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Relay Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Transmission Relay Tech II will assist and lead lower level technicians in activities associated with relay construction and maintenance. Incumbents are expected to have complex skills and the ...

Relay Tech 1 Union: $55.42 Per Hour SUMMARY: Under general supervision, inspects, tests, and maintains relay equipment and performs other substation maintenance duties related to protection systems.

... Technology, Avionics, or electronics/electrical-related field, plus six (6) years of experience in relay-protection of transmission and/or distribution systems in an electric utility field, including ...

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Relay Tech information

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$53K

$93.3K

$118K

How much do relay tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for relay tech in the United States is $93,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a relay tech?

Relay techs, or relay technicians, are specialized professionals who install, test, maintain, and repair protective relays and associated equipment in electrical power systems. Their work ensures the reliability and safety of power grids by detecting faults and isolating problem areas to prevent damage or outages. Relay techs often work for utility companies, industrial plants, or electrical service firms, and their role is crucial in preventing widespread electrical failures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a relay tech?

To thrive as a Relay Tech, you need a solid understanding of electrical theory, protective relaying, and troubleshooting, often supported by an associate degree in electrical engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with testing equipment such as relay test sets, SCADA systems, and relevant industry certifications like NETA or NICET is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical power systems and to prevent costly outages or equipment failures.

What are common challenges faced by relay techs, and how can they be managed?

Relay Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex protection schemes, working under tight outage schedules, and adapting to rapidly advancing technology. These challenges can be managed by staying current with industry training, collaborating closely with engineers and other technicians, and maintaining detailed documentation of test results and relay settings. A proactive approach to problem-solving, combined with strong communication skills and a commitment to safety protocols, helps ensure successful project completion and minimizes downtime.

What is the difference between Relay Tech vs Network Technician?

AspectRelay TechNetwork Technician
Required CertificationsCompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA (preferred)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, installation sites, service callsOffice and on-site troubleshooting, network setup
Industry UsageTelecommunications, cable providers, internet service providersIT companies, corporate networks, service providers

Relay Techs and Network Technicians share certifications like CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCNA, work in similar environments involving network setup and maintenance, and are employed in telecommunications and IT industries. However, Relay Techs focus more on field installation and service for communication systems, while Network Technicians often handle broader network troubleshooting and configuration in office or data center settings.

How do I become a relay technician?

To become a relay technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an apprenticeship in electrical systems or electronics. Relevant skills include understanding electrical circuits, troubleshooting, and using tools like multimeters; certifications such as OSHA safety training or electrical technician certifications can also improve job prospects.
More about Relay Tech jobs

What cities are hiring for Relay Tech jobs?

Cities with the most Relay Tech job openings:

What states have the most Relay Tech jobs?

States with the most job openings for Relay Tech jobs include:

Infographic showing various Relay Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,255 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Transmission Relay Tech II

Duke Energy

Spartanburg, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 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 Thursday, August 20, 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.

Position Summary


This is the career/ journeyman level of the Relay Technician hierarchy. A Transmission Relay Tech II will assist and lead lower level technicians in activities associated with relay construction and maintenance. Incumbents are expected to have complex skills and the ability to work independently and lead construction and maintenance activities of any complexity.

Responsibilities
  • Has professional safety behavior and holds high expectation of others to work safely and follow safe work practices.

  • Has expert verbal communications skills and frequent use of 3-way communication

  • Reviews and critiques isolation procedures, coaches team in proper techniques for writing and execution of these procedures

  • Provides peer level P&C technical support

  • Capable of creating hand written test routines using manufactures bulletins.

  • Remains focused under internal and external pressures. Resilient to conflict, leads team while under pressure and ensures all distractions are eliminated.

  • Can lead any construction or maintenance activities, within any station, no matter the sensitivity and complexity

  • Has the demonstrated ability to conduct remote logic testing via mirror bits, using MB tester or relay MB outputs along with knowledge of end to end testing with time synched test sets

  • Utilizing old and new drawings and existing conditions, is fully capable of finding and correct design errors that affect scheme operation.

  • Is expert at installing, commissioning, testing and troubleshooting carriers, tone equipment, traps and tuners, MP or EM relays.

  • Can lead teams to ensure paperwork and files are accurate and submitted in timely fashion with no issues

  • Can lead the relay installation portion of mobile substations/transformers or other temporary equipment

  • Can lead other technicians to organize, develop and execute procedures and work plans to complete a tasks with error free performance

  • Has expert knowledge to trouble shoot P&C circuits within any station or protection scheme

  • Can independently commission schemes by interacting with ECC/DCC/Generation

  • Has working knowledge of complex SCADA systems, with sound ability to troubleshoot wiring and I/O associated SCADA systems, legacy RTU's, SEL3354's, SEL3610's, DFR's.

Required/Basic Qualifications
  • Associates degree in Engineering Technology

  • In addition to required degree, three (3) years related work experience

  • In lieu of Associates degree(s) AND 3 year(s) related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 5 year(s) related work experience

Desired Qualifications
  • Associates degree

Additional Preferred Qualifications
  • Expert technical and professional knowledge, skills and performance.

  • Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities.

  • Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.

  • Maintains accurate records and files ensures all team documents are submitted in timely fashion.

  • Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally.

  • Coaches and mentors other Technicians.

  • Provides leadership within the organization on a continual basis.

  • Good written and oral communication skills

  • Demonstrated ongoing leadership skills

  • Must have a permanent residence approximately forty-five minutes from their base location

Working Conditions
  • Onsite Mobility Classification - Work will be performed at a designated company facility.

  • Demonstrated availability for after-hours work and call out rotation

  • Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. for 100 feet

  • 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 is based out on North and South Carolina

Specific Requirements
  • Must have a valid State Driver's License

  • Ability to pass any required back ground check for NERC/CIP/Nuclear compliance

  • Demonstrated ability to pass panel review by meeting or exceeding requirements noted in Transmission Relay Tech I.

Travel Requirements

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)NoRepresented/Union PositionNoVisa 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