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Substation Construction Laborers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role manages all phases of substation construction-including engineering coordination ... Track project costs, labor, and productivity * Manage change orders, claims, and contract ...

This role manages all phases of substation construction-including engineering coordination ... Track project costs, labor, and productivity * Manage change orders, claims, and contract ...

Develop, manage, and track the substation budget, including primary equipment procurement, civil sitework, grounding systems, protection & control, SCADA integration, and construction labor * Create ...

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Substation Construction Laborers information

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$12

$20

$29

How much do substation construction laborers jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation construction laborers in the United States is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Substation Construction Laborers vs Electricians?

AspectSubstation Construction LaborersElectricians
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma, electrical licensing, apprenticeships
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor substationsIndoor/outdoor, residential, commercial, industrial settings
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, construction firmsElectrical contractors, industrial facilities

Substation Construction Laborers primarily focus on physical tasks like site preparation, equipment installation, and assisting electricians. Electricians handle wiring, electrical systems, and troubleshooting. While both roles work in the electrical industry, laborers support construction activities, whereas electricians perform specialized electrical work.

What are Substation Construction Laborers?

Substation Construction Laborers are skilled workers who assist in building, installing, and maintaining electrical substations. They perform tasks such as site preparation, assembling structures, laying foundations, handling materials, and supporting electricians and technicians with equipment installation. Their work is essential for ensuring that electrical substations are safely and efficiently constructed, contributing to the reliable delivery of electricity to homes and businesses. These laborers often work outdoors and must follow strict safety protocols due to the hazards associated with high-voltage equipment.

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

To thrive as a Substation Construction Laborer, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, basic construction techniques, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with power tools, heavy equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and OSHA safety standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and reliability are vital soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality construction and maintenance of electrical substations.

What are some common challenges Substation Construction Laborers face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Substation Construction Laborers often work in environments where safety is paramount due to the presence of high-voltage equipment and heavy machinery. Common challenges include adapting to varying weather conditions, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and coordinating with diverse teams such as engineers, electricians, and project managers. Managing these challenges involves continuous safety training, effective communication, and staying updated on best practices for equipment handling and site procedures. Building strong teamwork and being proactive about safety can help laborers thrive in this dynamic field.

$150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Location(s)

  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Charlotte, North Carolina

Compensation

Salary: $150,000 (commensurate with experience)

Position Summary

The Substation Construction Manager serves as the senior on-site leader responsible for overseeing all construction activities for electrical substation projects. This role ensures projects are executed safely, meet quality and regulatory standards, and are delivered on time and within budget while coordinating field teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders through project completion and energization.

Job Function

  • Lead day-to-day construction activities for substation projects, including greenfield, brownfield, expansions, and upgrades
  • Supervise site teams, including superintendents, foremen, subcontractors, and craft labor
  • Develop and execute construction work plans, sequencing, and manpower strategies
  • Coordinate outage schedules and system tie-ins with utilities and operators
  • Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with OSHA, NESC, and NFPA 70E standards
  • Conduct safety meetings, audits, and incident investigations
  • Monitor project schedules, productivity, and material availability
  • Identify and mitigate construction risks and schedule impacts
  • Ensure quality compliance with drawings, specifications, and standards
  • Coordinate inspections, testing, and documentation
  • Collaborate with engineering teams on RFIs and constructability reviews
  • Manage material deliveries, including transformers, breakers, and control buildings
  • Support commissioning, testing, and energization activities
  • Serve as the primary on-site contact for clients, inspectors, and stakeholders
  • Track field costs, labor, and equipment usage
  • Support change management, reporting, and project closeout activities

Education and Experience

  • Minimum 8+ years of experience in electrical substation construction or T&D projects
  • Background in construction management or electrical trades preferred
  • Experience supporting utility or EPC substation projects is a plus
  • Familiarity with high-voltage systems (69kV–500kV) preferred

Qualifications

  • Strong knowledge of substation construction methods and practices
  • Proven leadership experience managing field crews and subcontractors
  • In-depth understanding of electrical safety in energized environments
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
  • Experience coordinating complex construction and commissioning activities
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Willingness to travel extensively and work on-site at project locations
  • Familiarity with protection & control systems and commissioning processes preferred

Benefits

  • Not specified in the provided job description

Appealing Facts About Living in Columbus, Ohio & Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Columbus offers a growing job market and an affordable cost of living
  • Charlotte is a major financial and energy hub with a strong utility presence
  • Both cities feature vibrant downtowns, dining, and entertainment
  • Access to parks, outdoor recreation, and nearby travel destinations
  • Mild climate with four distinct seasons

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Global Talent Resources, Inc. (GTR) is a power industry recruiting firm specializing in substation, transmission, and distribution careers. With 15+ years of experience, we connect engineering and leadership professionals to top roles with leading utilities, cooperatives, EPCs, and consulting firms nationwide.

Many opportunities aren't listed publicly. Contact the GTR team for insider access, expert guidance, and the next step in your electric utility career.