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Substation Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Designer - Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG ... This role requires working knowledge of basic design techniques and industry procedures, with an ...

The Designer - Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG ... This role requires working knowledge of basic design techniques and industry procedures, with an ...

The Designer - Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG ... This role requires working knowledge of basic design techniques and industry procedures, with an ...

The Drafter - Substation will perform routine substation design assignments, which require ... Working in a team environment * Communicating effectively with co-workers * Able to deal with ...

Drafter - Substation

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

Drafter - Substation Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on electricity ... Working in a team environment * Communicating effectively with co-workers * Able to deal with ...

Drafter - Substation Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on electricity ... Working in a team environment * Communicating effectively with co-workers * Able to deal with ...

Drafter - Substation Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on electricity ... Working in a team environment * Communicating effectively with co-workers * Able to deal with ...

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Substation Worker information

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$12

$23

$31

How much do substation worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation worker in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substation job?

A substation job involves maintaining, operating, and repairing electrical substations that distribute electricity from power plants to consumers. Workers in this role typically handle high-voltage equipment, use specialized tools, and follow safety protocols, often requiring technical training or certifications. The job environment is usually outdoors or in industrial settings, with shifts that may include nights or weekends.

How hard is it to become a substation technician?

Becoming a substation technician typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an apprenticeship in electrical systems. The job involves understanding complex electrical equipment, safety protocols, and often requires certifications such as OSHA or NFPA 70E; gaining experience through on-the-job training is also common.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Substation workers typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training and experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial pilots, certain sales roles, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require specific skills, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.

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

To thrive as a Substation Worker, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in electrical work. Familiarity with tools such as voltage meters, protective relay systems, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems is important, along with OSHA safety certifications. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help ensure safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualities are essential to prevent accidents, maintain system reliability, and support the continuous delivery of electrical power.

What are substation workers?

Substation workers are specialized technicians who install, maintain, and repair electrical substations, which are critical components of the power grid. Their duties involve working with high-voltage equipment, performing inspections, troubleshooting electrical issues, and ensuring the safe operation of substations. They play a vital role in maintaining reliable electricity transmission and distribution to homes and businesses. Substation workers must follow strict safety protocols and often work outdoors or in challenging conditions.

What does a substation worker do?

A substation worker maintains and repairs electrical substations, which are critical for distributing electricity. They perform tasks such as inspecting equipment, replacing components, and ensuring safety protocols are followed, often working with tools like voltmeters and protective gear. Certification and safety training are typically required for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by substation workers on the job?

Substation workers often face challenges such as working in hazardous environments with high-voltage equipment, which requires strict adherence to safety protocols. They may also need to respond to emergency outages or repairs during severe weather conditions, which can be physically demanding. Additionally, coordinating tasks with engineers, linemen, and control room operators is essential to ensure smooth operations and minimize downtime. Staying updated with new technology and regulations is also important to maintain efficiency and safety.
More about Substation Worker jobs
Infographic showing various Substation Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 82% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,095 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Designer - Substation

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Quanta Services rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 78 rated construction


Job description

QISG leverages Quanta’s comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.


Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.


Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on electricity provided by Quanta Services and its customers. With its highly skilled and innovative workforce, Quanta is the largest specialty contractor in North America that powers modern life. Find your future with us by being a part of something bigger – leading the energy transition in building a better world for generations to come.

We encourage and inspire our people to embrace opportunities within our corporate office and 200 operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power, industrial, and communications industries worldwide.

Quanta’s culture is about creating an environment where all employees can be themselves, are valued, and have an equal opportunity to succeed. When you join our team, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded, and diversity is valued.


The Designer – Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG platform by performing routine 2D/3D Physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design tasks. This role requires working knowledge of basic design techniques and industry procedures, with an emphasis on accuracy, standards compliance, and CAD proficiency.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong familiarity with substation materials, construction methods, and utility design standards. Proficiency with CAD platforms—including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Map 3D, Inventor, and Substation Design Suite (SDS) for Physical and/or P&C applications—is preferred. The Designer will work under the direction of a Lead Designer and collaborate closely with engineers and drafting teams to develop and maintain quality drawing packages for both internal and client-facing deliverables.

  • Work on design aspects from project inception to completion on various substation projects.
  • Utilize 3D and/or smart design software for substation design.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of workmanship.
  • Take personal responsibility for the quality and accuracy of his/her work. 
  • Research information in catalogs, specifications, corporate standards, or other reference material.
  • Learn and properly use the document management system and suggest improvements.
  • Learn and apply corporate standard engineering practices.
  • Bring potential project-related problems and possible solutions to the attention of the stakeholders.
  • Travel out of town for short periods of time as required by projects and assignments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

  • Associates degree in Drafting & Design or equivalent certification is preferred. A 4-year Eng Tech degree is a plus.
  • Experience in drafting disciplines with a background in substation design is highly preferred.
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience in the electric utility industry performing detailed CAD/design for high voltage substation projects. More experience could result in a higher-level position.
  • Experience with 3D and/or smart design software (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, SDS, etc.) is preferred.
  • Word processing, spread sheet, and e-mail software.
  • Extensive knowledge of various CAD programs
  • Basic knowledge of the major components of a substation
  • Basic oral and written communications
  • Basic knowledge of the types of drawings required to construct an electrical substation.
  • Working in a team environment
  • Communicating effectively with co-workers
  • Able to deal with ambiguity and ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and determine priorities in a complex environment.

Travel Requirements:

  • Role will require travel as necessary to achieve job responsibilities. but travel will be minimal to support project related site visits.

  • Competitive salary – overtime is available.
  • Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
  • Professional development opportunities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.


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