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Substation technician education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a substation technician. Substation technicians usually study electrical engineering technology, electrical engineering, or general studies. 35% of substation technicians hold a associate degree, and 35% hold an high school diploma. We analyzed 271 real substation technician resumes to see exactly what substation technician education sections show.
The most common colleges for substation technicians are the University of Idaho and the University of Idaho.
There are also many online substation technician courses to help get the education required to be a substation technician.
What education do you need to become a substation technician?
What degree do you need to be a substation technician?
- Associate, 35%
- High School Diploma, 35%
- Bachelor's, 14%
- Diploma, 8%
- Other Degrees, 8%
What should I major in to become a substation technician?
- General Studies, 9%
- Other Majors, 47%
Most common colleges for substation technicians
| Substation technician common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Idaho | 8.70% |
| DeVry University | 8.70% |
| Texas Tech University | 8.70% |
| West Texas A&M University | 4.35% |
| Stratford University | 4.35% |
Best majors for substation technicians
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical Engineering Technology | 28.0% |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering | 9.8% |
| 3 | General Studies | 8.5% |
| 4 | Industrial Technology | 6.1% |
| 5 | Business | 4.9% |
Best colleges for substation technicians
The best colleges for substation technicians are Northeastern University, Stanford University, and Northwestern University.
A substation technician with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for substation technicians. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become substation technicians.
1. New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$6,686
Enrollment
11,139
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,832
Enrollment
4,550
3. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Enrollment
4,169
4. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
5. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
6. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
7. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,522
Enrollment
13,760
8. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Enrollment
31,503
9. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
10. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
20 best online courses for substation technicians
Advertising disclosure
1. MV Substation - An industrial approach (PART-A)
This tailor-made certificate course on MV Substation Engineering is curated by the Subject Matter Experts and practitioners of L&T, and is structured pragmatically to help the learner understand the industry practices in carrying out the engineering for substations and selection of various substation equipment in accordance with Indian & International Standards. In addition, it covers the electrical safety rules, safe operating procedures and an overview of maintenance practices to give a...
2. A Practitioner's Approach to Power Distribution & Automation
Our specialization is a blend of basic and emerging technology in the power distribution sector through two unique courses. First course is Electrical Power Distribution wherein we deal from concept to commissioning level, give exposure to the learners statutory regulations, the different distribution equipment like distribution transformers, pole mounted substation, auto reclosure, sectionlizers, Compact Substation, Ring Main unit. Today we are moving more of digitalization and our...
3. Ultimate Electricity Generation, HV, and Substations Bundle
This electrical engineering bundle consists of electrical substations, high voltage, and electricity generation courses...
4. Air Insulated Electrical Substation Design
This course will give you a great appreciation of Air Insulated Substations and how all of the equipments fit together...
5. Electrical Control & Protection Systems
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
6. High Voltage Electric Vehicle Safety
Electric Vehicle Safety Battery Pack Fire Safety Electric Shock Safety Accidental Safety High Voltage Components...
7. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
8. Electrical Control & Protection Part 4
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...
9. Construction Site Electrical System Design
Learn how to design a safe, flexible and durable electrical system for any construction site...
10. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment
Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...
11. The Complete Electrical Power Control and Protection
Your Complete Practical Guide in Electrical Control & Protection Systems for Stations , Substations & Distribution Zones...
12. Electrical Control & Protection Part 3
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...
13. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians
Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...
14. Electrical Low Voltage System Distribution Design
Design of Power & Lighting Distribution System using Auto CAD, DIALux, & Low Voltage Calculations Using Excel Sheets...
15. Ultimate Electrical Power Protection, Control & Switchgear
Your Complete guide in industrial power system protection for switchgears and substations- from Beginner to Expert Level...
16. Electrical Power Equipment
Learn how electrical equipments operate and how they fit together into a network...
17. Fundamentals of Electrical Controls
Learn the parts and wiring techniques used in a motor control installation, become a Controls Electrician...
18. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.
OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...
19. Motor Starter Circuits (Motor Control)
Motor starter schematics or wiring drawings. Learn to design power & control circuits for motor starters...
20. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)
Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...
Top 10 most affordable universities for substation technicians
The most affordable schools for substation technicians are California State University - Long Beach, suny farmingdale, and inter american university of puerto rico bayamon.
If the best universities for substation technicians are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for substation technicians.
1. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
3. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Cost of attendance
13,508
4. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Ponce
Mercedita, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,914
Cost of attendance
13,564
5. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Barranquitas
Barranquitas, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,902
Cost of attendance
13,479
6. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Aguadilla
Aguadilla, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,902
Cost of attendance
13,284
7. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$3,503
Cost of attendance
12,843
8. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
9. National University College - Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$6,675
Cost of attendance
12,941
10. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for substation technicians
The hardest universities for substation technicians to get into are Northeastern University, Stanford University, and Northwestern University.
Some great schools for substation technicians are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for substation technicians based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
2. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
4. Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX • Private
Admissions rate
51%
SAT average
1,395
5. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
6. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
7. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
8. Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,517
9. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,461
10. University of Rochester
Rochester, NY • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,422
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for substation technicians
The easiest schools for substation technicians to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, capitol technology university, and pennsylvania state university - altoona.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a substation technician without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for substation technicians.
1. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
2. Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD • Private
Admissions rate
69%
SAT average
1,070
3. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Altoona, PA • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,094
4. Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Reading, PA • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,107
5. South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,149
6. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,111
7. Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
1,070
8. Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,080
9. Alabama A & M University
Normal, AL • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
957
10. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,068
Average substation technician salary by education level
| Substation technician education level | Substation technician salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $38,320 |
Substation technician education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common installation, maintenance and repair questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025