Electrical · Specialist

High-Voltage Electrician

Works on mine power distribution assets, with switching and access limited by licence, appointment, site procedures and demonstrated competence.

Indicative 2026 annual cash$145k–$205kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextCommonly 8/6, 7/7 or 2/1, with call-out or outage work in some roles.
Typical work settingSubstation switching, transformers, powerlines

Supplied rate guide · 28 September 2026

Indicative hourly rates.

These day and night / campaign ranges are separate from the annual band. They are broad comparisons, not an offer or an award minimum.

Day / project
$78–$100/hr
Night / campaign
$90–$118/hr

Check the applicable award or enterprise agreement, paid hours, penalties, allowances and super in the actual offer. Find an agreement ↗

Role at a glance

What this role actually does.

Works on mine power distribution assets, with switching and access limited by licence, appointment, site procedures and demonstrated competence. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.

The work

Core duties

  • 01

    Maintain HV distribution equipment

  • 02

    Test and inspect assets within authority

  • 03

    Prepare or execute switching under site systems

  • 04

    Investigate trips and defects

  • 05

    Coordinate access and earthing

  • 06

    Maintain switching and test records

The assets

Equipment and systems

  • 01

    Switchgear and circuit breakers

  • 02

    Transformers

  • 03

    Protection relays

  • 04

    Cables and terminations

  • 05

    Earthing systems

  • 06

    HV test equipment

Before mobilisation

Typical foundations

  • 01

    Electrical trade and current jurisdictional licence

  • 02

    Site-recognised HV switching training and appointment where the role requires switching

  • 03

    Arc-flash, rescue and testing competence relevant to duties

  • 04

    Authorisation for the actual installation and voltage level

Prove capability

Evidence employers can verify

  • 01

    Installation and voltage class

  • 02

    Personal switching or maintenance authority

  • 03

    Test method and result

  • 04

    Defect, trip or outage outcome

Entry pathway

A credible way into the role.

  1. 01

    Build industrial electrical competence

  2. 02

    Gain distribution and switchgear exposure

  3. 03

    Complete employer-recognised HV training

  4. 04

    Obtain written site authority for assigned duties

Earning context

What tends to move pay

  • 01

    Voltage and network complexity

  • 02

    Switching authority and call-out

  • 03

    Protection and testing depth

  • 04

    Roster and remote location

Before accepting

Questions to ask about the offer

  • 01

    Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?

  • 02

    Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?

  • 03

    How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?

Progression

Possible next moves.

01HV operator

Develop supervised equipment experience and pass employer verification for each machine, method and work area.

Compare roles and pay →
02Protection technician

Deepen the relevant technical methods, measurement and evidence, then confirm any specialist qualification or authority required.

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03Electrical supervisor

Leads licensed electrical work, schedules a crew and checks that access, testing and handover meet site requirements.

Related role band: $155k–$215k
04Power systems specialist

Deepen the relevant technical methods, measurement and evidence, then confirm any specialist qualification or authority required.

Compare roles and pay →

Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →

Keep exploring

Related role profiles.

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Editorial note

Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Some hourly guides were supplied and have not been independently validated role by role; others show selected advertised examples. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 28 September 2026.