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Power generation equipment repairer vs substation technician

The differences between power generation equipment repairers and substation technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a power generation equipment repairer and a substation technician. Additionally, a power generation equipment repairer has an average salary of $47,292, which is higher than the $39,335 average annual salary of a substation technician.

The top three skills for a power generation equipment repairer include preventive maintenance, maintenance checks and voltage regulators. The most important skills for a substation technician are hand tools, circuit breakers, and substation equipment.

Power generation equipment repairer vs substation technician overview

Power Generation Equipment RepairerSubstation Technician
Yearly salary$47,292$39,335
Hourly rate$22.74$18.91
Growth rate-1%-1%
Number of jobs19,44144,872
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age3737
Years of experience44

What does a power generation equipment repairer do?

Power generation equipment repairers must have a high school diploma or GED as well as mechanical aptitude, job shop experience, and experience with handheld power tools. Those who choose this career path will conduct maintenance on tactical utilities, power generation sets, internal combustion engines and equipment associated with these.

What does a substation technician do?

Substation technicians are electrical professionals who are responsible for performing routine maintenance and emergency repairs on electrical substations. These technicians must possess skills in using basic hand tools to install or replace defective parts while assembling or disassembling electrical equipment. They are required to make professional electrical wiring and other repairs to electrical systems so that they can ensure safety to residents and other employees. Substation technicians must also work outdoors to perform maintenance on high voltage equipment that is installed in high and confined areas.

Power generation equipment repairer vs substation technician salary

Power generation equipment repairers and substation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Power Generation Equipment RepairerSubstation Technician
Average salary$47,292$39,335
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $64,000Between $29,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between power generation equipment repairer and substation technician education

There are a few differences between a power generation equipment repairer and a substation technician in terms of educational background:

Power Generation Equipment RepairerSubstation Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorGeneral StudiesElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common collegeNew Mexico State UniversityNew Mexico State University

Power generation equipment repairer vs substation technician demographics

Here are the differences between power generation equipment repairers' and substation technicians' demographics:

Power Generation Equipment RepairerSubstation Technician
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 90.1% Female, 9.9%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 3.9% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 3.9% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between power generation equipment repairer and substation technician duties and responsibilities

Power generation equipment repairer example responsibilities.

  • Assist in the diagnosing and repair of HVAC, compressor, water pumps, trailer and vehicle system issues.
  • Repair different types of equipment such as generators, HVAC equipment, trucks, chemical pumps and pressure washers.
  • Create a preventative maintenance schedule that enhance operational accountability to increase combat effectiveness.
  • Perform duties professionally in a variety of different environments and conditions, including combat operations.
  • Install air conditioning and refrigeration system by positioning compressors, motors, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and heaters.
  • Maintain and repair trucks, bulldozers, power shovels and other heavy equipment used for construction operations to support military operations.

Substation technician example responsibilities.

  • Document all work perform to meet WECC and Nerc Cip compliant requirements.
  • Diagnose, repair and replace monitoring and control systems, hoisting equipment, and overhead cranes.
  • Check and refill SF6 on circuit switches.
  • Use ladders and Ariel Lifts/Trek-Lifts when need.
  • Perform NERC compliance relating to system protection.
  • Assist with SCADA installation and wiring at each substation.
  • Show more

Power generation equipment repairer vs substation technician skills

Common power generation equipment repairer skills
  • Preventive Maintenance, 20%
  • Maintenance Checks, 16%
  • Voltage Regulators, 13%
  • Electronic Circuitry, 13%
  • Combustion Engines, 12%
  • Power-Generation Equipment, 7%
Common substation technician skills
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Circuit Breakers, 12%
  • Substation Equipment, 11%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Loaders, 8%
  • Switches, 7%

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