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Electric Distribution System Operator information

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$13

$29

$51

How much do electric distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric distribution system operator in the United States is $29.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Electric Distribution System Operators?

Electric Distribution System Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the electrical distribution grid. They ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity from substations to homes and businesses, responding to outages and system disturbances. Their duties include coordinating repairs, managing load distribution, and working with field crews to restore power during emergencies. These operators play a crucial role in minimizing service interruptions and maintaining power quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Electric Distribution System Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electric Distribution System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, grid operations, and safety regulations, typically supported by a technical degree or relevant industry experience. Familiarity with SCADA systems, outage management software, and NERC certification are commonly required for effective system monitoring and control. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help operators swiftly address issues and coordinate with field crews. These skills are crucial to ensure reliable power delivery, minimize service interruptions, and maintain public and worker safety.

What are the most common challenges faced by Electric Distribution System Operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Electric Distribution System Operators frequently encounter challenges such as responding to unexpected outages, managing high-stress situations during severe weather events, and balancing multiple system demands in real time. New hires can prepare by developing strong problem-solving skills, becoming familiar with grid management software, and staying up to date with safety protocols and operational procedures. Collaborative teamwork and clear communication with field crews and engineers are also essential, as operators must coordinate efforts to restore service quickly and safely.

What is the difference between Electric Distribution System Operator vs Electric Transmission System Operator?

AspectElectric Distribution System OperatorElectric Transmission System Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with certifications in distribution system operationsRequires similar certifications, often with additional training in high-voltage transmission
Work EnvironmentManages local distribution networks, working in substations and control centersOversees high-voltage transmission lines, often in centralized control rooms
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, municipal power providers, and energy companiesRegional and national grid operators, utility companies

The main difference is that Electric Distribution System Operators focus on local, lower-voltage distribution networks, ensuring reliable delivery of electricity to consumers. In contrast, Electric Transmission System Operators manage high-voltage transmission lines that transport electricity over long distances. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in control centers, but they operate at different levels of the power grid.

More about Electric Distribution System Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Electric Distribution System Operator jobs? Cities with the most Electric Distribution System Operator job openings:
What states have the most Electric Distribution System Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Electric Distribution System Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Electric Distribution System Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Electric Distribution System Operator jobs are:
Electric Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electric Distribution System Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,121 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Distribution System Operator I - PA Distribution Operations - Erie

Distribution System Operator I - PA Distribution Operations - Erie

FirstEnergy Corp.

Erie, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

FirstEnergy rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 50 rated energy and utility

Job description

Job Description
FirstEnergy at a Glance
We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.
About the Opportunity
This is an open position with the FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Monitoring the day-to-day operations of the regional distribution system.
  • Outage restoration during emergency or abnormal conditions with timely and accurate documentation associated with the distribution system.
  • Recommending operational improvements and communicating system events to appropriate personnel
  • Demonstrating sound internal and/or external customer service.
  • Operating the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, Energy Management System (EMS), PowerOn Outage Management System (OMS), Energy Delivery Outage Application (EDOA) and Regional Dispatch Operations (RDO) notifications as well as radio and telephone systems.
  • Analyzing and acting promptly in cases of system disturbance so that the system can be restored to a normal configuration.
  • Providing technical analysis, monitoring systems, scheduling and authorizing distribution equipment outages and load transfers.
  • Developing detailed scenarios to identify operating problems caused by contingency outages. Assigning and directing switching activities and work assignments to field personnel.
  • Monitoring system and weather conditions.
  • Coordinating staffing requirements by calling additional resources to handle emergencies.
  • Completing training and development to progress to the Regional Distribution System Operator level. Possessing basic understanding of bargaining unit agreements with field labor.
  • Required to work nights, weekends, extended days or scheduled days off when system or weather conditions warrant the need.

Qualifications include:
  • Associate's degree or greater in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related certification from an ABET accredited institution.
  • Equivalent working experience with demonstrated understanding to operate the distribution system will be considered, in lieu of above stated educational requirements (minimum of 4 years of related work experience).
    • Related work experience includes, but is not limited to: Knowledge of Transmission and Distribution operation, maintenance and construction practices, procedures, work methods, materials, equipment and tools to operate the distribution system.
  • Capable of effective performance in problem solving, multi-tasking and teamwork.
  • Demonstrate effective performance in prioritizing work for efficient and safe operations.
  • Possess knowledge of, or ability to learn Transmission and Distribution System Operations , maintenance and construction practices, procedures, work methods, materials, equipment and tools to operate the distribution system.
  • Possess reading and comprehension skills to effectively interpret switching requests, engineering drawings, schematics, equipment instruction manuals, standards and procedures used to develop distribution switching orders.
  • Possess skills in the development, collection, organization, and analysis of information from a variety of sources to develop switching orders and recommendations.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with customers, supervisors, peers, employees, and contractors involved with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the T&D facilities.
  • Demonstrate a questioning attitude to learn, produce results and develop relationships and have enough maturity to exercise independent judgment on moderately complex projects and assignments.
  • Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills to make quick assessments and deliver well-thought decisions, when situations occur that require independent judgment.
  • Knowledge of, or ability to learn, specific mainframe and PC applications.
  • Ability to remain professional and maintain a calm demeanor in high stress, high volume work environment. Able to remain professional in high-stress, high-volume work environment.
  • Must reside within a 60-minute proximity of the reporting location due to job related requirements.

EEI Testing
We administer selection tests for a variety of positions. The required tests have been developed by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), a trade association of investor-owned electric utility companies. We strongly encourage potential employees to review all information, including the sample test brochures, and to use the available practice tests before taking the actual tests. Click this link to access the practice tests. You will be prompted for a name and password. Use firstenergy for both.
https://secure.eei.org/eeitests/onlineproducts/Login.aspx
Practice tests provide sample questions and detailed discussions of the correct answers. It's important to take the practice test as you would the actual one, with similar intensity and concentration. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
Note: EEI website does not allow access to actual tests. Testing is held at various locations throughout our service territory based on where the job is located.
Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity
At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.
Safety
Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

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