How To Become A Systems Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a systems operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Professor David Sanford

A system operator is tasked with ensuring the effective delivery of electricity to consumers, businesses, and industries. They manage the power grid from a set of computer consoles in a control center. They work with field crews, general personnel, substation personnel, and other system operators in their jurisdiction. System operators can be market, interchange, balancing, or transmission operators. They provide clearance, caution, and location orders on system devices. Also, they coordinate the work activities in the system service area and with other departments.

Employers seek candidates with at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. You must have a valid NERC system operator certification. Key skills required for this position include analytical, communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, time management, computer, and organization skills. You must know about high voltage electrical utility operations and equipment. Experience using SCADA and EMS systems is a plus. This personnel makes about $60,320 per year. Their salary falls between $34,000 and $106,000.

What general advice would you give to a systems operator?

Professor David Sanford

Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB), Northwood University

Workers like that they are challenged to solve problems and lead technological innovations.
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like

Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.

In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.

ScoreSystems OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.0

Avg. Salary $38,182

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 8.78%

Black or African American 8.84%

Hispanic or Latino 12.53%

Unknown 5.08%

White 64.45%

Gender

female 21.82%

male 78.18%

Age - 42

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 - 42

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a systems operator

Explore systems operator education requirements

Most common systems operator degrees

Bachelor's

43.2 %

Associate

28.0 %

High School Diploma

16.1 %

Start to develop specific systems operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Computer System	13.30%
Management System	11.16%
Combat	10.62%
Switches	9.60%
Situational Awareness	9.17%

Complete relevant systems operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems 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 systems operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems operator resumes.

Research systems operator duties and responsibilities

Manage SMS and TCP/IP protocol.
Perform and manage routine building maintenance tasks, including carpentry, plumbing, and HVAC repair and maintenance.
Manage tactical high-speed data network (THSDN), internet subscriber IP addresses, and switch caller profiles.
Manage print production, registration and logistics for several high-profile events, annual fund solicitations and annual telephone campaign.

Prepare your systems operator resume

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

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Choose from 10+ customizable systems operator resume templates

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