can get started in this field. Apprenticeships take four years to complete but combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced line workers—an invaluable resource for learning how to do the job correctly and safely
Apprenticeship
Line workers do more than just work on power lines. They are also responsible for operating and maintaining telecommunications systems. If a cable or phone line goes down, it’s up to the line worker to fix it or relay where the problem is located so that help can be sent. In some medium-sized towns, one crew of linemen is responsible for fixing all of the problems in town, which means they may have to repair a power pole one day and then go underground to fix a phone line issue the next. Most linemen are employed by utilities companies like Xcel Energy, but some find jobs with telecom companies as well.
With so much growth happening in every state of the union, there’s a lot of demand for skilled workers across the nation. Line workers don’t need an apprenticeship program in order to get their start—they can jump right into this career path after high school if they want to. However, going through an apprenticeship will allow them not only to get hands-on experience with real projects, but they’ll also learn important job safety techniques that will keep them safe while working on energized equipment at high voltages (upwards of 500kV).
Community College
Community colleges offer apprenticeships that enable you to work while earning credits towards a bachelor’s degree. These programs can take four years or longer to complete, but the benefit of focusing on your education and training at the same time is that you start earning money sooner. The cost will vary depending on your state and program, but it is generally less expensive than attending a four-year college right away. In some cases, companies will even pay for all or part of your community college tuition in exchange for a commitment to stay with their company after graduation. Check with your local community college for availability and details.
Salary
As a line worker in Colorado, you’ll bring in an average salary of $47,540. The range is as high as $64,000 and as low as $35,000.
To increase your chances of getting a higher salary:
- Be willing to travel.
- Keep up with all the latest trends in technology that are relevant to the job requirement.
Career Outlook
Opportunities abound for utility line workers thanks to the high number of retirements in the field in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that 44 percent of all line workers are eligible to retire within the next decade, which is great news if you’re looking for a new career or a change from your current job. There’s a shortage of qualified workers entering into this field, so having the right skills and education means you’ll be in demand both now and in the future.
The BLS reports that electricity-related jobs are expected to increase by 14 percent through 2026, which is much faster than average growth for all occupations. That’s due mostly to an aging workforce as well as an increasing need for upgrades and maintenance on existing power lines and electrical grids across the country. The energy industry is booming nationwide, with Colorado being one of many states with plenty of opportunities available now and in the future.
A line worker career is a great opportunity to earn a living while helping your community.
A line worker career is a great opportunity to earn a living while helping your community. Some of the benefits of working in this industry include:
- Good pay and benefits
- Training opportunities
- Job security (especially in high-demand areas)
- A respected career with stable employment opportunities
- Great for people who like to work outdoors (although there are also many indoor positions available)
Some of the companies that employ line workers in Colorado include Xcel Energy, Centerpoint Energy and CenturyLink.