Dixie, I represented PA Power and Light in their workers' compensation cases, and I can attest that you have one of the most physically demanding and high-risk jobs out there. It's not just the exposure to nasty elements and high voltage or heights, but there are many injuries from the repetitive use of hand tools to cut lines while wearing the insulated gloves. I was surprised when I first discovered how much force is needed just to use the hand cutters.

Also, the hours are necessarily difficult, and when you're called in at 2 am, you have to report or risk losing your job. And linemen I know also have to report to jobs out-of-state after ice storms/hurricanes/other disasters cause widespread havoc.

There's no doubt that you earn every dollar you get.