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Substation Apprentice Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Substation Apprentice information

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$9

$33

$65

How much do substation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation apprentice in Tennessee is $33.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.47 and $48.53 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Substation jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:

Substation Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,916 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Journeyman Lineman

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Davis H. Elliot rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. is seeking to hire a Journeyman Lineman in the Oak Ridge, TN area.

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

As a Journeyman Lineman, you will be required to perform various types of distribution service calls. Typical tasks include:

  • Work Week consists of 8 hour days Monday - Friday.
  • Perform all energized & de-energized work assigned to the crew.
  • Supervise the work of any Apprentice Lineman training with him.
  • Maintain the proper care of assigned Company equipment and tools.
  • Assume the responsibility for the crew when the Foreman is not present.
  • Observe & assist with enforcement of Company safety rules.
  • Perform other duties as directed or required.

Qualifications

  • Journeyman Lineman
  • Substation Experience required
  • 3+ Years of experience recommended
  • Valid Class A CDL and medical card required
  • Own your own hand tools
  • Proficiency with electrical distribution systems
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers' confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team includes:

  • Medical (employer paid), Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program 
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Servant Leadership Training
  • Uniforms and PPE provided

What Davis H. Elliot employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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