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 pay$145k–$205kAnnual gross, generally before super
Common roster contextCommonly 8/6, 7/7 or 2/1, with call-out or outage work in some roles.
Work environmentsSubstations · Processing plants · Mine distribution networks · Ports and rail
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.
- 01
Build industrial electrical competence
- 02
Gain distribution and switchgear exposure
- 03
Complete employer-recognised HV training
- 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.
Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. It is not automatic.
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining market guides, not promised rates. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Last reviewed 17 September 2026.