Power distributors and dispatchers
SOC Code: 51-8012Also known as:
Auxiliary Operator, Board Operator, Control Area Operator, Control Board Operator, Control Operator
Median Annual Salary
$107,240
-3.2% growth (2024-2034)
800
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Power distributors and dispatchers Do
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
💰 Salary
$107,240
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-3.2%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
800
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
9,300
Projected Employment (2034)
9,000
Related Careers
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
$71,300 •
-0.8% growth
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
$100,940 •
+5.5% growth
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Stationary engineers and boiler operators
$75,190 •
+2.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do power distributors and dispatchers make?
The median annual salary for power distributors and dispatchers is $107,240.
What education do power distributors and dispatchers need?
Most power distributors and dispatchers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming power distributors and dispatchers a good career choice?
Power distributors and dispatchers is projected to see -3.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for power distributors and dispatchers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to power distributors and dispatchers?
Power distributors and dispatchers may also be known as: Auxiliary Operator, Board Operator, Control Area Operator, Control Board Operator, Control Operator, Control Room Operator, Dispatcher, Distribution A Class Lineman, Distribution Lineman, Distribution Operator, Distribution System Dispatcher (DSD), Distribution Systems Serviceperson, DSO (Distribution System Operator), Electric System Operator, 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.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.