NOC 2021 · 72203 · TEER 2
NOC 72203: Electrical power line and cable workers
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Electrical power line and cable workers construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. They are employed by electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies, electrical contractors and public utility commissions. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
TEER
TEER 2
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work
Median wage (Canada)
$46.00 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 2
+40 CRS for Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 72203 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: eligible occupationNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 72203 is in tier 2 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +40 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 70 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 72203 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems including overhead and underground power lines and cables, insulators, conductors, lightning arrestors, switches, transformers and other associated equipment
- Erect and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers and guy wires
- Splice, solder and insulate conductors and related wiring to connect power distribution and transmission networks using splicing tools, related electrical equipment and tools
- Inspect and test overhead and underground power lines and cables and auxiliary equipment using electrical test equipment
- Climb ladders or operate hydraulic buckets when working aloft on poles and towers, or work in confined spaces such as trenches and tunnels to install power lines and cables and associated equipment
- Install and maintain street lighting systems
- Communicate with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- apprentice lineman/woman - electric power systems
- cable installer - electrical power
- cable splicer - electrical power
- construction lineman/woman - electrical power line
- power line patroller
- power lineman/woman
- powerline technician
All 62 job titles in NOC 72203
- apprentice line maintainer - electric power systems
- apprentice lineman/woman - electric power systems
- apprentice power line repairer
- assistant transmission lineman/woman - electric power systems
- cable installer - electric power systems
- cable installer - electrical power
- cable installer and repairer - electric power systems
- cable jointer - electric power systems
- cable line worker - electric power systems
- cable repairer - electric power systems
- cable splicer - electric power systems
- cable splicer - electrical power
- cableman/woman - electric power systems
- conduit installer - electric power systems
- construction lineman/woman - electric power systems
- construction lineman/woman - electrical power line
- distribution construction lineman
- electric meter installer - electric power systems
- electric meter setter - electric power systems
- electrical cable splicer - electric power systems
- emergency line repairer - electric power systems
- emergency servicer - electric power systems
- high voltage lineman/linewoman
- high voltage lineman/woman - electric power systems
- high-voltage maintenance lineman/woman
- high-voltage power line patroller - electric power systems
- high-voltage tower lineman/woman
- lead lineman/woman - electric power systems
- lead lineman/woman - electricity production and transmission
- lead splicer - electric power systems
- line checker - electric power systems
- line installation trainee - electric power systems
- line maintainer - electric power systems
- line patroller - electric power systems
- line repairer - electric power systems
- line servicer - electric power systems
- lineman/woman - electric power systems
- lineman/woman - electric streetcar
- lineman/woman trainee - electric power systems
- lineman/woman trainee - electricity production and transmission
- lineworker - electrical power systems
- maintenance lineman/woman - electric power systems
- meter installer - electric power systems
- power line maintainer - electric power systems
- power line patroller
- power line repairer - electric power systems
- power lineman/woman
- power lineman/woman - electricity production and transmission
- powerline technician
- repair lineman/woman - electric power systems
- service lineman/woman - electric power systems
- streetlight repairer
- streetlight repairer - electric power systems
- streetlight serviceman/woman - electric power systems
- streetlight servicer - electric power systems
- tower line maintainer - electric power systems
- tower lineman/woman - electric power systems
- traffic light repairer
- transmission lineman/woman - electric power systems
- underground cable splicer - electric power systems
- underground lineman/woman - electric power systems
- wire splicer - electric power systems
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a provincial three- or four-year lineman/woman apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in electrical technology is usually required for electrical power line and cable workers.
- Trade certification for powerline technicians is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- Trade certification for powerline technicians (construction) is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Trade certification for distribution construction linemen/women is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified powerline technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional information
- The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
- Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 72203 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $28.40 | $46.00 | $62.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.50 | $44.00 | $50.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $27.00 | $42.00 | $45.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $29.61 | $51.35 | $70.79 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| New Brunswick | $31.41 | $47.26 | $65.44 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Quebec | $30.90 | $42.49 | $49.20 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $29.70 | $45.00 | $62.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $27.40 | $47.00 | $55.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $35.00 | $47.85 | $62.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $31.75 | $55.00 | $67.31 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $32.00 | $50.00 | $63.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Ontario, Saskatchewan.
GoodOntario
The employment outlook will be Good for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
Electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies
Construction, especially electrical contractors
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Investments in modernizing the utility grid and ongoing pole replacement activities
Healthy levels of construction also bode well for these workers
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
There is one voluntary skilled trade associated with this occupation in Ontario, namely, Powerline Technician
Training or completion of an apprenticeship is usually required.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in Ontario:
Approximately 5,950 people work in this occupation.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 66%
Construction (NAICS 23): 27%
75% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of electrical power line and cable workers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 9% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 46% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 40% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
GoodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Good for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 850 people work in this occupation.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 65%
Construction (NAICS 23): 28%
75% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of electrical power line and cable workers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 12% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 77% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Moderate for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 56%
Construction (NAICS 23): 40%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
69% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 81% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Electrical power line and cable workers is one of the trades that is expected to experience a worsening shortage of workers over the next several years, as retirements outnumber the number of new entrants.
Nova Scotia Power is the major employer of workers in this occupation and requires applicants to have an Inter-Provincial Red Seal Powerline Technician Certificate. The utility also has a 3.5-year Power Line Technician Apprenticeship program.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 61%
Construction (NAICS 23): 36%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations
63% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 37% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of electrical power line and cable workers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 51% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 37% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in New Brunswick:
Approximately 500 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 69%
Construction (NAICS 23): 30%
68% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 32% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 12% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 53% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateQuebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in Quebec:
Approximately 2,800 people work in this occupation.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 64%
Construction (NAICS 23): 26%
66% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 34% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of electrical power line and cable workers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 75% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in Alberta:
Approximately 1,850 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 51%
Construction (NAICS 23): 39%
76% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of electrical power line and cable workers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 10% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 67% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
LimitedManitoba
The employment outlook will be Limited for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in Manitoba:
Approximately 800 people work in this occupation.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 81%
Construction (NAICS 23): 19%
86% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of electrical power line and cable workers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 64% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
LimitedBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Limited for electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 72203) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about electrical power line and cable workers in British Columbia:
Approximately 1,900 people work in this occupation.
Electrical power line and cable workers mainly work in the following sectors:
Utilities (NAICS 22): 67%
Construction (NAICS 23): 30%
75% of electrical power line and cable workers work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of electrical power line and cable workers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 72% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
UndeterminedPrince Edward Island
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 72203 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 72011 Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- 72202 Power system electricians
- 72204 Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
Same occupation group
Technical electrical trades and electrical power line and telecommunications workers
- 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72201 Industrial electricians
- 72202 Power system electricians
- 72204 Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
- 72205 Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
Questions
NOC 72203: common questions
What is the NOC code for electrical power line and cable workers?
What TEER category is NOC 72203?
Is NOC 72203 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72203 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72203 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 72203 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 7Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupationsBroad Category
- 72Technical trades and transportation officers and controllersMajor Group
- 722Technical electrical tradesSub-major Group
- 7220Technical electrical trades and electrical power line and telecommunications workersMinor Group
- 72203Electrical power line and cable workers
Enquiry
Is NOC 72203 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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