What Does it Take to Be a Power Distributor or Dispatcher?
Occupation Description Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Life As a Power Distributor or Dispatcher
- 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.
- Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
- Track conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjust equipment to meet any anticipated changes.
- Tend auxiliary equipment used in the power distribution process.
- Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.
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Power Distributor or Dispatcher Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Power Distributors and Dispatchers say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Power Distributor or Dispatcher Jobs
- Real Time Operator
- Senior System Operator
- Switchboard Operator Assistant
- Steam and Power Superintendent
- Station Operator
Are There Job Opportunities for Power Distributors and Dispatchers?
There were about 11,600 jobs for Power Distributor or Dispatcher in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Power Distributor or Dispatcher. The BLS estimates 1,000 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Power Distributor or Dispatcher are Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Wisconsin, Wyoming, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Power Distributor or Dispatcher Average Salary
Power Distributors and Dispatchers make between $54,670 and $117,860 a year.

Power Distributors and Dispatchers who work in Washington, New York, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Power Distributors and Dispatchers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $86,670 |
Alaska | $97,430 |
Arizona | $94,020 |
Arkansas | $79,270 |
California | $93,200 |
Colorado | $93,280 |
Connecticut | $90,690 |
Florida | $73,570 |
Georgia | $78,600 |
Idaho | $91,880 |
Illinois | $75,780 |
Indiana | $77,140 |
Kansas | $81,630 |
Kentucky | $99,030 |
Maine | $59,700 |
Maryland | $73,060 |
Massachusetts | $93,690 |
Michigan | $88,640 |
Minnesota | $90,870 |
Mississippi | $71,920 |
Missouri | $86,320 |
Montana | $95,030 |
Nebraska | $91,090 |
Nevada | $102,130 |
New Hampshire | $94,760 |
New Jersey | $89,590 |
New Mexico | $88,210 |
New York | $104,310 |
North Carolina | $75,370 |
Ohio | $82,050 |
Oklahoma | $79,430 |
Oregon | $100,610 |
Pennsylvania | $87,930 |
South Carolina | $66,770 |
Tennessee | $70,680 |
Texas | $70,630 |
Utah | $86,170 |
Virginia | $76,230 |
Washington | $110,010 |
West Virginia | $81,340 |
Wisconsin | $90,210 |
Wyoming | $94,850 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Power Distributors and Dispatchers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Becoming a Power Distributor or Dispatcher
Individuals working as a Power Distributor or Dispatcher have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Power Distributor or Dispatcher?

Where Power Distributors and Dispatchers Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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