Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
SOC: 51-8012 O*NET: 51-8012.00
Median Salary
$106,730
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
What does a Power Distributors and Dispatchers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$72,440
10th percentile
Early Career
$90,200
25th percentile
Median
$106,730
50th percentile
Experienced
$130,940
75th percentile
Top Earners
$154,270
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$72,440
25th
$90,200
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$106,730
Mean: $111,320
75th
$130,940
90th
$154,270
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $81,830 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $90,200 and $130,940
- •Salary spread is 38.2% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 8,520 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:8,600
Top Industries
Utilities65.4%
Utilities65.4%
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution58.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.2%
Annual Openings:700
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)8,600
Current
2035 (Projected)8,700
+1.2%
+100
Employment Change
+1.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Power Distributors and Dispatchers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 38 locations
Texas
970 jobs$102,8901.26x
California
670 jobs$137,5700.68x
Pennsylvania
560 jobs$98,9301.69x
Michigan
450 jobs$116,7801.87x
Massachusetts
390 jobs$121,0101.94x
Washington
380 jobs$144,7101.94x
Ohio
360 jobs$100,3201.17x
Oregon
340 jobs$137,4903.19x
New Jersey
330 jobs$128,2201.42x
Illinois
330 jobs$101,4700.99x
Virginia
330 jobs$81,0801.47x
Florida
260 jobs$101,0600.48x
Nebraska
240 jobs$98,5704.25x
Arkansas
210 jobs$117,3702.90x
Alabama
190 jobs$114,5701.60x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
English Language
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Monitoring
94%
#5
Public Safety and Security
94%
#6
Oral Comprehension
92%
#7
Mathematics
86%
#8
Reading Comprehension
86%
#9
Oral Expression
82%
#10
Active Listening
80%
Skills Overview
English Language
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Public Safety and Security
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Mathematics
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
English Language
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Public Safety and Security
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Oral Expression
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Computers and Electronics
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders100%
5 shared skills
Power Plant Operators82%
5 shared skills
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels82%
5 shared skills
Commercial Pilots82%
5 shared skills
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓English Language
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓Mathematics
Learn on the Job:
- →Operations Monitoring
- →Engineering and Technology
- →Customer and Personal Service
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓English Language
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓Mathematics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★English Language
- ★Public Safety and Security
- ★Mathematics
- ★Computers and Electronics
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (8)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Operations & Execution (1)Planning & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision88% perform92%
6
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Track conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjust equipment to meet any anticipated changes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Power Distributors and Dispatchers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Power Distributors and Dispatchers professionals typically have a RCE Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.78
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.76
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.72
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.58
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.52
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.46
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.8
Stress Tolerance
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.7
Self-Control
4.6
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Initiative
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Integrity
4.3
Independence
4.3
Cooperation
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Power Distributors and Dispatchers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 50 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 19 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: UT (6) , VA (6) , CO (5) , AZ (4) , FL (3)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.4k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.4k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Houston
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
1.1k program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
863 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
789 program completions/year
Maysville Community and Technical College
Maysville, KY
776 program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
685 program completions/year
Arclabs
Piedmont, SC
669 program completions/year
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
649 program completions/year