Power Distributor

Your Fit

Income

$107K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-5.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Power Distributor?

Power Distributors oversee the distribution and regulation of electricity from power plants to substations and end-users. They ensure the consistent and safe delivery of electricity, maintaining the balance between electricity supply and demand.

Sample job titles:

Power System Dispatcher, Power System Operator, Systems Operator, Transmission System Operator (TSO)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Power Distributor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Power Distributor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$71K per year	$92K per year	$107K per year	$129K per year	$145K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $58K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Power Distributor do?

Work environment

Power Distributors work in control centers of power plants or distribution facilities. Their environment is largely office-based but highly technical, requiring constant interaction with control systems and monitoring equipment.

Quick task list

Monitors and operates equipment that regulates power flow.
Coordinates with power generation plants to balance load and demand.
Responds to emergency situations or power outages.
Maintains records of operations and incidents.
Ensures compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Grid Operations Specialist: Focuses on the operation of the electrical grid, ensuring stability and reliability.
Emergency Response Coordinator: Specializes in managing responses to power outages or system failures.
Renewable Energy Integration Specialist: Manages the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid.
Substation Distribution Specialist: Oversees the operation and maintenance of substations in the power distribution system.

Description

Power Distributors play a crucial role in the energy sector, ensuring that electricity generated at power plants is effectively distributed to various substations and ultimately to consumers. They must have a thorough understanding of the electrical grid, including how energy is produced, transmitted, and distributed. Their work requires constant vigilance to monitor system loads, anticipate demand changes, and adjust controls to maintain system balance and reliability.

In addition to technical skills, Power Distributors must be adept at problem-solving and crisis management, particularly during outages or emergencies. They need to communicate effectively with other power system staff, including generation, transmission, and maintenance teams, to coordinate activities and respond to system needs.

Career development can lead to roles in system design, operations management, and integration of new technologies and renewable energy sources, reflecting the evolving nature of the energy sector.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the essential service of providing electricity.
Engaging in challenging, technology-driven work.
Opportunities for career advancement and skill development.
High level of responsibility and impact on community and industry.

You might make a good Power Distributor if you are...

Fascinated by how electricity is distributed and managed.
Detail-oriented, with a strong aptitude for managing complex systems.
Capable of quick, decisive action in emergency situations.
Interested in working with advanced technology and control systems.
Committed to safety and reliability in public utilities.

Pros:

Stable and essential industry with consistent demand.
Intellectual challenge and engagement with cutting-edge technology.
Potential for advancement and specialization.

Cons:

High-responsibility role with potential stress during emergencies.
Requirement to work odd hours or be on call for emergencies.
Complexity of work requires continuous learning and adaptation.

How to become a Power Distributor

Typical education

Power Distributors typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by extensive employer-provided training in electrical power system operations. Many have postsecondary education in electrical engineering technology, power engineering, or a related technical field. Qualification is achieved through structured on-the-job training, classroom instruction, simulator-based learning, and certification or authorization by the employing utility. Ongoing training and periodic recertification are required to maintain operational readiness.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and Physics for foundational knowledge.
Computer Science for understanding control systems.
Technical or vocational courses in electrical systems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Seek internships or shadow opportunities in utility companies.
Join science and technology clubs or competitions.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in technical training programs in power distribution and control systems.
Seek apprenticeships or entry-level roles in utility companies for practical experience.
Gain certifications in power distribution systems or emergency response.
Continue professional development to keep up with industry advancements.

More resources

National Electrical Reliability Council (NERC) - Provides standards and training for power system operations.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) - Offers comprehensive data and analysis on the energy industry.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - A professional organization providing resources and standards in electrical engineering.
Gridwise Alliance - Focuses on modernizing the electric system and integrating smart grid technologies.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.