Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electrical and electronics repairers in powerhouses, substations, and relays inspect, test, repair, and maintain electrical equipment that generates and distributes power. They work in power plants, utility substations, and relay facilities, diagnosing equipment problems and performing preventive maintenance to keep electrical systems operational.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves testing electrical components with specialized equipment, replacing faulty parts in generators or transformers, and documenting maintenance work. Repairers may troubleshoot relay systems, inspect wiring and connections, clean equipment, and verify repairs meet safety standards. Work includes both scheduled maintenance tasks and emergency repairs when equipment fails, often requiring coordination with other utility staff.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you prefer hands-on problem-solving and follow established procedures reliably. You're comfortable with technical systems, details, and safety protocols, and you value working in essential infrastructure roles where your repairs directly keep power systems running.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $104,000 | $131,050 | $146,570 | 170 |
| Hawaii | $108,160 | $127,330 | $136,320 | 70 |
| Washington | $90,090 | $125,620 | $135,130 | 410 |
| Colorado | $100,890 | $125,560 | $133,300 | 210 |
| Alaska | $65,720 | $125,260 | $166,350 | 80 |
| California | $103,220 | $121,520 | $146,760 | 1,680 |
| Massachusetts | $100,200 | $119,460 | $123,370 | 430 |
| Idaho | $89,360 | $119,170 | $131,080 | 100 |
| Maryland | $105,740 | $117,760 | $118,210 | — |
| Utah | $108,870 | $114,250 | $126,820 | 100 |
| New Jersey | $98,540 | $111,600 | $119,810 | 450 |
| Connecticut | $99,280 | $109,610 | $124,160 | 210 |
All 48 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Cable Splicing Certification — Electrical Training Alliance
- Instrumentation Certification — Electrical Training Alliance
- Power Generation Maintenance Mechanic Assessment — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Power Generation Maintenance Electrician Assessment — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- System Operator Certification (SOC) — North American Electric Reliability Corporation
- Offshore Corrosion Assessment Technician (O-CAT) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-2095.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.