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How much do relay operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for relay operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities of a Relay Operator during a typical shift?

As a Relay Operator, your primary responsibility is to facilitate communication by accurately relaying messages between individuals, typically between those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and standard telephone users. You will use specialized systems to transcribe voice to text and vice versa while adhering to strict confidentiality and accuracy standards. The role often involves sitting at a dedicated workstation, handling a steady flow of calls, and maintaining focus to provide prompt, clear service. Relay Operators often work independently but are also supported by a team of supervisors and fellow operators who assist with training or complex situations. This position helps bridge vital communication gaps and plays a critical role in ensuring equal access to telecommunication services for all users.

What's a good job for overthinkers?

A relay operator role involves focused, detail-oriented work that requires careful attention to communication protocols and accuracy. It can suit overthinkers who prefer structured tasks and clear procedures, often working in quiet environments with minimal multitasking. Strong concentration and patience are beneficial in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Relay Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relay Operator, you need keen attention to detail, strong listening skills, and the ability to accurately relay spoken communication, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized telecommunications equipment, TTY/TDD devices, and operator consoles is commonly required, with on-the-job training or certification provided by employers. Patience, professionalism, and excellent verbal communication are important soft skills for maintaining quality service and managing stressful or repetitive tasks. These abilities are essential to ensure seamless, confidential, and precise information exchange between parties who rely on relay services for effective communication.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

A Relay Operator can potentially earn $2,000 a week by working full-time hours, often requiring strong communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with telecommunications equipment. Increasing earnings may involve taking on multiple shifts, working for multiple clients, or gaining specialized certifications to access higher-paying opportunities in remote relay services.

What does a relay operator do?

A relay operator transmits messages using telegraph or telephone systems, often converting text into signals for communication over long distances. They typically work in communication centers, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of communication protocols. The role may involve operating specialized equipment and adhering to safety and accuracy standards.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Relay operators typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or high-level positions. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial truck driving, sales roles, or certain technical positions that prioritize experience, certifications, or on-the-job training over formal education.

What is a Relay Operator job?

A Relay Operator facilitates communication for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities by relaying phone conversations between text-based systems and voice callers. They transcribe spoken words into text and read typed messages aloud to ensure smooth communication. Relay Operators must type quickly and accurately while maintaining confidentiality. This role is essential in providing equal access to telecommunication services.

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Relay Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relay Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Lead Protection & Control Relay Technician - Union NJ

Lead Protection & Control Relay Technician - Union NJ

Sparus Holdings

Rahway, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

The Lead Protection & Control (P&C) Relay Technician performs senior-level installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection, control, and automation systems within electric utility substations and related facilities. This role supports the safe and reliable operation of transmission and distribution systems by ensuring relays, control circuits, SCADA/RTU systems, and associated equipment perform according to engineering design, utility standards, and regulatory requirements.

This position may also provide technical guidance, field leadership, quality review, and coordination support to junior technicians, construction crews, engineers, system operators, and utility personnel.

Work assignments, responsibilities, and task complexity may vary depending on classification, including Technician, Journeyman, Cable Splicer, or other IBEW Local 102 designations, as outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Key Responsibilities

Protection & Control Testing & Commissioning

  • Perform functional and acceptance testing of protective relays, control circuits, and substation devices.
  • Conduct end-to-end testing including CT/PT verification, polarity and phasing checks, trip testing, interlock verification, and system integration checks.
  • Support commissioning of new or upgraded protection schemes such as feeder, transformer, bus, line, breaker failure, differential, and other protective functions.
  • Validate protective relay settings, logic, wiring, and control functions in accordance with engineering documentation.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

  • Perform scheduled and corrective maintenance on protective relays, SCADA systems, RTUs, switchgear control circuits, and associated equipment.
  • Investigate system events, alarms, and misoperations and assist in retrieving and interpreting relay event records and oscillography.
  • Diagnose issues involving AC/DC control circuits, communications links, power equipment, and automation systems.

Installation & Field Support

  • Install, route, terminate, and verify control wiring, grounding conductors, relay panels, and control devices.
  • Assist with substation upgrades, relay replacements, panel retrofits, and modernization initiatives.
  • Collaborate with construction crews, engineers, and utility personnel to ensure installations meet safety and design requirements.
  • SCADA, Communications & Integration
  • Assist with SCADA, RTU, and IED communication testing including point-to-point verification with control centers.
  • Support configurations involving protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850, including GOOSE/MMS, depending on system requirements.
  • Validate status, analog signals, and control functions for remote monitoring and automation systems.

Documentation & Quality Control

  • Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, redlines, as-found/as-left conditions, and commissioning records.
  • Review and interpret drawings such as one-lines, three-lines, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
  • Ensure configuration files, relay settings, and system records are updated and retained per company and regulatory requirements.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

  • Work in accordance with all safety rules, procedures, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout protocols associated with high-voltage environments.
  • Follow established switching procedures and hazard controls for energized and de-energized work.
  • Support compliance activities associated with internal standards and applicable reliability requirements, including NERC PRC testing intervals when applicable.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Coordinate with system operators, engineers, construction teams, and other field crews to execute work safely and efficiently.
  • Communicate job status, site conditions, and system readiness clearly and professionally.
  • Provide technical guidance and field support to junior technicians when needed.
  • Participate in ongoing training and development in accordance with IBEW Local 102 standards and employer requirements.

Qualifications

  • Completion of IBEW apprenticeship, accredited electrical program, cable splicer training, or demonstrated equivalent field experience.
  • Experience with relay testing equipment such as Omicron, Doble, Megger, or similar tools is strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of electrical protection principles, substation equipment, SCADA/RTU systems, and AC/DC control systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, one-lines, three-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings, panel layouts, and commissioning documentation.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a commitment to detail, safety, and high-quality work.
  • Prior experience supporting electric utility substation, transmission, distribution, or protection and control projects preferred.

Additional Requirements

  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to lift equipment, climb, bend, and work in field substation conditions.
  • Willingness to work overtime, shifts, call-outs, and travel based on project and operational needs.
  • Ability to work in accordance with union requirements, utility standards, and applicable safety procedures.

Working Conditions

  • Work performed in utility substations, control houses, switchyards, and other field locations.
  • Exposure to weather, energized equipment, loud noise, and industrial conditions requiring appropriate PPE.
  • Work hours may vary based on system outages, commissioning schedules, or emergency response needs.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    Sparus Holdings is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

    EEO Statement

    Sparus Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

    Reasonable Accommodation Requests

    Sparus Holdings is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please email recruiting@sparusholdings.com. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

    "Know Your Rights" Poster

    The law requires Sparus Holdings to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following link:Know Your Rights

    Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

    Sparus Holdings will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see thePay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provisionfor more information.

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