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Substation electrician vs commercial and industrial electrician

The differences between substation electricians and commercial and industrial electricians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a substation electrician and a commercial and industrial electrician. Additionally, a substation electrician has an average salary of $67,906, which is higher than the $46,340 average annual salary of a commercial and industrial electrician.

The top three skills for a substation electrician include CDL, transformers and circuit breakers. The most important skills for a commercial and industrial electrician are hand tools, ladders, and electrical systems.

Substation electrician vs commercial and industrial electrician overview

Substation ElectricianCommercial And Industrial Electrician
Yearly salary$67,906$46,340
Hourly rate$32.65$22.28
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs16,82448,589
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 38%High School Diploma, 31%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a substation electrician do?

A Substation Electrician installs control panels and wiring systems, performs emergency repairs and regular maintenance on electrical substations delivering energy to the surrounding buildings and houses. The professionals work hand-in-hand with engineers and architects to create the substation's plan and layout. After completing the blueprints, the Substation Electricians can construct and install electrical equipment and wiring cabinets. Other duties performed may include testing, calibrating, and maintaining relays. They also operate various devices and troubleshoot transformers' issues and provide the right solutions.

What does a commercial and industrial electrician do?

A commercial electrician is different from an industrial electrician since both perform in different environments and have distinct training. Commercial electricians are responsible for ensuring that the electrical components and wiring of the structure are working safely and efficiently. They commonly work on basic electrical installations and repairs of particular equipment. On the other hand, industrial electricians have more specialized and extensive education. Their duties require them to have an in-depth knowledge of their field since accuracy is very crucial in their line of work. They may operate issues relating to extraordinary high voltage systems and micro-control currents of electricity.

Substation electrician vs commercial and industrial electrician salary

Substation electricians and commercial and industrial electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Substation ElectricianCommercial And Industrial Electrician
Average salary$67,906$46,340
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $98,000Between $30,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Tesla
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between substation electrician and commercial and industrial electrician education

There are a few differences between a substation electrician and a commercial and industrial electrician in terms of educational background:

Substation ElectricianCommercial And Industrial Electrician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 38%High School Diploma, 31%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Substation electrician vs commercial and industrial electrician demographics

Here are the differences between substation electricians' and commercial and industrial electricians' demographics:

Substation ElectricianCommercial And Industrial Electrician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 92.5% Female, 7.5%Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between substation electrician and commercial and industrial electrician duties and responsibilities

Substation electrician example responsibilities.

  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Work include making connections from switches to structures to grid.
  • Perform Doble field testing and infrare thermography viewing on EHV equipment.
  • Disconnect voltage regulators, bolts, and screws, and connect replacement regulators to high-voltage lines.
  • Measure and read DMM, Meggers, micrometers and thickness gauges using electrical and mechanical testing instruments.
  • Assist in electrical tests, TTR, Doble, core megger and resistance for transformer testing, etc.
  • Show more

Commercial and industrial electrician example responsibilities.

  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Install electrical conduit, breaker panels, transformers, junction boxes, surface metal raceway, and electrical pvc.
  • Follow the NEC code precisely.
  • Install EMT piping and wiring as per blue prints in commercial properties.
  • Perform minor repairs, such as replacing fuses, light sockets, bulbs and switches.
  • Complete conveyor system controls, PLC terminations, install rigid pipe, pull wire to terminate.
  • Show more

Substation electrician vs commercial and industrial electrician skills

Common substation electrician skills
  • CDL, 11%
  • Transformers, 11%
  • Circuit Breakers, 9%
  • Switches, 7%
  • Substation Equipment, 6%
  • Cranes, 5%
Common commercial and industrial electrician skills
  • Hand Tools, 26%
  • Ladders, 19%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • RUN Conduit, 6%
  • Work Ethic, 4%
  • OSHA, 3%

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