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Substation Operator information

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$5

$47

$56

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in California is $47.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.62 and $50.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Substation Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSubstation OperatorPower Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and technical training; may need certifications in electrical safetyRequires a high school diploma; technical training or certifications in power plant operations are common
Work EnvironmentWorks in electrical substations, outdoors or in control roomsWorks inside power plants, control rooms, or outdoor facilities
Industry UsageUsed in electrical utility companies managing transmission infrastructureEmployed in power generation facilities producing electricity

While both roles involve electrical systems and safety protocols, Substation Operators focus on managing electrical substations and transmission equipment, whereas Power Plant Operators oversee the generation process within power plants. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in electrical technology. Familiarity with SCADA systems, circuit breakers, transformers, and compliance with OSHA safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substations, minimizing risks and maintaining uninterrupted power supply.

What are some common challenges a substation operator faces during shift work and how can they be managed?

Substation Operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, which can disrupt sleep patterns and personal routines. Managing these challenges involves developing strong time-management skills, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and practicing effective communication with team members to ensure seamless handovers. Additionally, operators must stay vigilant during extended shifts to monitor equipment and respond to emergencies promptly. Many employers offer training and support resources to help staff adapt to shift work and maintain safety standards.

What is a substation operator?

Substation operators are skilled professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining electrical substations, which are key points in the power distribution network. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment that regulates voltage and directs electricity flow from power plants to homes and businesses. Their duties include inspecting equipment, monitoring systems for faults, responding to emergencies, and coordinating with other utility workers to maintain uninterrupted power supply. Substation operators play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical grid.

What does a substation operator do?

As a substation operator, it is your job to run and manage an electrical substation so that customers can safely use electricity. Your job duties are to inspect, maintain, and monitor all equipment, including power converters, circuit breakers, and voltage transformers. This career requires at least some work experience in an electrical substation. Most employers offer on-the-job training. Another option is to earn an associate degree in a related field, such as power plant technology, from a community or technical college. Additional qualifications are strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

More about Substation Operator jobs
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What cities in California are hiring for Substation Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Substation Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in CA? For Substation Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Substation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,177 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Substation Electrical Engineer - Kiewit Power Delivery

Kiewit Corporation

Irvine, CA

$123K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Kiewit Corporation rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 80 rated construction

Job description

Requisition ID: 179352 

Job Level: Mid Level 

Home District/Group: Kiewit Power Engineering 

Department: Design Engineering 

Market: Power 

Employment Type: Full Time 
 

Position Overview

We are seeking an Electrical Substation Engineer to support the design and engineering of high voltage substation projects ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV. This role focuses on developing comprehensive substation design packages that ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of utility scale substations in both greenfield and brownfield environments.

District Overview

Kiewit Power Delivery. is a full-service engineering and construction solutions provider operating across North America. Our experience and expertise span all aspects of the transmission and distribution market from high voltage overhead and underground transmission to distribution and automation design and construction capabilities. With these broad capabilities, we operate in the electric utility, renewable energy, industrial, and oil & gas markets.  As part of Kiewit, we are integrated with 135 years of construction and engineering experience that provides holistic solutions, differentiating our team from the rest of the industry.

Our rapidly growing power delivery business has opened new locations across North America to strengthen our market presence while executing work within the communities that we live. We have invested in industry-leading design technology and platforms while also expanding our construction equipment fleet with the most advanced, and safest equipment on the market. We are committed to building upon our history as one of the safest companies to work for by equipping our craft with the best tooling and safety programs available.

We are an innovative team that prides itself on excellence through continuous improvement and an unwavering commitment to deliver for our clients. Our staff collaborates with Kiewit's vast internal network of resources that span heavy civil and infrastructure, vertical and commercial buildings, mining, as well our oil and gas and power generation markets, to drive safe and cost-effective solutions that achieve client expectations and further Kiewit's legacy of excellence.

Location

This position is based out of our office in San Diego or Irvine, CA.

Responsibilities

   Develop substation one line and three line diagrams that define system configuration, equipment ratings, and project scope.
   Design physical substation layouts, including equipment arrangement, bus configurations, grounding systems, and cable routing.
   Prepare detailed equipment specifications for transformers, breakers, switches, buswork, insulators, surge arresters, and auxiliary systems.
   Perform electrical engineering calculations, such as grounding grid analysis, ampacity studies, short circuit evaluations, and insulation coordination.
   Develop conduit and cable schedules, raceway designs, and interconnection requirements for substation equipment.
   Review vendor drawings and technical documentation to ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
   Collaborate with civil, structural, and transmission line engineering teams to ensure integrated and constructible substation designs.
   Provide technical support during procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning, ensuring design intent is maintained through energization.

Qualifications

   Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
    5-7 years of experience in electrical substation engineering for utility or EPC projects.
   Strong understanding of IEEE, NESC, and utility substation design standards.
   Experience with substation design tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or 3D modeling platforms.
   Excellent attention to detail and the ability to interpret and produce complex electrical drawings and engineering documentation.

#LI-RF1

Working Conditions

Other Requirements:
    Regular, reliable attendance
    Work productively and meet deadlines timely
    Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
    Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
    Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.

Base Compensation: $123,000/yr - $129,000/yr

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

What Kiewit Corporation employees say

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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884

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