Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

Also called: Control Area Operator, Control Operator, Dispatcher, Distribution System Dispatcher (DSD), DSO (Distribution System Operator), Electric System Operator, Power System Dispatcher, Power System Operator, Systems Operator, Transmission System Operator (TSO), Auxiliary Operator, Board Operator, Control Board Operator, Control Room Operator, Distribution A Class Lineman, Distribution Lineman, Distribution Operator, Distribution Systems Serviceperson, Electrical Energy Distribution Technician (Electrical Energy Distribution Tech), Electrical Energy Storage Technician (Electrical Energy Storage Tech), Feeder Switchboard Operator (Feeder SWB Operator), Load Dispatcher, Motor Room Controller, Power and Recovery Shift Engineer, Real Time Operator, Station Operator, Steam and Power Panel Operator, Steam Plant Control Room Operator, Substation Operator, Switchboard and Control Room Operator (SWB and Control Room Operator), Switchboard Operator (SWB Operator), Transmission Operator, Utilities Operator, Utility Distribution Inspector, Utility Inspector, Utility Switchboard Operator (Utility SWB Operator), Voltage Inspector, Water Distribution Operator

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.
Distribute or regulate the flow of power between entities, such as generating stations, substations, distribution lines, or users, keeping track of the status of circuits or connections.
Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.
Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.
Implement energy schedules, including real-time transmission reservations or schedules.
Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.

Skills, machines and equipment

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Speaking
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Writing
Operation and Control
Active Learning
Coordination

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (40.32% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

90,200–130,940 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-8012.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (40.32% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Power Distributors and Dispatchers