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Distribution system operator vs senior system operator

The differences between distribution system operators and senior system operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a distribution system operator and a senior system operator. Additionally, a senior system operator has an average salary of $70,807, which is higher than the $58,785 average annual salary of a distribution system operator.

The top three skills for a distribution system operator include safety procedures, gauges and minor maintenance. The most important skills for a senior system operator are NERC, transmission systems, and hardware problems.

Distribution system operator vs senior system operator overview

Distribution System OperatorSenior System Operator
Yearly salary$58,785$70,807
Hourly rate$28.26$34.04
Growth rate-7%-7%
Number of jobs51,06340,735
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age4747
Years of experience1212

Distribution system operator vs senior system operator salary

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

Distribution System OperatorSenior System Operator
Average salary$58,785$70,807
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $142,000Between $46,000 And $107,000
Highest paying CityNew Bedford, MA-
Highest paying stateNew Jersey-
Best paying companyExelon-
Best paying industry--

Differences between distribution system operator and senior system operator education

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

Distribution System OperatorSenior System Operator
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Distribution system operator vs senior system operator demographics

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

Distribution System OperatorSenior System Operator
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 87.1% Female, 12.9%Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between distribution system operator and senior system 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.
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Senior system operator example responsibilities.

  • Supervise and lead teams to be proficient in proprietary and commercial production and supply management software.
  • Manage trouble ticketing systems and escalations to ensure VoIP service availability.
  • Train on operating CISCO routers, switches, call managers, and LAN managers.
  • Provide technical support for the enrollment of Iraqi nationals, DoD personnel and military.
  • Operate full SCADA system, including pressure regulating valves, wells and pumping stations.
  • Relay security codes to node centers and respond promptly to trouble calls with a secret security clearance.
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Distribution system operator vs senior system operator skills

Common distribution system operator skills
  • Safety Procedures, 16%
  • Gauges, 10%
  • Minor Maintenance, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 8%
  • API, 5%
  • Storage Tanks, 5%
Common senior system operator skills
  • NERC, 18%
  • Transmission Systems, 8%
  • Hardware Problems, 6%
  • Printers, 5%
  • Node, 4%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%

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