Utilities are modernizing the grid to handle record demand from electrification, renewables, and data centers. That means upgrading substations — the critical hubs where high-voltage power is stepped down and routed across neighborhoods and cities. Keeping those substations reliable requires a specialized role: Relay Technicians.
Relay technicians install, test, and maintain the protective systems that keep electricity flowing safely. They’re the guardians of the grid’s “nervous system” — the relays and controls that trip breakers, isolate faults, and prevent blackouts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 25,000 relay and substation technicians will be employed by 2034 — steady demand that translates into thousands of openings each year as older workers retire. That means thousands of openings across the country. Jobs that don’t require a four-year degree — but do demand a problem-solving mindset, precision under pressure, and a willingness to keep learning as new tools emerge.
This week in our Real Career Opportunities series, we spotlight: Relay Technicians.
Relay Technicians
Whether you’re coming out of an electrical trades program, working as a lineman and seeking specialization, or pivoting from military or industrial maintenance, relay offers a pathway into one of the most essential and respected careers in power.
Relay techs spend their days inspecting protective relays, calibrating meters, troubleshooting malfunctions, and upgrading digital control systems. The work is precise and technical, requiring both problem-solving skills and comfort in high-voltage environments.
For those who want a career at the cutting edge of grid reliability, this is the role that ensures the lights stay on.
Salary Snapshot
- Median pay: $93,255/year (~$45.00/hour)
- Growth: Senior relay technicians, field supervisors, and protection & control engineers can earn $100K–$130K+
Who’s a Fit
- Electrical tradespeople, linemen, or electricians seeking specialization
- Veterans with technical backgrounds (especially electronics or avionics)
- Community college or technical certificate holders in electrical technology
- Detail-oriented problem solvers who like precision work with real-world stakes
Who’s Hiring
At the time of this posting, major utilities, including Entergy, PG&E, and Evergy, are actively hiring relay technicians as part of large grid modernization programs. Duke Energy is recruiting interns for 2026, and specialized service companies such as Advanced Electric Systems, Service Electric Company, and WECTEC Staffing have also posted openings.
The Bottom Line
Relay technicians are the specialists who ensure power systems respond instantly to faults, protecting both equipment and communities. As utilities pour billions into substations and transmission upgrades, the role offers excellent pay, stability, and a front-row seat to the modernization of America’s electric system.
For workers seeking both challenge and security, this is a career that delivers on both — keeping the grid safe while building the future of power.
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