Power Distributors and Dispatchers

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Career Profile

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

What they do

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), 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)

TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$75,990
Starting Salary (2025)
$102,890
Median Salary (2025)
-3.2%
Projected Job Growth
970
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
Record and compile operational data, such as chart or meter readings, power demands, or usage and operating times, using transmission system maps.
Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Self-Control
Integrity
Persistence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Complex Problem Solving

Expected Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

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.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 52%
  • Post-secondary certificate 18%
  • Some college 15%
  • Associate's degree 15%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

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Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.