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What is a distribution engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Fred Garber Ph.D.
introduction image

A distribution engineer designs and maintains the infrastructure of power distribution systems. They ensure that electricity is distributed safely and reliably to homes, businesses, and other facilities. Distribution engineers use their technical expertise to design power grids, substations, transformers, and other equipment. They also monitor the performance of the distribution network, troubleshoot problems, and develop strategies to optimize system efficiency. Distribution engineers work with project managers, electricians, and utility workers to ensure that projects are completed.

What general advice would you give to a Distribution Engineer?

Fred Garber Ph.D.Fred Garber Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Professor, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University

I think the primary question, in the minds of those who are yet to graduate or are still searching, is in regard to the strength of the technical job market, especially the local job market. But you are in a position to definitively answer that question.

In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.

Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.

Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.
ScoreDistribution EngineerUS Average
Salary
6.1

Avg. Salary $77,713

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.7

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 14.29%

Black or African American 4.94%

Hispanic or Latino 11.57%

Unknown 4.73%

White 64.28%

Gender

female 11.80%

male 88.20%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Distribution Engineer?

Pros

  • Good salary and benefits

  • Chance to work on important infrastructure projects

  • Ability to work outdoors and in different environments

  • Continuous learning and development opportunities

  • Chance to work with cutting-edge technology

Cons

  • Long hours and the possibility of being on-call

  • Need to stay up-to-date with constantly evolving regulations and codes

  • May need to travel frequently and work on projects in remote locations

  • Need to work in all types of weather conditions

  • Work may involve dealing with difficult or dissatisfied customers or stakeholders

Distribution Engineer career paths

Key steps to become a distribution engineer

  1. Explore distribution engineer education requirements

    Most common distribution engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    79.9 %

    Associate

    8.1 %

    Master's

    6.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific distribution engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Aided Design19.61%
    GIS17.92%
    CAD14.92%
    NESC13.56%
    Voltage Drop7.31%
  3. Complete relevant distribution engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distribution engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a distribution engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distribution engineer resumes.
  4. Research distribution engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage general facilities including commissioning, building management systems, and calibrations for GMP area for tablets production operation.
    • Provide power flow, protection, NEC, ANSI, UL code applications, trouble shooting of electrical system outages.
    • Develop industrial standards and submit same to ANSI.
    • Assist when need in updating construction designs in GIS.
  5. Apply for distribution engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a distribution engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Distribution Engineer Job

Zippi

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Average distribution engineer salary

The average Distribution Engineer salary in the United States is $77,713 per year or $37 per hour. Distribution engineer salaries range between $46,000 and $129,000 per year.

Average Distribution Engineer Salary
$77,713 Yearly
$37.36 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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