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Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Occupation · SOC 49-2095.00

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

Also called: Relay Technician · Substation Electrician · Substation Technician · Wireman · Electrical Technician · Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician) · Instrument and Control Technician (I and C Technician) · Instrumentation and Control Technician (I and C Technician) · Substation Mechanic · Substation Wireman · Apparatus Lineman · Corrosion Control Fitter

Job family: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

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A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch /roles/role-49-2095-00/context.md directly.

AI work map

A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.

42nd-percentile task overlap — yet about 2,000 openings a year (+5.5% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →

AI & job outlook

What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.

Exposure to current AI

Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.

Measure Rank vs all occupations Percentile Score
Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) Low 33rd -0.6
LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Moderate 40th 0.4
AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Moderate 58th 0.2

OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.2), with simple added tooling (β 0.3), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.4). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.

This job mostly cannot be done remotely (Dingel–Neiman) — its hands-on tasks sit outside what software-based AI reaches.

Historical automation estimate (2013)

A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.

Frey–Osborne probability 0.4 · 43rd percentile among occupations · Moderate

How AI is actually used in this job

Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.

Construct, test, maintain, and repair substation relay and control systems. 0.7%
Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning. 0.3%

Job outlook

Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.

Outlook About average · +5.5% by 2034
Projected annual openings 2,000
Employment 2024 → 2034 23,400 → 24,700

“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.

Where this work sits on the global GenAI gradient

The ILO's 2025 global study scores generative-AI exposure on the international ISCO-08 occupation system, not US SOC. Bridged through the published (and approximate, many-to-many) IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 crosswalk, this US occupation corresponds to the international 2 occupations below. Exposure here means how much of the work's tasks today's AI can attempt — task overlap, not automation, adoption, or jobs lost.

22% mean task exposure (2025)
38th percentile of 427 placed occupations
+2 pts shift 2023 → 2025
International occupation (ISCO-08) Task exposure (2025) Most tasks fall in
Electronics Mechanics and Servicers · 7421 25% Not exposed
Electrical Mechanics and Fitters · 7412 17% Not exposed

Read the whole six-band gradient on the GenAI exposure gradient page. The crosswalk is approximate: a US occupation can map to several international ones, and the ILO scores describe the international occupation, not this exact US role.

Tasks

All 16 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.

Emerging tasks

Newer responsibilities O*NET has flagged as growing for this occupation.

  • Calibrate instruments, such as transmitters.
  • Use drones for inspection of high-voltage lines and other hard-to-reach equipment.

Work activities

Knowledge, skills & abilities

O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).

Knowledge

Mechanical 4.3
Mathematics 3.9
Engineering and Technology 3.9
Public Safety and Security 3.9
English Language 3.8
Computers and Electronics 3.7
Design 3.7
Physics 3.5
Building and Construction 3.4
Education and Training 3.2

Abilities

Near Vision 3.9
Oral Comprehension 3.8
Problem Sensitivity 3.8
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.8
Written Comprehension 3.6
Oral Expression 3.6
Information Ordering 3.5
Finger Dexterity 3.3
Control Precision 3.3
Visual Color Discrimination 3.3
Written Expression 3.1
Deductive Reasoning 3.1
Inductive Reasoning 3.1
Flexibility of Closure 3.1
Perceptual Speed 3.1
Manual Dexterity 3.1

Essential skills

Critical Thinking 3.8
Reading Comprehension 3.4
Active Listening 3.1
Speaking 3.1
Monitoring 3.0

Transferable skills

Equipment Maintenance 3.6
Repairing 3.6
Troubleshooting 3.5
Operations Monitoring 3.3
Quality Control Analysis 3.3
Complex Problem Solving 3.1
Judgment and Decision Making 3.0
Systems Analysis 3.0
Time Management 3.0

Skills in demand

Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.

Tools & technology

Example Category
Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet software Hot technology In demand
Microsoft Office software Office suite software Hot technology In demand
Microsoft Word Word processing software Hot technology In demand
Autodesk AutoCAD Computer aided design CAD software Hot technology
Microsoft Outlook Electronic mail software Hot technology
Microsoft Windows Operating system software Hot technology
Fluke Corporation FlukeView Forms Analytical or scientific software
Megger PowerDB Compliance software
OMICRON Test Universe Analytical or scientific software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software Industrial control software
Web browser software Internet browser software

Work context

How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets 5.0
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams 4.9
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate 4.7
Contact With Others 4.7
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team 4.6
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable 4.6
Consequence of Error 4.5
Health and Safety of Other Workers 4.5
Physical Proximity 4.5
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities 4.4
Telephone Conversations 4.4
E-Mail 4.4
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results 4.4
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions 4.3
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions 4.3
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures 4.2
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks 4.2
Time Pressure 4.2
Frequency of Decision Making 4.2
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls 4.1
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled 4.1
Exposed to Contaminants 4.0
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment 3.9
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions 3.9
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled 3.9
Spend Time Standing 3.7
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers 3.7
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals 3.7
Exposed to High Places 3.6
Outdoors, Under Cover 3.5
Freedom to Make Decisions 3.5
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment 3.5
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection 3.5
Level of Competition 3.4
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions 3.3
Written Letters and Memos 3.3
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings 3.3
Spend Time Walking or Running 3.2
Conflict Situations 2.8
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions 2.8

How to get in

Job zone
Zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Typical entry-level education
Postsecondary nondegree award · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
Related experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Preparation level
SVP (6.0 to < 7.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.

What to study: Construction Trades , Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians , Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.

Education of current workers

Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.

Post-Secondary Certificate 50.3%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) 27.9%
Some College Courses 11.2%
High School Diploma 8.2%
Bachelor's Degree 2.4%

Interests & work styles

The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.

Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)

Realistic 7.0
Conventional 5.3
Investigative 3.5

Interest areas

Mechanics/Electronics 6.7
Engineering 6.2
Physical/Manual Labor 3.7
Mathematics/Statistics 2.3
Information Technology 2.2
Physical Science 2.1

Work styles

Dependability 3.0
Attention to Detail 2.7
Cautiousness 2.6
Integrity 1.9
Intellectual Curiosity 1.9
Stress Tolerance 1.6
Perseverance 1.6

Wages & employment

U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)

$61k10th$80k25th$101kMedian$115k75th$128k90th
Annual wages by percentile — U.S. (BLS OEWS). The light band spans the 10th–90th percentile; the darker band is the middle half (25th–75th); the line is the median.
23k202425k2034 (proj.)+5.5% · About average
Projected U.S. employment, 2024–2034 (BLS Employment Projections). A labor-market forecast for the occupation, not an AI-impact forecast.
10th percentile $60,820
25th percentile $79,930
Median (50th) $100,940
75th percentile $114,740
90th percentile $127,970
People employed 23,040

Industries that employ this occupation

Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.

Industry Workers National median pay
Utilities · Sector 15,140 $104,080
Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation · National industry 3,330 $103,020
Nuclear Electric Power Generation · National industry 1,720 $105,490
Construction · Sector 1,530 $76,590
Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction · National industry 1,220 $76,590
Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector 620 $78,350
Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector 620 $57,220
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector 530 $84,220
Wholesale Trade · Sector 340 $58,310
Transportation and Warehousing · Sector 280 $104,150
Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors · National industry 270 $79,110
Engineering Services · National industry 270 $101,770

Where this work is most concentrated

Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).

Industry Concentration Workers
Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation · National industry 312.59× 3,330
Nuclear Electric Power Generation · National industry 309.92× 1,720
Hydroelectric Power Generation · National industry 176.11× 180
Utilities · Sector 174.86× 15,140
Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction · National industry 34.87× 1,220
Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry 10.21× 260
Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors · National industry 1.69× 270
Engineering Services · National industry 1.56× 270

Part of the Advanced Manufacturing and Energy & Natural Resources career clusters.

Exposure quadrant: AI task-overlap percentile vs Median pay Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay sits at the 42nd percentile of AI task-overlap and the 83rd percentile of median pay, placed here against 12 adjacent occupations on the same two axes. Lower overlap · higher pay Higher overlap · higher pay Higher overlap · lower pay Lower overlap · lower pay Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment Electricians Power Distributors and Dispatchers Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians Calibration Technologists and Technicians Electronics Engineers, Except Computer AI task-overlap percentile → ↑ Median pay
AI task-overlap percentile (horizontal) vs. median-pay percentile (vertical), across all scored occupations. This occupation is highlighted; related occupations are plotted alongside it. Overlap measures shared tasks with AI, not automation.

Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.

What you can do with this

Options the data surfaces for Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.

Skills that travel

Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.

Adjacent roles

Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.

Paths in

How people typically prepare for this work.

Zoom out

On the global GenAI exposure gradient this work sits around the 38th percentile of 427 international occupations.

Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay show 42nd-percentile AI task overlap — and about 2,000 annual U.S. openings

  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay rank in the 42nd percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
  • The occupation is projected to see about 2,000 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
  • BLS projects employment to be about average (+5.5%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
  • Median annual pay is $100,940, across about 23,040 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay show 42nd-percentile AI task overlap — and about 2,000 annual U.S. openings

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay rank in the 42nd percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE)
• The occupation is projected to see about 2,000 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34)
• BLS projects employment to be about average (+5.5%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34)
• Median annual pay is $100,940, across about 23,040 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024))

Source: Singulariki — "Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-49-2095-00
Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.

AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom

Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.

Sources for this page

Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.

Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.

Cite this page
Plain

Singulariki. "Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-49-2095-00

APA

Singulariki. (2026). Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-49-2095-00

BibTeX 
@misc{singulariki-role-49-2095-00,
  title  = {Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay},
  author = {{Singulariki}},
  year   = {2026},
  note   = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
  url    = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-49-2095-00}
}

Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.

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