Substation Technician Jobs
Build and test substations that connect solar, storage and data centers to the grid, among the best-paid electrical specialties.
Where would you land?
Pick your trade, state, experience and credentials. See what workers like you make, and what your next credential is worth.
Here's where the trade pays. Our job is getting you to the top of it.
Substation Technician · All states
Add your state, years and credentials, then tap Show my estimate for your own number.
We partner with clients who value skilled, certified workers and pay for experience. Government data shows the range. We match you to the jobs that reward what you bring, and you see every rate before you accept.
Government data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025, all employers. Not a job offer or a SiteWorker rate.
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What substation technicians earn, state by state
Public government data shows how far skills and certifications can take you in this trade. We work with clients who pay for skill and experience.
Across the U.S.
Typical substation technician pay ranges from $36/hr (Nevada) to $63/hr (Oregon). Pick your state to see its full range.
BLS title: Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates (released April 2026). Hourly wages across all employers in each state, rounded to the nearest dollar. These are government figures, not SiteWorker pay or bill rates.
How to move up
- 1Start on substation build crews
- 2Earn NETA ETT Level II and relay experience
- 3Move to Level III/IV, lead tech or commissioning
SiteWorker looks at the skills and certifications that would move you up when we vet you, and points you to on-the-job training and certifications clients ask for. Clients filter for top-rated workers. A strong rating keeps you in front of them.
How upskilling worksPrevailing wage: On Davis-Bacon and prevailing-wage jobs, the minimum rate for your classification is set by the wage determination for that county and type of project, and it can be higher than these state figures. SiteWorker handles the certified payroll. How prevailing wage works.
What you'll do
- Equipment installation. Breakers, switches, CTs, PTs and relay panels.
- Control wiring. Panel wiring and terminations to schematics.
- Grounding grids. Ground grid connections and testing.
- Relay and protection support. Supporting relay testing and settings checks.
- Testing. Insulation, contact resistance and functional tests.
- Switching procedures. Working under the site's switching and lockout rules.
Credentials that raise your pay
- NETA Electrical Testing Technician (ETT)
- NFPA 70E Arc Flash Safety
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
- Journeyman electrician license (where required)
Questions, Answered
How much do substation technicians make?
The chart on this page shows public government pay data for the trade in every state. SiteWorker works with clients who pay for skill and experience. Your rate depends on your credentials, experience and the job, and every job shows its rate before you accept.
How do I move up?
Start on substation build crews. Earn NETA ETT Level II and relay experience. Move to Level III/IV, lead tech or commissioning.
Where are the jobs?
SiteWorker staffs projects nationwide. Apply once and a recruiter matches you to open jobs. Some jobs include travel and per diem.
Do some jobs include per diem or travel?
Some jobs include per diem and travel. It's listed on each job posting.
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