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Substation Apprentice Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

... substation facilities. * Assists with service calls concerning power outages and electrical problems. * Receives training online, in classroom and on-the-job as well as train/mentor apprentice and ...

... substation facilities. * Assists with service calls concerning power outages and electrical problems. * Receives training online, in classroom and on-the-job as well as train/mentor apprentice and ...

Substation Apprentice information

See Washington salary details

$10

$35

$70

How much do substation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation apprentice in Washington is $35.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.58 and $51.62 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Substation jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,307 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

OverviewApplicants must reside in:  Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC or West Virginia in order for your application to be reviewed and processed. Substation Technicians build, maintain and monitor the equipment at electrical substations. Substation Technician Apprentice will develop skills through employment in the following areas:Grounding: Construction of protective grounding grid for electrical systems, controls, cabinets, transformers, control house, fences and steel structuresFoundations: Installing foundations and bases for control cabinets, transformers control houses and steel structures. All digging, trenching, rebar construction, utility location and conduit installations (Includes pole boxes and manholes)Fence: Layout and build protective parameter and/or security fence for substation and public protection. Knowledge and understanding of minimum approach distance while working in the vicinity of energized circuitsLayout: Plan and layout work from blueprints, diagrams or utility specification sheetsWiring: Cable pulling, coding, wiring and termination of cables for electrical systems, control monitoring and communication within the substation and outside sourcesSteel Erection: Erection of steel support structures for high voltage electrical apparatus and construction of steel control houses for monitor and switchingTransformers: Installation, connection and service of substation transformers and circuit breakers for maintenance and new constructionConduit: Bending and installation of isolated high voltage pipe or bus for distribution connections within substation between transmission lines, distribution lines and transformersStrain Bus: Installation of suspended wire used as bus for distribution connections within substation between transmission lines, distribution lines and transformersBus Welding: Welding on conduit used as bus for circuit connections within substation. Welding of various materials and welding techniques use in different applicationsSwitches: Installation and adjustment: Assembly of switch gear for transmission and distribution of high voltageRequirements

ALBAT ApprenticeshipApprenticeship is an opportunity for inexperienced individuals to learn a career skill through actual "hands-on" training - not just reading about it in a book. ALBAT Electrical Power Line Apprentices are actual full-time employees of electrical contractors and earn excellent pay and benefits while they are being taught these skills by master craftsmen on the job. In addition to the on-the-job training, ALBAT apprentices receive related classroom instruction, which covers the techniques of the trade and also the theory behind the techniques. ALBAT Apprentices learn "how" on the job and "why" in the classroom. Apprenticeship TrainingBecause of the nature of Outside Electrical Construction Industry work, outside linemen are required to move about from place to place. It is also necessary for apprentices to travel from area to area, not only to contribute toward the progress of the job, but also to obtain the diversity of work experience required to become a competent Journeyman Lineman.ALBAT apprentices must also attend related training sessions on their own time - generally, one four-hour session each ALBAT Training month, from September through June. Apprentices complete a course of study that includes 18 workbooks and 21 tests.Minimum Qualifications for ApprenticeshipTo meet minimum qualifications for apprenticeship, applicants must: 

  • Minimum of 18 years of age
  • Read, hear, speak, and understand instructions and warnings in English
  • Able to work legally in the United States
  • Provide a valid social security number
  • Complete application form
  • $25.00 application fee (nonrefundable)
  • Education Background (provide all that apply):
    • Submit a transcript of high school grades with date of graduation or copy of diploma
    • GED exam score or copy of GED Certificate
    • Associate degree (or greater)
  • Proof of valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with air brakes, or copy of valid driver's license with copy Class A Commercial Driver's License Temporary Permit with air brakes
    • Date of birth and expiration date must be visible
    • License or Temporary Permit must be valid at time of application and at time of selection for apprenticeship
  • Resume indicating present and previous employers, if any
  • DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if you are a veteran
  • ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE SCHEDULED & ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE APTITUDE TEST PRIOR TO INTERVIEW
Employment Type: FULL_TIME