Power Distributors and Dispatchers

SOC code 51-8012 · O*NET-SOC 51-8012.00 · Medium preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Power Distributors and Dispatchers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$106,730

a year

Hourly

$51.31

per hour

10th$72,440Median$106,73090th$154,270

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$111,320

$53.52 per hour

Middle 50%

$90,200 – $130,940

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$72,440 – $154,270

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

8,520

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $72,440; $34.83/hr
25th percentile: $90,200; $43.37/hr
Median percentile: $106,730; $51.31/hr
75th percentile: $130,940; $62.95/hr
90th percentile: $154,270; $74.17/hr

What do power distributors and dispatchers do?

Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 40% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: 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. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
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.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate40%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree24%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)22%
Some College Courses8%

Common questions

How much does a power distributors and dispatchers earn?

The national median is $106,730 a year. The full range runs from $72,440 at the 10th percentile to $154,270 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a power distributors and dispatchers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Active Listening3.6/5
Critical Thinking3.6/5
Monitoring3.6/5
Speaking3.5/5
Writing3.1/5

Knowledge areas

English Language3.9/5
Public Safety and Security3.7/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Telecommunications3.5/5
Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
Mechanical3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Operation and Control.