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What is a distribution system operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a distribution system operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $28.26 an hour? That's $58,785 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -7% and produce -8,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDistribution System OperatorUS Average
Salary
4.6

Avg. Salary $58,785

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate -7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.63%

Asian 1.84%

Black or African American 7.74%

Hispanic or Latino 12.57%

Unknown 4.58%

White 70.63%

Gender

female 12.88%

male 87.12%

Age - 47.5
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 - 47.5
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Distribution system operator career paths

Key steps to become a distribution system operator

  1. Explore distribution system operator education requirements

    Most common distribution system operator degrees

    Associate

    36.7 %

    Bachelor's

    36.2 %

    High School Diploma

    17.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific distribution system operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Safety Procedures16.03%
    Gauges9.93%
    Minor Maintenance8.57%
    Preventive Maintenance8.25%
    API5.43%
  3. Complete relevant distribution system operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distribution system operators 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 system operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distribution system operator resumes.
  4. Research distribution system operator duties and responsibilities

    • Tabulate data and enter all events including problems into scanned PC database.
    • Train to perform IP functions and how to configure TCP/IP within the network.
    • Install, and operate natural gas, plumbing, water and wastewater treatment systems.
    • Preform real-time and before the fact studies to insure stability of the system and compliance to NERC standards.
  5. Prepare your distribution system operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your distribution system operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a distribution system operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable distribution system operator resume templates

    Build a professional distribution system operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your distribution system operator resume.
    Distribution System Operator Resume
    Distribution System Operator Resume
    Distribution System Operator Resume
    Distribution System Operator Resume
    Distribution System Operator Resume
    Distribution System Operator Resume
    Distribution System Operator Resume
    Distribution System Operator Resume
    Distribution System Operator Resume
  6. Apply for distribution system operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a distribution system operator 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 system operator job

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Average distribution system operator salary

The average distribution system operator salary in the United States is $58,785 per year or $28 per hour. Distribution system operator salaries range between $24,000 and $142,000 per year.

Average distribution system operator salary
$58,785 Yearly
$28.26 hourly

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How do distribution system operators rate their job?

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Distribution system operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

I like every thing to do the the fuel operations job specially Bulk Fuel installation


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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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