Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

These professionals inspect, test, and fix electrical machinery located in powerhouses, substations, and active relay systems. They spend their days monitoring processes, analyzing equipment for defects, and solving complex technical problems. To succeed, workers must be skilled in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and critical thinking. They must read technical documents carefully and use quality control analysis to ensure all systems comply with safety standards.

This role is highly realistic and hands-on, requiring strong knowledge of mechanics, engineering, mathematics, physics, and electronics. Workers must be cautious, dependable, and highly attentive to detail to handle high-voltage equipment safely. They must also tolerate stress well and maintain self-control while working in potentially hazardous environments.

Entering this field typically requires medium preparation, which often involves vocational training, an associate degree, or related work experience. The typical education level needed to start is a postsecondary certificate. Students often major in electrical and electronic engineering technologies, electrical and power transmission installation, electrical maintenance and repair, or energy systems technologies.

Depending on the location, some states list a license for this work. Professionals can also earn industry certifications to show their expertise. Examples include the Cable Splicing Certification and the Instrumentation Certification from the Electrical Training Alliance. The National Center for Construction Education and Research also offers assessments for Power Generation Maintenance Electricians and Power Generation Maintenance Mechanics.

The median annual pay for these repairers is $103,020. Earnings range from under $65,730 for the lowest 10% of workers to over $129,920 for the highest 10%. There are currently 20,720 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 9.7%, which is much faster than average. This growth, along with retirements and job changes, is expected to result in 1,800 openings each year.