ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Substation Apprentice Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Quanta Services, Inc.

Estimator - Transmission

Princeton, MN · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... substation erection. With a long and industrious history, our experienced team continues to help ... apprentice, groundman, operator), crew count, shift structure, and hour build-up for each scope of ...

Quanta Services

Estimator - Transmission

Princeton, MN · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... substation erection. With a long and industrious history, our experienced team continues to help ... apprentice, groundman, operator), crew count, shift structure, and hour build-up for each scope of ...

All JobsSubstation Apprentice JobsSubstation Apprentice Jobs in Minnesota

Substation Apprentice information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$31

$63

How much do substation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation apprentice in Minnesota is $31.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.82 and $46.71 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.

More about Substation Apprentice jobs

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

The most popular types of Substation jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Substation Apprentice jobs in Minnesota?

For Substation Apprentice jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substation Apprentice jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Apprentice jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:

Substation Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,339 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Substation Apparatus Technician/Electrician

Great River Energy

Elk River, MN • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Great River Energy rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Category Skilled Labor/Trades/Operations

Sub Category

Work Type: Full-Time

Location: US:MN:Elk River

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Pay Rate Type Hourly

Details

Substation apparatus technician electrician

Application due date: September 2, 2026

Location: Elk River, MN

Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with tanker endorsement within the first (twelve) months of employment is required.

Creating a better energy future. Join Great River Energy in creating smarter ways to power people's lives - from small, everyday moments to the big, life-changing ones. As a consumer-owned electric utility, we are Minnesota's second largest based on generating capacity.

Summary:

As a substation apparatus technician electrician, you will assist in the operation, construction, installation and maintenance of transmission substations and associated equipment on the Great River Energy (GRE) system.

Total Rewards:

A typical starting range for this position is $52.97 - $62.32 hourly. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate's knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.

Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform and/or assist in the maintenance of substation apparatus such as circuit breakers, transformers, voltage regulators, reclosers, mobile substations, load tap changers, station batteries and chargers, capacitor banks, circuit switchers, motor operators, and associated equipment.
  • Perform and/or assist in the installation, testing, checkout of new substation apparatus equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, load tap changers, station batteries and chargers, capacitor banks, circuit switchers, motor operators, and associated equipment.
  • Perform routine inspection of substations, switching stations, and capacitor bank equipment.
  • Perform mechanical and electrical connections, vacuum oil processing, full battery of transformer and circuit breaker tests including controls.
  • Develop and update maintenance procedures along with maintaining equipment records in area of responsibility.
  • Perform all other related duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor or foreperson.

Qualifications: Minimum education requirements include a two-year technical degree or diploma in electrical or computer or electronics related courses; or completion of a four-year IBEW Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) program. Prefer a minimum of four years substation apparatus experience. Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with tanker endorsement within the first (twelve) months of employment is required.

Working conditions will be indoors and outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather conditions of extreme cold or heat. Schedules are either five 8 hour days or four 10 hour days and require the incumbent to live within a 60-mile living radius of the reporting location. There will be occasional travel and overtime. This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, lift to 75 lbs., climb, balance, work at heights and work with arms above your head occasionally and/or frequently. Ability to frequently and/or occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist and squat, work on even and uneven surfaces and ability to work occasionally in confined space areas. Ability to frequently push, pull, carry, grasp and finger objects. Subject to frequent vibration and hazards and on occasion exposed to fumes, dust or mist. Must be able to differentiate colors, speak and hear. This position is designated as a safety sensitive position for drug, cannabis and alcohol testing purposes.

GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Great River Energy employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply