Power System Electricians

(NOC 7243)

in All Trades and Transportation

Power system electricians install, maintain, test and repair electrical power generation, transmission and distribution system equipment and apparatus. They work for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution companies.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$22.00

Minimum

$40.87

Median

$56.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$91,662

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$37.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Power system electricians:

Install and maintain electrical power distribution equipment like transformers, generators, voltage regulators, switches, circuit breakers, capacitors, inductors, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
Install and maintain electrical equipment and apparatus in generating stations or powerhouses.
Inspect and test installed electrical equipment and apparatus to locate electrical faults and check their operation, using volt meters, ammeters and other electrical test instruments and equipment.
Repair or replace faulty electrical equipment and apparatus.
Complete test and maintenance reports.

Sample job titles

apprentice power system electrician
electrical powerhouse electrician
electrician - electricity production
power electrician
power station electrician
power system electrician

Skills

This work requires good mechanical and electrical skills. You should have a strong background in mathematics and the sciences. Basic calculation and blueprint-reading skills are needed. You must also be able to follow instructions and be comfortable working with tools. Good eyesight, colour vision, and hand-eye coordination are necessary.

Job requirements

High school is usually required.
A four-year apprenticeship program for power system electricians or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical technology is usually required.

Other considerations

Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

employed in 2016

92.3%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

0.0%

100%

39.9

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

50.0%

North Shore

N/A

25.0%

Cape Breton

N/A

25.0%

Halifax

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

54.5%

Construction

45.5%

Utilities

What is the age of Employment?

36.0%

25-34

29.0%

55-64

21.0%

35-44

14.0%

65+

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

57.1%

College Diploma

$91,751 median annual income

14.3%

Trade Certification

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income

22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income

18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income

2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

Computer Engineering - General

University Program

These programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

admissions@dal.ca

Website

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

admission@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations