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Energy & Utilities career
Substation Technician
Also called: Relay Technician · Substation Electrician · Powerhouse Electrician · Protection and Control Technician
What substation technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a substation technician do?
Electrical and electronics repairers for powerhouses, substations and relays inspect, test, repair and maintain transformers, breakers, relays and control systems. The median pay is $103,020 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years + experience, and employment is projected to grow +9.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$103,020$49.53/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+9.7%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year1,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 years + experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs20,900Employment, 2025
What substation technicians do
Substation technicians keep the grid’s switching yards working. They test and maintain transformers, circuit breakers and switches, calibrate protective relays that detect faults, troubleshoot control and communication systems, and commission new equipment. Relay techs specialize in protection systems that keep faults from spreading.
Most technicians complete a postsecondary electrical or electronics program and several years of on-the-job training or apprenticeship. Employment is projected to grow faster than average as the grid is upgraded, and pay is high.
Typical duties
- Test and maintain transformers and breakers
- Calibrate and test protective relays
- Troubleshoot control and communication systems
- Commission new equipment
- Perform switching and grounding
- Read schematics and drawings
- Document tests and repairs
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work outdoors in substations and indoors in control houses, around high voltage, in all weather.
Schedule: Most work full-time days with on-call duty and storm work.
A day in the life
- Hold a tailboard briefing at the substation.
- Verify the clearance and apply grounds.
- Test a circuit breaker’s timing.
- Calibrate a relay with a test set.
See a full day in the life of a substation technician →
Substation Technician salary
Half of substation technicians earned more than $103,020 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $65,730 for the lowest 10% to $129,920 for the top 10%.
Full substation technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a substation technician
- Study electrical or electronics technology
- Get hired as an apprentice
- Learn testing and switching
- Earn certifications
- Advance
A postsecondary electrical or electronics certificate or degree is typical, plus years of on-the-job training or apprenticeship.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a substation technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Electrical theory
- Relay testing
- Breaker and transformer maintenance
- Schematic reading
- SCADA and communications
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Safety focus
- Teamwork
All substation technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay
- Faster-than-average growth
- Technical, problem-solving work
- Grid modernization opportunities
Cons
- High-voltage hazards
- On-call and storm work
- Outdoor weather exposure
- Long training
Certifications and licenses
- NETA Level III or IV technician: Electrical testing certification.
- Utility apprenticeship: Journeyman substation or relay tech.
- NFPA 70E training: Electrical safety.
- Relay manufacturer training: Such as SEL University.
Career path
- Apprentice: Learn substation work.
- Substation Technician: Maintain equipment.
- Relay or Protection Specialist: Specialize.
- Supervisor or Engineer Tech Lead: Lead teams.
Learn the job before day one
Our Substation Technician training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as test a protective relay and apply safety grounds, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Substation Technician vs. Lineworker · Substation Technician vs. Electrician · Substation Technician vs. Power Dispatcher · Substation Technician vs. Electronics Technician
Substation Technician FAQ
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.
Do substation techs need a degree?
A postsecondary certificate or degree is typical.
Is the work dangerous?
High voltage is dangerous, managed with strict procedures.
How much does a substation technician make?
The median annual wage for substation technicians was $103,020 ($49.53 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $65,730 and the highest 10% earned more than $129,920.
How long does it take to become a substation technician?
Most people need about 1–2 years + experience of training. A postsecondary electrical or electronics certificate or degree is typical, plus years of on-the-job training or apprenticeship.
Do you need a degree to be a substation technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More substation technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-2095 (Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.