Life As a Power Distributor or Dispatcher
Job Description: Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Daily Life Of a Power Distributor or Dispatcher
- Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.
- Record and compile operational data, such as chart or meter readings, power demands, or usage and operating times, using transmission system maps.
- Repair, maintain, or clean equipment or machinery, using hand tools.
- Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.
- Implement energy schedules, including real-time transmission reservations or schedules.
- Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.
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What a Power Distributor or Dispatcher Should Know
When polled, Power Distributors and Dispatchers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Types of Power Distributor or Dispatcher
- Distribution Dispatcher
- Control Area Operator
- Substation Operator
- Lineman
- Station Operator
Power Distributor or Dispatcher Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 11,600 jobs for Power Distributor or Dispatcher in 2016. 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
The salary for Power Distributors and Dispatchers ranges between about $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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Power Distributors and Dispatchers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
How to Become a Power Distributor or Dispatcher
What kind of Power Distributor or Dispatcher requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Power Distributor or Dispatcher?

Where Power Distributors and Dispatchers Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Power Distributors and Dispatchers work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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