Home > Salary > South Africa > Substation Operator
A substation operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of electrical substations. Their primary role involves monitoring and controlling the flow of electricity through the substation, ensuring that power is distributed accurately to customers and maintaining system reliability. They monitor various instruments and meters to assess voltage levels, currents, and frequency, and make adjustments as necessary. Substation operators also respond to alarms and troubleshoot issues, such as equipment malfunctions or power outages, by coordinating with field technicians and other operators. They must adhere to safety protocols and regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity. Strong technical knowledge of electrical systems, equipment, and control systems is essential for this role.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 189,131 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,761 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,637 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 91 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,273 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,525 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 88 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-09
Estimated Yearly Salary: 9,449 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 787 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 182 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 189,131 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,761 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,637 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 91 ZAR per hour
By working as Substation Operator a person can save up to 516 USD per month or 6,195 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Substation Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Substation Operator salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Substation Operator in South Africa is approximately 189,131 ZAR (9,449 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Substation Operator do?

Skills: Substation operator, Electrical systems, Power distribution, System reliability, Troubleshooting, Safety protocols.
Job industry: Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution
Job industry: Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution
How much does Substation Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Substation Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 189,131 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,761 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,637 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 91 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 183,280 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 15,273 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,525 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 88 ZAR per hour
Substation Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 9,449 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 787 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 182 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Substation Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Substation Operator in South Africa earns on average:
1.49 times the average salary (or 149% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Substation Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Substation Operator in South Africa earns on average:
1.49 times the average salary (or 149% of average salary).
Is Substation Operator a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Substation Operator is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Substation Operator?
High salary for Substation Operator would be somewhere between 208,044 ZAR and 274,240 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Substation Operator in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 189,131 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,761 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,637 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 91 ZAR per hour
By working as Substation Operator a person can save up to 516 USD per month or 6,195 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Substation Operator
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
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