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Energy Transmission and Distribution Workers


Overview

Energy Transmission and Distribution Workers

Introduction

Energy transmission and distribution workers are employed in the electric light and power industry. They operate and maintain power-regulating equipment and networks of high-voltage power lines that send electricity from power plants to domestic, industrial, and commercial users. Approximately 53,000 power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers and 54,925 electrical power-line installers and repairers are employed in the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$85,000

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma
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Experience

On-the-job training/experience and/or an apprenticeship required
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Skills

Math
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Personality Traits

Hands On
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Earnings

Earnings of energy transmission and distribution workers vary considerably depending on specific job responsibilities, length of service with the company, geographic region, and other factors.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that median annual earnings of power plant operators were $79,610 in May 2018. The top 10 percent earned $106,650 or more and the lowest 10 percent earned...

Work Environment

Workers who install and repair electric power lines encounter a variety of conditions on the job. They often work outdoors in all kinds of weather. They may have to climb to high places or work in awkward positions, such as stooped over in damp underground tunnels. They may have to lift heavy cables. As they work, they must always be aware of safety issues and follow procedures that minimize th...

Outlook

Employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to decline 6 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL reports that "due to advances in smart grid technology, some tasks that dispatchers perform can be automated, such as rerouting power during an outage. However, some distributors and dispatchers will still be needed to manage...