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Electrical Power Lineman, Lineman
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In general, powerline technicians:
When there is a power disturbance, failure or storm damage, powerline technicians locate the source of the problem and replace or repair defective power lines and accessories. They use wiring diagrams, voltage indicating devices and other electrical testing instruments to identify defective automatic sectionalizing devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, switches, relays or wiring.
Powerline technicians work outdoors and travel to various work sites so travelling often is part of the workday.
The work may be strenuous and require carrying, reaching, and frequent lifting of over 25 kilograms. Getting to power lines requires climbing poles or towers, working from a bucket attached to an aerial lift boom, or entering confined spaces such as manholes and underground vaults.
Although a 40-hour week is normal, it may be shift work. In emergencies, linemen may be called upon at any hour and in any weather.
Power lines may be de-energized and grounded or they may remain energized while power linemen are working. Powerline technicians use special equipment and get training in safe work practices and procedures to reduce the risk of injury when working with energized power lines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to splice, solder and insulate conductors and related wiring in order to connect power distribution and transmission networks using splicing tools, related electrical equipment and tools
Interest in compiling information to install and maintain street lighting systems; and in inspecting and testing overhead and underground power lines and cables and auxiliary equipment using electrical testing equipment
Interest in speaking with other workers to co-ordinate the preparation for and completion of assignments
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Powerline technicians need:
They should enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 23 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 16, 2021 and Apr 13, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 17 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 17 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 15 |
| Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints | 15 |
| Tasks: Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems | 15 |
| Tasks: Splice, solder and insulate conductors and related wiring to connect power distribution and transmission networks | 15 |
| Tasks: Communicate with other workers to co-ordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments | 14 |
| Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed | 13 |
| Tasks: Erect and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers and guy wires | 13 |
| Health benefits: Disability benefits | 12 |
To work in Alberta, a powerline technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of:
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Powerline technician apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Powerline technicians construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Powerline Technician.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Powerline technicians are employed by utility companies and their contractors. In some companies, powerline technicians must be union members.
Experienced powerline technicians may advance to lead hand, foreman or line supervisor positions. Other opportunities in the power line industry may also include work methods specialist, design and quality control analyst and safety codes officer.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7244: Electrical power line and cable workers occupational group, 88.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7244: Electrical power line and cable workers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 76 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson powerline technicians wage rates vary but generally range from $40 to $60 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn a minimum of 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their shop in the first year, 60% in the second, 67.5% in the third and 75% in the fourth.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $34.00 | $47.28 | $40.68 | $35.63 |
| Overall | $36.00 | $59.43 | $49.55 | $48.46 |
| Top | $48.00 | $60.00 | $54.44 | $57.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $105,237 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $92,785 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
