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What is a substation operator apprentice and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Primarily, Substation Operator Apprentices work with high voltage electrical equipment in substations of the electrical power transmission system and on transmission lines; what they do vary by the substation to be operated. They check and review station conditions. Also, they are in charge of ensuring the station is secured and the safety of others in the station. Besides, they routinely inspect all high and low voltage equipment and components in the substation and maintain records.

To become a substation operator apprentice, you can apply with any level of education, with the minimum being a vocational or technical degree. Also, you must pass a written aptitude examination for the position. Candidates must be able to use blueprints and schematics and follow directions. You must be familiar with technical practices.

A substation operator apprentice makes a gross salary of $70,160 or an equivalent of $34 per hour. This falls between $50,391 and $86,507.

ScoreSubstation Operator ApprenticeUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,670

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.3

Growth rate -15%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.38%

Asian 1.50%

Black or African American 5.92%

Hispanic or Latino 7.96%

Unknown 5.47%

White 76.76%

Gender

female 23.30%

male 76.70%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
9.3

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.4

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Substation operator apprentice career paths

Key steps to become a substation operator apprentice

  1. Explore substation operator apprentice education requirements

    Most common substation operator apprentice degrees

    Bachelor's

    37.3 %

    High School Diploma

    25.9 %

    Associate

    24.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific substation operator apprentice skills

    SkillsPercentages
    OSHA36.75%
    Hand Tools20.59%
    Safety Procedures12.56%
    Cranes10.45%
    Customer Inquiries5.73%
  3. Complete relevant substation operator apprentice training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New substation operators apprentice learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a substation operator apprentice based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real substation operator apprentice resumes.
  4. Research substation operator apprentice duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
    • Switch 13 kV , 26 kV , 46 kV , 161 kV , 500 kV equipment.
    • Provide expertise in weaponeering target system analysis, aim point selection and delivery tactics during exercises and combat employment.
    • Train by Siemans and ABB in GIS switching.
  5. Prepare your substation operator apprentice resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your substation operator apprentice resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a substation operator apprentice resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable substation operator apprentice resume templates

    Build a professional substation operator apprentice resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your substation operator apprentice resume.
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
    Substation Operator Apprentice Resume
  6. Apply for substation operator apprentice jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a substation operator apprentice job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

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Average substation operator apprentice salary

The average substation operator apprentice salary in the United States is $52,670 per year or $25 per hour. Substation operator apprentice salaries range between $38,000 and $72,000 per year.

Average substation operator apprentice salary
$52,670 Yearly
$25.32 hourly

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Substation operator apprentice reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

Supporting system operators in performing switching programs. Understanding relay operations. Working independently.

Cons

Nothing


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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