Average salary*: $27,976

Education: High School Diploma

Testing: Pre-employment testing is typically required. Many companies require a passing score on the industry exams before being considered for employment. Topics focus on spatial ability, math concepts,
mechanical reasoning and reading comprehension.

Special certificates/licenses: Some positions require an apprenticeship once employed. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Average salary*: $61,554

Required years of experience : Three to five year apprenticeship may be required.

Things you’ll do: There are several types of maintenance and repair work. For a mid- to senior-level position, one can become an expert in one of these specialty areas.

Mechanical Technician

Things you’ll do: Repair and maintain equipment and machinery in the power plant. Perform welding repairs. Discover problems with rotating machinery.

Substation Mechanic

Things you’ll do: Read diagrams of electric circuits. Serve as an expert on how a substation works and
its equipment. Perform routine operations at the substation.

Relay Technician

Things you’ll do: Open and close switches to isolate defective relays, then perform adjustments or repairs.
Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify problems using special diagrams that show wiring as well as testing devices. Disconnect and replace equipment that manages voltage on high voltage power lines.

Instrumentation & Control (I&C) OR Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Technician

Things you’ll do: Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems at the power plant and determine how to correct them. Repair or replace defective equipment parts using hand tools and power tools, and then reassemble equipment. Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure it functions properly.

Average salary*: $70,731

Education: While companies may provide some training in supervisory and leadership skills, an Associate’s
degree may be beneficial.

Required years of experience: Typically ten years

Things you’ll do: Determine schedules and work activities of team members. Discuss with team members how well they are doing on the job and provide feedback, as necessary. Check work areas and examine tools and equipment to see if there are any unsafe conditions. Communicate effectively with others including team members, bosses, and management. Deal calmly with potentially stressful situations.