Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Also called: Electrical Repairers, Powerhouse and Relay
Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
Also called: Apparatus Lineman, Corrosion Control Fitter, Corrosion Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician), Electrical Maintenance Mechanic, Electrical Technician
Median pay
$103,020
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$65,730 – $129,920
People employed
20,720
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 6.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 7.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 8.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay pay by state
Annual median pay by state (48 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay salary in every state →
What electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay do
- 01Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify malfunctions or defects, using wiring diagrams and testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or ammeters.
- 02Prepare and maintain records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance.
- 03Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning.
- 04Analyze test data to diagnose malfunctions, to determine performance characteristics of systems, or to evaluate effects of system modifications.
- 05Open and close switches to isolate defective relays, performing adjustments or repairs.
- 06Notify facility personnel of equipment shutdowns.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians88% · group pay
- Ship Engineers79% · +6%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door78% · −28%
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators77% · −24%
- Nuclear Technicians77% · +7%
Change into electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door89% · $74,340
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians89% · $64,120
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians85% · $102,040
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers85% · $92,460
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators83% · $78,620
Majors that lead here
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
- Power Plant Technology/Technician
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General
- Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.