Installation & Repair · SOC 49-2095
Powerhouse relay technicians analyze complex test data — a task AI increasingly assists — but hands-on switching and repair stays human.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: AI-driven grid monitoring tools are already improving fault detection in substations, but certified hands-on relay repair stays human indefinitely under utility safety codes.
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$46,860 median pay
$50,620 median pay
$59,300 median pay
$78,300 median pay
$47,940 median pay
AI job-risk card
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay is 38/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
38 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Analyzing test data to diagnose malfunctions and system performance, Running connectivity and signal quality tests on cables, Consulting manuals and schematics to troubleshoot equipment, Testing insulation and calculating insulation loss. Harder to automate: Physically opening and closing switches to isolate defects, Replacing circuit breakers, brushes, and commutators, Hands-on inspection of high-voltage equipment, Managing spare parts inventory and procurement.
Lean into Power systems protection and relaying, High-voltage equipment safety, AI-assisted diagnostics, Electrical test instrumentation. Consider roles such as Power systems engineer or Substation operations supervisor or Electrical protection specialist.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.