How long does the training take?

Typically a few months to two years for the certificate, then a few months to a year of training on the job, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Not a full degree. A certificate or short program is the usual route.

Where can you train for this work?

438 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Repair & mechanics · SOC 49-2095

$103,020US median pay, 2025

+9.7%Projected growth, 2025–35

1,800Openings per year

CertificateUsual way in

How you get in

A certificate or short program is the usual way in.

Postsecondary nondegree award
Less than 5 years of experience in a related job
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work in: electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician	CIP 15.0303	381
Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General	CIP 46.0301	62
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other	CIP 47.0199	18
Power Plant Technology/Technician	CIP 15.1702	5

See the 438 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically a few months to two years for the certificate, then a few months to a year of training on the job, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay make?: The US median is $103,020 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Not a full degree. A certificate or short program is the usual route.
Where can you train for this work?: 438 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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