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$10

$35

$71

How much do substation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation apprentice in New York is $35.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.92 and $52.56 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.

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Substation Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,645 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Lead Protection & Control Relay Technician - Union NJ

Sparus Holdings

Red Bank, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 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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