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Substation Apprentice Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Substation Apprentice information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$32

$65

How much do substation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation apprentice in Oregon is $32.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $47.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substation Apprentice, and why are they important?

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 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 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 are substation apprentices?

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 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Substation jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Apprentice jobs in Oregon? For Substation Apprentice jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substation Apprentice jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Apprentice jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:
Substation Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,100 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Bid# 024 - Journeyman Meter and Relay Technician 4450 - Local 659 (Prospect Hydro) - Req# 114853

Bid# 024 - Journeyman Meter and Relay Technician 4450 - Local 659 (Prospect Hydro) - Req# 114853

PacifiCorp

Prospect, OR • On-site

$73.82/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

PacifiCorp rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

IBEW Local 659 Bid Board
Bid 114616-024. Posted 07/27/2026. Will close 08/03/2026.
Shift: M-F 0700-1530
Location: Prospect Hydro
Position awarded in accordance with collective bargaining agreement.
Responsibilities
A Journeyman Meter and Relay Technician is a journeyman with a working knowledge of substation protection, control, and metering equipment. They install, maintain, test, adjust, troubleshoot and repair substation equipment which includes, but is not limited to electromechanical, solid state and microprocessor protective relays, indicating and KWH/KW meters, recording instruments including sequential event recorders and digital fault recorders, controls to all substation apparatus including breakers, transformers, regulators, capacitors, reactors and all associated equipment, and remote control equipment including various forms of SCADA. They perform testing on substation apparatus such as power factor testing, transformer turns ratio testing, megger testing and other analytical tests as assigned. They operate substation equipment, including switching and grounding. They are expected to follow safety rules and company standards. They may work in confined spaces and in elevated work areas, may work with bucket and boom trucks. They may work independently or with others, occasionally work long hours during emergency conditions, and be responsible for tools, test equipment, and vehicles. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.
Requirements
  • A high school diploma, GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Has successfully completed an electrical apprenticeship or equivalent program.
  • 4+ years experience in the meter & relay trade.
  • Must pass a pre-qualifying skills test.
  • Good driving record.
  • Physical exam required.

Benefits
At PacifiCorp, we understand that living a healthy lifestyle isn't just about your physical health - your mental, financial, and social wellbeing also play an important role. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to help you live a more balanced lifestyle
Our benefits include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k with match fixed contributions, including a Roth and saving option. For union employees, matching contributions vary by union. For nonunion, PacifiCorp makes a fixed contribution equal to 4% of your eligible pay each year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute.
  • Life insurance
  • Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Mass Transit Pass for employees in our Portland and Salt Lake City Offices.

Work Life Balance
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - Time off varies by employee type (Union or Non-Union)
  • Paid short-term disability leave and long-term disability insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program supporting mental and emotional wellbeing

For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US
Additional Information
Req Id: 114616
Company Code: PacifiCorp (#PM25)
Primary Location: Idleyld Park, Oregon (100% Onsite)
Department: Power Supply
Schedule: Full-Time
Personnel Subarea: IBEW Local 659
Hiring Range: $73.82 per hour
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.
PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.
Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

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