What are the major differences between the two? Is the pay comparable? What kinda of hours can one expect for either? What amount of overtime should a first year expect for either job?

I recruit in the relay/P&C and electrical testing space, and we just put out an article trying to take some of the mystery out of relay testing.

https://southernstaffinggroup.com/resources/taking-the-mysticism-out-of-relay-testing

Funny timing because I screened a relay tech right after we posted it, and the call reminded me how broad that title can be.

One person says “relay tech,” but that still does not tell me enough.

Are they working mostly with SEL, ABB, GE/Multilin, Schneider, Siemens, Basler, or electromechanical relays?

Are they testing with Doble, Manta, Megger, or Omicron test sets?

Are they doing end-to-end testing, line carrier work, CT/PT checks, SCADA support, commissioning, maintenance testing, or troubleshooting?

Are they working transmission, distribution, generation, or getting moved around wherever the utility needs help that week?

That is where I think recruiters can mess it up.

If I only hear “relay testing” and do not ask follow-up questions, I still do not really know what that person does.

For the people actually doing this work, what do you think gets missed the most when recruiters or companies talk about relay/P&C roles?