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Substation Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substation Pre-Apprentice or Journeyman REQUISITION : TRA00ZT DEPARTMENT : Substation Maintenance LOCATION : El Dorado, KS PAY RANGE : $23.03 or $52.80 Headquartered in both Kansas City and Topeka ...

Substation Pre-Apprentice or Journeyman REQUISITION : TRA00ZT DEPARTMENT : Substation Maintenance LOCATION : El Dorado, KS PAY RANGE : $23.03 or $52.80 Headquartered in both Kansas City and Topeka ...

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Substation Apprentice information

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$9

$32

$65

How much do substation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 2, 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 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, 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 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.

Is 28 too old for an apprenticeship?

Substation apprenticeships typically do not have strict age limits, and individuals of 28 can be suitable candidates if they meet the required skills and qualifications. Employers often value relevant experience, a strong work ethic, and the ability to learn technical skills such as electrical systems and safety protocols. Age should not be a barrier to starting an apprenticeship in this field.

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 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:
What states have the most Substation Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Substation Apprentice jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,277 per year, or $32.8 per hour.
Substation Construction Apprentice (Statewide)

Substation Construction Apprentice (Statewide)

Phillips, Inc.

Florence, SC • On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Phillips 66 rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Summary:
We are seeking Substation Construction Apprentices to join our T&D Services team in Alabama and Georgia. This is an entry level position that will enter the Phillips Inc. Apprenticeship Program.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Perform substation construction and maintenance with minimal to no supervision. 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.
  • Follow all verbal and written instructions from senior crew members.
  • Operate company vehicle.
  • Assist Electricians by making ready materials and stocking trucks.
  • Learn to operate aerial lifts, forklifts, skidsteers, backhoes, excavators, boom trucks, and other equipment used in the construction of electrical substations.
  • Perform services in a safe and timely manner.
  • Maintain company equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Requirements:
  • Clean driving record, Class A Commercial Driver's License preferred.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Ability to perform manual labor i.e., digging, trenching, lifting, etc.
  • 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.
  • 1 year construction experience.
  • Completion of an accredited Substation Apprentice Program, or 2-4 years in the T&D construction industry.

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.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Email: recruiting@phillipsinc.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, please choose your language: English - Spanish - Arabic - Chinese
English - Spanish - Chinese
If you want to view the Pay Transparency Policy Statement, please click the link: English

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