Overall employment of line installers and repairers is expected to grow 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Employment of telecommunications line installers and repairers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2010 to 2020, as fast as the average for all occupations. As the population grows, installers will continue to be needed to provide new telephone, cable, and Internet services for new construction. In addition, the growth of the Internet will require more long-distance fiber-optic lines, including interstate and undersea cables.
Employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers is expected to grow 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As with telecommunications line installers and repairers, employment growth will be largely due to the growing population and expansion of cities. With each new housing development or office park, new lines are installed and will require maintenance. In addition, the interstate power grid will continue to grow in complexity to ensure reliability.
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 many workers in this field are expected to retire.
Because of layoffs in the 1990s, more of the electrical power industry is near retirement age than in most industries. This is of special concern for electrical line workers who must be in good physical shape and cannot necessarily put off retirement.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition