Protection Control Field Engineer information
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$15.63 - $19.14
9% of jobs
$19.14 - $22.66
12% of jobs
$24.24 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$22.66 - $26.18
11% of jobs
$26.18 - $29.70
9% of jobs
The median wage is $32.63 / hr.
$29.70 - $33.22
13% of jobs
$33.22 - $36.74
15% of jobs
$39.13 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$36.74 - $40.25
12% of jobs
$40.25 - $43.77
7% of jobs
$43.77 - $47.29
6% of jobs
$47.29 - $50.81
4% of jobs
$50.81 - $54.33
3% of jobs
How much do protection control field engineer jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for protection control field engineer in the United States is $34.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $40.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Protection Control Field Engineers are specialized electrical engineers responsible for installing, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protection and control systems in power substations and transmission networks. These engineers ensure that protective relays, circuit breakers, and control systems function correctly to safeguard electrical equipment and maintain grid reliability. Their work involves both on-site fieldwork and technical analysis, often requiring strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of industry standards. They play a critical role in preventing outages and equipment damage by ensuring that the power system responds effectively to faults or abnormal conditions.
To thrive as a Protection Control Field Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, specializing in power systems and protective relaying, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, relay testing equipment, and industry-standard software like SEL or GE relay configuration tools is typically required, along with certifications such as NETA or IEEE membership. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure the safe, reliable operation and maintenance of power systems, minimizing outages and protecting critical infrastructure.
Protection Control Field Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams (construction, testing, and operations), troubleshooting complex relay and control systems, and ensuring all protection schemes comply with industry standards. Working in live substation environments requires strict adherence to safety protocols and attention to detail to prevent equipment damage or outages. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as unexpected technical issues or schedule changes are common in the field.
What states have the most Protection Control Field Engineer jobs?
States with the most job openings for Protection Control Field Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Protection Control Field Engineer jobs?
For Protection Control Field Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
