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Apprentice System Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

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Apprentice System Operator information

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$13

$20

$29

How much do apprentice system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice system operator in Pennsylvania is $20.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice system operator?

An Apprentice System Operator is an entry-level position in the energy or utility sector, where individuals learn how to monitor, control, and maintain the operation of electrical power systems under the supervision of experienced system operators. Apprentices receive hands-on training and classroom instruction to understand grid operations, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. Their goal is to gain the knowledge and skills needed to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity and, eventually, qualify for a full System Operator role.

How does an apprentice system operator typically collaborate with senior operators and other departments during their training period?

As an Apprentice System Operator, you'll work closely with experienced system operators who provide guidance and on-the-job training. Collaboration often involves shadowing senior staff during shift operations, participating in real-time problem solving, and attending cross-departmental meetings to understand system reliability and communication protocols. You'll also interact with maintenance, engineering, and dispatch teams to learn how outages and grid issues are addressed. This hands-on, team-based environment helps you develop the technical and communication skills necessary for advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice system operator, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Apprentice System Operator, you need a foundational understanding of electrical systems, strong analytical skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional vocational training preferred. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and basic computer applications is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of power systems, minimizing downtime and maintaining service continuity.

What is the difference between Apprentice System Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectApprentice System OperatorPower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, possibly a high school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, often in control rooms or plant sitesOperational environment, monitoring equipment, controlling power generation processes
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, power generation companies during training phasePower plants, energy companies, industrial facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles and training pathwaysJob responsibilities, qualifications, and career progression

The main difference is that an Apprentice System Operator is in training, gaining skills under supervision, while a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for operating and maintaining power generation equipment. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for a career as a Power Plant Operator, with similar work environments and industry usage.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Operator jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of System Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice System Operator jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Apprentice System Operator jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice System Operator jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice System Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Apprentice System Operator jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Apprentice System Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice System Operator job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,052 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Description
The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city's more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?
Job Summary
Work of a training nature assisting a journeyman plumber, steamfitter, electrician, carpenter, vehicle maintenance or other tradesman. Apprentices perform tasks of increasing complexity as they progress in terms of skill and experience. In addition, this hands-on training is supplemented by specialized classroom instruction one weekday each week. Continuation in the four-year program is dependent upon satisfactory attendance and the passage of periodic tests and reviews, to be administered by the School District. Apprentices will receive incremental pay increases every six months until they reach the top step of the applicable pay grade, as long as they meet attendance and grade requirements. Successful completion of the Apprentice Program results in automatic classification as an "A" mechanic in the relevant trade on the first pay step of the applicable pay grade. (The Trades Apprentice program and its provisions were jointly developed by the School District and Local 201 in response to item number forty in the memorandum of agreement dated August 30, 1989).
Essential Functions
Learns trade practices and skills involved in one of the following, or other major trades, by assisting a journeyman who performs the following duties:
Plumbing
โ€ข Loads, unloads and distributes tools and materials; cleans and maintains tools in good operating condition; installs and repairs toilets, drains, sump pumps and showers; repairs drinking fountains; replaces broken water mans; repairs and replaces valves and meters; cleans floor drains and unclog stoppages; cuts and threads pipe.
Steam fitting
โ€ข Loads, unloads and distributes tools and materials; cleans and maintains tools in good operating condition; cuts and threads pipe; repairs and replaces steam lines, radiators, valves, pumps and traps; re-tubes boilers; welds pipes and fittings; repairs boiler refractories; installs insulation on pipes and boilers.
Electrical Work
โ€ข Troubleshoots and repairs all power failures involving electrical circuits, switches, circuit breakers, motors, pumps and other electrical parts and equipment; maintains and repairs master and secondary clock systems, bell circuits and house phone circuits; installs and repairs fire alarm systems; maintains and repairs elevators; installs conduit and wiring.
Carpentry
โ€ข Surveys work sites and orders necessary materials; loads, unloads and distributes tools and materials; cuts, shapes, or joins lumber, cork, or other project materials; cuts shapes, or joins lumber, cork, or other project materials; installs and repairs windows, doors, door closer and floors; installs partitions; erects and repairs gymnasium, athletic field and graduation stands; cleans up work areas upon completion of projects.
Vehicle Maintenance
โ€ข Observe, learn and assist mechanics who are overseeing major repairs of vehicles. Assist mechanics in conducting preventive maintenance work on vehicles. Receives orientation on basic work operations, receives training in the work processes of the trade; accompanies journey-level workers and supervisors on the job; and performs progressively more difficult, responsible, and skilled assignments.
Other Functions
โ€ข All apprentices receive regular classroom training and perform related work as required.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
โ€ข High School Diploma or equivalent.
โ€ข Some familiarity with the materials, tools and procedures used in the area of trade specialization.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
โ€ข Some knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and procedures used in the area of trade specialization.
โ€ข Some knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
โ€ข Ability to perform tasks requiring mechanical aptitude.
โ€ข Ability to make arithmetic computations as may be required in trade work.
โ€ข Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
โ€ข Ability to lift and carry objects associates with the applicable trade and to perform related manual labor.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Nondiscrimination
The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.
Certificates/Licenses
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
Additional Information
Each Plumbing Apprentice must also possess a valid journeyman plumbing license, as issued by the City of Philadelphia, prior to appointment as a Plumber "A".
Each Vehicle Maintenance Apprentice must be able to lift 50lbs.
Must obtain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Must obtain a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Inspection Mechanic Certificate.