Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Power distributors and dispatchers coordinate the movement of electricity or steam through distribution systems to customers. They monitor equipment, regulate flow, and respond to outages or emergencies. Most work in control rooms at electric or steam utility companies, though some are employed by manufacturing facilities or government agencies.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against power distributors and dispatchers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves monitoring control panels and computer systems to track power or steam distribution across networks. Dispatchers respond to equipment alarms, coordinate with field crews during outages, and make adjustments to maintain steady supply to customers. Work includes managing logs, communicating with other departments, and following established protocols during normal operations and emergencies.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you prefer hands-on problem-solving with systems and machinery and like following established procedures and regulations. People who succeed here tend to be detail-oriented, stay calm under pressure, and take satisfaction in keeping essential services running reliably for communities.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Public Safety Dispatcher · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Wainwright, Alaska · $46060–$74173
- Automotive Equipment Dispatcher · Forest Service · Multiple Locations · $19.52–$19.52
- Forestry Technician (Dispatcher) · Forest Service · Location Negotiable After Selection · $29.98–$29.98
- Automotive Equipment Dispatcher · Forest Service · Location Negotiable After Selection · $19.52–$19.52
- Public Safety Dispatcher · National Park Service · Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado · $40736–$59031
- Motor Vehicle Dispatcher · Defense Logistics Agency · Red River Army Depot, Texas · $40736–$52957
- Security Assistant (Dispatcher) · Veterans Health Administration · Marion, Indiana · $41115–$53450
- Security Assistant -911 Emergency Dispatcher · Veterans Health Administration · Fayetteville, Arkansas · $40736–$52957
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $128,350 | $144,710 | $166,910 | 380 |
| New York | $127,790 | $139,390 | $159,380 | 150 |
| Nevada | $125,720 | $138,300 | $143,770 | 100 |
| California | $106,730 | $137,570 | $174,730 | 670 |
| Oregon | $128,690 | $137,490 | $166,610 | 340 |
| Idaho | $131,500 | $136,550 | $152,680 | 60 |
| South Dakota | $105,240 | $130,270 | $130,270 | 30 |
| Indiana | $96,350 | $129,080 | $138,620 | 90 |
| New Jersey | $111,460 | $128,220 | $135,440 | 330 |
| Maine | $97,810 | $121,520 | $121,520 | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $102,330 | $121,010 | $133,710 | 390 |
| Wyoming | $116,800 | $120,210 | $120,230 | 70 |
All 38 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) — Association of Energy Engineers
- System Operator Certification (SOC) — North American Electric Reliability Corporation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against power distributors and dispatchers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-8012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.