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$32

$65

How much do substation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation apprentice in the United States is $32.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $48.08 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.

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What cities are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation jobs? The most popular types of Substation jobs are:
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Substation Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $68,277 per year, or $32.8 per hour.
Substation Construction Foreman (Statewide)

Substation Construction Foreman (Statewide)

Phillips, Inc.

Columbus, GA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago

Phillips 66 rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 75 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Summary:

We are seeking Substation Construction Foremen to join our T&D Services team in Alabama and Georgia. This position is a working position, and will be accountable for the safety, quality, and production of all crew members on assigned construction projects.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Supervise performance of substation construction and maintenance. This includes trenching, installing conduit, pulling cable, wiring of outdoor electrical equipment, installing ground grids, installing foundations, setting steel structures, installing buswork and conductors, welding aluminum buswork, setting and adjusting air switches, installing circuit breakers, and setting main power transformers.
  • Operate aerial lifts, forklifts, skidsteers, backhoes, excavators, boom trucks, and other equipment used in the construction of electrical substations.
  • Must know and understand state and local laws, DOT, and OSHA standards
  • Perform services in a safe and timely manner.
  • Must be able to understand and complete required paperwork and documentation of the services.
  • Communicates with customers, property owners, general public, other contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies.
  • Maintain and track crew working hours and production. Will be responsible for submitting billing to customer on a weekly basis.
  • Coordinate necessary outages with clients.
  • Maintain company equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Will directly supervise a crew of 4 to 12 employees. Will be responsible for training and coaching crew members.

Requirements:

  • Clean driving record, Class A Commercial Driver's License preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret prints and plans.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Experience working in energized substations and be able to distinguish energized live parts.
  • Utility Substation and Transmission Line Switching & Tagging experience a plus.
  • Certified Crane Operator a plus.
  • Be able to lift/move 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to pass a skills assessment at start of employment.
  • Pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check.

Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • 7 or more years of experience as an Apprentice/Journeymen Electrician, with previous Foreman experience.
  • Completion of an accredited Substation Apprentice Program, or verifiable work experience as an Apprentice/Journeymen Electrician.

Candidates that accept an offer of employment are required to undergo and successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination. This exam is essential to ensure that all potential employees meet the necessary health and fitness standards for the role. The examination includes a series of tests and evaluations conducted by a certified medical professional to assess overall physical health, identify any potential medical conditions that could interfere with job performance, and verify that the candidate is capable of safely performing the essential duties of the position.

Completion and clearance of this physical are mandatory steps in the hiring process.

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