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What is a transformer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a transformer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $27.59 an hour? That's $57,396 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -3% and produce -17,200 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreTransformerUS Average
Salary
4.5

Avg. Salary $57,396

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.1

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.44%

Asian 10.62%

Black or African American 10.41%

Hispanic or Latino 12.97%

Unknown 2.75%

White 62.81%

Gender

female 7.28%

male 92.72%

Age - 51
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 - 51
Stress level
6.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a transformer

  1. Explore transformer education requirements

    Most common transformer degrees

    High School Diploma

    37.5 %

    Bachelor's

    28.1 %

    Associate

    18.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific transformer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Power Transformers23.07%
    Hand Tools20.95%
    Cranes19.94%
    PCB11.76%
    Air Tools11.17%
  3. Complete relevant transformer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New transformers 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 transformer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real transformer resumes.
  4. Research transformer duties and responsibilities

    • Perform various tests on industrial transformers per IEEE and ANSI specifications.
    • Operate equipment such as forklifts, boom trucks, operate various types of cranes.
    • Set ladders, scaffolds and hoists in place for taking supplies up and down different types of structures.
    • Read and interpret blueprints and check critical dimensions by using measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers and indicators.
  5. Apply for transformer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a transformer 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

How did you land your first transformer job

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Average transformer salary

The average transformer salary in the United States is $57,396 per year or $28 per hour. Transformer salaries range between $30,000 and $106,000 per year.

Average transformer salary
$57,396 Yearly
$27.59 hourly

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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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