Distribution system operator vs operator

The differences between distribution system operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a distribution system operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a distribution system operator has an average salary of $58,785, which is higher than the $37,928 average annual salary of an operator.

The top three skills for a distribution system operator include safety procedures, gauges and minor maintenance. The most important skills for an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.

Distribution system operator vs operator overview

	Distribution System Operator	Operator
Yearly salary	$58,785	$37,928
Hourly rate	$28.26	$18.23
Growth rate	-7%	7%
Number of jobs	51,063	159,077
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	47	43
Years of experience	12	4

Distribution system operator vs operator salary

Distribution system operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Distribution System Operator	Operator
Average salary	$58,785	$37,928
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $142,000	Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	New Bedford, MA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	New Jersey	North Dakota
Best paying company	Exelon	Microsoft
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between distribution system operator and operator education

There are a few differences between a distribution system operator and an operator in terms of educational background:

	Distribution System Operator	Operator
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	-

Distribution system operator vs operator demographics

Here are the differences between distribution system operators' and operators' demographics:

	Distribution System Operator	Operator
Average age	47	43
Gender ratio	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%	Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6%	Black or African American, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	5%	4%

Differences between distribution system operator and operator duties and responsibilities

Distribution system operator example 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.
Implement and develop supervisory control and data acquisition equipment and outage management systems, including AutoCAD and SCADA.
Operate and maintain all pneumatic, DDC and VAV heating and cooling systems.

Operator example responsibilities.

Assist in developing the company s short and long term training plans and managing yearly ammunition allocation.
Assist and manage the extrusion process of polyester raw material in pellet or chip form to produce finish rolls of plastic.
Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Job require basic math skills: fractions and decimals.
Ensure safety of all equipment during production in compliance with strict OSHA and safety regulations.

Distribution system operator vs operator skills

Common distribution system operator skills

Safety Procedures, 16%
Gauges, 10%
Minor Maintenance, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
API, 5%
Storage Tanks, 5%

Common operator skills

Safety Procedures, 15%
CDL, 6%
Emergency Calls, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Quality Checks, 4%
Dozer, 4%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Distribution System Operator
Distribution System Operator vs Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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