Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
SOC Code: 49-2095
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $100,940 and +5.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 23,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay (SOC 49-2095) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 23,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $100,940, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train — apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify malfunctions or defects, using wiring diagrams and testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or ammeters.
- 2. Prepare and maintain records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance.
- 3. Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning.
- 4. Analyze test data to diagnose malfunctions, to determine performance characteristics of systems, or to evaluate effects of system modifications.
- 5. Open and close switches to isolate defective relays, performing adjustments or repairs.
- 6. Notify facility personnel of equipment shutdowns.
- 7. Construct, test, maintain, and repair substation relay and control systems.
- 8. Test insulators and bushings of equipment by inducing voltage across insulation, testing current, and calculating insulation loss.
- 9. Repair, replace, and clean equipment and components such as circuit breakers, brushes, and commutators.
- 10. Schedule and supervise the construction and testing of special devices and the implementation of unique monitoring or control systems.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Reading Comprehension
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Physics
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay?
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay is projected to grow by 5.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 23,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay?
Key skills for Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay include Critical Thinking, Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay earn?
The median annual wage for Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay is $100,940, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay?
The typical entry-level education for Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay?
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).