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Ibew Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Ibew Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$11

$23

$34

How much do ibew operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for ibew operator in Raleigh, NC is $23.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an IBEW operator?

IBEW operators are skilled professionals who operate and maintain electrical systems, often working in power plants, substations, or control centers. They are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a labor union representing those in the electrical industry. IBEW operators are responsible for monitoring equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of electricity. Their work is critical to maintaining reliable power for homes and businesses. They typically undergo extensive training and must follow strict safety protocols.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an IBEW operator?

To thrive as an IBEW Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and hands-on experience, often supported by completion of an apprenticeship and relevant union certifications. Familiarity with industry-specific tools like SCADA systems, electrical testing equipment, and compliance with OSHA regulations is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help operators respond to emergencies and coordinate with teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safe, reliable power operations and minimizing downtime in high-stakes environments.

What are common challenges faced by IBEW operators when working on large-scale electrical projects?

IBEW Operators working on large-scale electrical projects often face challenges such as coordinating with multiple trades, adhering to strict safety protocols, and troubleshooting complex electrical systems under tight deadlines. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as operators frequently collaborate with engineers, project managers, and other electricians to ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of evolving electrical codes and standards are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Ibew Operator vs Electrician?

AspectIbew OperatorElectrician
CertificationsApprentice or journeyman card, OSHA safety trainingJourneyman or master electrician license, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, power plants, industrial facilitiesResidential, commercial, industrial wiring projects
Employer & Industry UsageUnion-based electrical construction companiesElectrical contracting companies, self-employed electricians

Both Ibew Operators and Electricians require safety training and certifications. Ibew Operators primarily focus on operating electrical equipment and machinery in construction and industrial settings, while Electricians handle wiring, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. The roles often overlap in construction environments, but their core responsibilities differ, making each essential in different aspects of electrical work.

How to be an operator for IBEW?

To become an IBEW operator, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training, usually lasting 3-5 years. Candidates must meet minimum age and education requirements, pass aptitude tests, and obtain relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training and a commercial driver's license if required. Strong mechanical skills, physical fitness, and safety awareness are essential for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Ibew Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Ibew Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ibew Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Ibew Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Infographic showing various Ibew Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,449 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Advanced Level Distribution Line Apprentice 3 or 4 - IBEW 962 (Multiple Locations)

Duke Energy

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

* A resume is required for application to this job positng. Please make sure to include an updated resume detailing your previous employment and work experience duties*

Job Summary

This position can be hired as either a Line Apprentice 3 or a Line Apprentice 4 depending on experience as verified on the applicants resume

This position supports the operations process in providing and maintaining service to new and existing customers by learning a working knowledge of computer system, tools, equipment, and material. The position will be learning the day-to-day operations and specifications of the distribution system. In addition to normal work, position must be available to be on-call with a more experienced person as required and to work all hours as needed, day or night, weekends or holidays, to perform work required during planned outages or emergency situations (24/7). The position must learn to perform all duties in a safe manner and adhere to all Company safety rules and procedures.

Please note this posting is for multiple Operations Centers. Locations are subject to change based on business need.

  • Anderson Operations Center - 1636 Pearman Dairy Rd, Anderson, SC 29625
  • Little Rock Operations Center - 6325 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28214
  • Robbinsville Operations Center - 135 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771
  • Simpsonville SC Operations Center - 821 SE Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681
  • Spartanburg Operations Center - 920 Beaumont Ave, Spartanburg SC 29303
  • Travelers Rest Operations Center - 201 N Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
  • Durham Operations Center - 4412 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC 27705

Responsibilities

  • Assist with construction and maintenance of the distribution system

  • Demonstrate a proficient understanding of overhead and underground insulate and isolate principles

  • Familiar with and understand the electrical distribution system by completing the Line and Service Training modules

  • Know, adhere to, and promote personal and work group safety practices to prevent accidents and injuries

  • Develop positive and respectful working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities

  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills

  • Maintain accurate records and files

  • Support the company's goals and represent the company positively and professionally

Note: This position can be hired as either a Line Apprentice 3 or a Line Apprentice 4 depending on experience

Basic/Required Qualifications for Line Apprentice 3

  • High School diploma or equivalent

  • Valid class A commercial driver's license (CDL)

  • Experienced climber

  • Experience working on secondary voltage as a lone worker

  • Exposure to work within MAD of single phase primary voltage

  • Minimum of three (3) years of distribution line and service work: familiar with and understand the electrical distribution system and have troubleshooting skills and ability to assess level or repair required

  • Know, adhere to, and demonstrate leadership in promoting personal and work group safety practices to prevent accidents and injuries.

Basic/Required Qualifications for Line Apprentice 4

  • High School diploma or equivalent

  • Valid class A commercial driver's license (CDL)

  • Proficient with tools, equipment, and vehicles necessary to perform line and service work.

  • Experienced climber

  • Experience working on secondary voltage as a lone worker

  • Exposure to work within MAD of single phase primary voltage

  • Minimum of five (5) years of distribution line and service work: demonstrated proficiency in constructing, maintaining, operating and troubleshooting the distribution system, and to ensure public safety and customer satisfaction

  • Know, adhere to, and demonstrate leadership in promoting personal and work group safety practices to prevent accidents and injuries.

Desired Qualifications

  • Exposure to work within MAD of three phase primary voltage

  • Experience working with customers

  • Proficient in using a work management system

  • Clear written and oral communication skills

  • Experience in leading and mentoring less experienced employees in all aspects of their jobs

  • Experience serving as a first responder to electrical distribution system outages.

Specific Requirements

  • Ability to successfully complete Mid-Level Skills Assessment Test (MSAT2) for Line Apprentice 3

  • Ability to successfully complete Skills Assessment Test (SAT) for Line Apprentice 4

  • Ability to attend various training classes, meet progression requirements and successfully complete a progression assessment qualification' (PAQ)

  • DOT Certification

  • DOT Physical

  • Successful background and drug screen

  • Ability to stand a minimum of 5-6 hours; may be on ground, in a bucket on a line truck, or at the top of a distribution pole

  • Ability to sit for a minimum of 2-3 hours; may be driving a truck or sitting in a manhole or an underground vault

  • Ability to move frequently to unload equipment and to install/maintain/repair equipment

  • Ability to lift up to 76 pounds

  • Ability to push/pull weights up to 116 pounds

  • Ability to carry up to 90 pounds

  • Ability to frequently climb or use authorized equipment to reach various heights and breadths

  • Ability to frequently and repetitively bend/stoop/squat

  • Ability to differentiate between colors (color vision)

  • Manual dexterity to operate small hand tools, turn small knobs, etc.

  • Ability to obtain respirator clearance

  • This position contains a weight restriction of 275 pounds as an essential function of the job. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that all weight-rated equipment is used in an appropriate and safe manner within maximum allowed weight loading.

  • This position has a residency requirement. You must reside within 40 minutes of the assigned operations site. In order to meet with aforementioned position requirement, you will be required to relocate from your current residence within 12 months of your start date. Relocation will be entirely at your own expense.

  • Employees hired or rehired on or after October 1, 2022 within the Customer Delivery Line Organization, will have the ability to request to transfer to another operations center after completing five (5) years of service in the Line Organization.

Working Conditions

  • Work schedule requires working various shifts as business needs arise

  • Position has on-call responsibilities as scheduled and generally available at other times as needed (24/7), demonstrate the ability to work independently, and to work all hours as needed, day or night, weekends or holidays, and in all weather conditions to perform work required during planned and emergency outages

  • Requires ability to travel and stay overnight to various locations and work extended hours to assist in major storm restoration

  • Subject to confined spaces (manholes, vaults, etc.)

  • Field Mobility Classification - Work will be performed in various field locations, as needed, after the onboarding period. However, field employees are required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location.

Travel Requirements

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)NoRepresented/Union PositionIBEW Local 962Visa Sponsored PositionNo. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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About Duke Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904