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Substation Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Perform substation labor on construction sites * May be required to travel to different jobsites on limited notice * Other duties as assigned Education and Work Experience * High school diploma or ...

Leads a team of 1-3 apprentices/laborers in the safe and productive construction activities. * Ensure that the workers under them do their job skillfully and efficiently. * Make certain the assigned ...

Substation Apprentice information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$28

$57

How much do substation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation apprentice in Illinois is $28.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $42.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substation apprentice?

Substation apprentices are entry-level workers who learn to install, maintain, and repair electrical substations under the supervision of experienced technicians or journeymen. They participate in a structured apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to develop the technical skills and safety knowledge required for the role. Substation apprentices work with high-voltage equipment, perform routine inspections, assist with upgrades, and follow strict safety protocols. Over time, they gain the experience needed to become fully qualified substation technicians or electricians.

What does a substation apprentice do?

As a substation apprentice, you work at an electrical substation while training under the direct supervision of a journey-level substation technician. Your duties typically involve the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring and substation equipment. During an apprentice program, you also learn other aspects of substation construction, such as installing fencing and testing circuit breakers, switches, and metering equipment. Depending on the details of the apprenticeship, your responsibilities include attending classes during or after regular working hours or responding to emergency calls or outage reports with your training technician.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation apprentice?

To thrive as a Substation Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of electrical theory, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with electrical testing equipment, hand and power tools, and adherence to OSHA safety standards are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability when working with high-voltage electrical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by substation apprentices during their training period?

Substation Apprentices often encounter challenges such as adapting to rigorous safety protocols, understanding complex electrical systems, and working in various weather conditions. The role demands strong attention to detail and the ability to learn quickly from experienced technicians and supervisors. Additionally, apprentices must balance hands-on fieldwork with classroom instruction, which can be demanding but provides a solid foundation for career growth in the electrical utility industry.

What is the difference between Substation Apprentice vs Substation Technician?

AspectSubstation ApprenticeSubstation Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, experience in electrical systems
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, utility facilitiesOperational substations, maintenance sites, repair environments
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, electrical contractorsUtility companies, electrical service providers

Substation Apprentices are in training to learn electrical systems and substation operations, often working under supervision. Substation Technicians are experienced workers responsible for maintaining, repairing, and operating substations. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the technician role, which requires more hands-on experience and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Substation jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,912 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Appr Substation Elect 1st 9 Mos

AMS Ameren Services

Marion, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Ameren Illinois

Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Every day, we deliver electricity to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in central and southern Illinois. We deliver safe, reliable energy to more than 1,200 communities.

Ameren Illinois is looking for an Apprentice Substation Electrician 1st 9 months who will be responsible for performing substation maintenance and substation construction project activities. Tasks include replacement of Oil Circuit Reclosers, Overhauling and maintaining Oil Circuit Breakers, Gas Circuit Breakers, Vacuum Circuit Breakers, troubleshooting AC and DC control circuits, troubleshooting voltage regulator problems, testing and maintenance of AC battery chargers and DC battery systems, repair/replace failed substation apparatus, construction of new substations.

Position is utilized to respond to emergent substation problems and performs basic transformer testing to ensure equipment integrity after fault events. The person filling this position will also be required to accept emergency callouts for response to substation problems as well as will be utilized to fill one man truck responsibilities during vacation periods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • H.S. Diploma or equivalent

  • Associates degree in electronics or electrical engineering technology preferred

  • Construction & Skilled Trades (CAST) Test

  • Ability to obtain and maintain Class A Commercial Driver's License with combination vehicle endorsement.

  • Persons if hired for the apprentice position will be required to pass all apprenticeship requirements of schooling and testing.

  • emergency callouts

  • Must meet residency requirement.

  • This position is covered by the IBEW bargaining agreement.

Hourly Pay:

Grade Step HA 091 Step 1 of 1 (Top Step) - 46.74 USD

Position is eligible for annual incentive payments based on company performance and subject to sole management discretion. Visit our Benefits & Perks Page for more information on benefits provided to regular full-time employees.

If end date is listed, the posting will come down at 12:00 am on that date:

Wednesday August 19, 2026

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other class, trait, or status protected by law.