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Grid Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

California ISO

Facilities Analyst

Folsom, CA · On-site

We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7. As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market ...

California ISO

Facilities Analyst

Folsom, CA · On-site

$37.40 - $52.35/hr

We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7. As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market ...

California ISO

Facilities Analyst

Folsom, CA

$37.40 - $52.35/hr

We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7. As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market ...

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How much do grid operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for grid operator in California is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as specialized professions like top-tier surgeons, investment bankers, and successful entrepreneurs. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve leadership, high responsibility, or performance-based compensation structures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Grid Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grid Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical power systems, grid management principles, and typically an associate or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time monitoring software (such as SCADA systems), NERC certification, and standard operating procedures are commonly required. Strong decision-making skills, situational awareness, and effective communication are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities are vital to ensure the reliable and safe operation of electrical grids, minimize outages, and coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A grid operator typically earns a salary that can reach $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience and certifications. These roles involve managing electrical grid systems, often requiring technical skills, training, and knowledge of power systems, but not necessarily a college degree.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that pay around $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, high-level consultants, and skilled trades like commercial pilots or project managers in large industries. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, or specialized skills, and may involve high-pressure environments or significant responsibilities.

What does a typical shift look like for a Grid Operator, and what types of responsibilities can I expect during the day?

A typical shift for a Grid Operator usually involves monitoring the power grid, responding to changes in electricity demand, and coordinating maintenance or emergency responses. Operators work in control rooms, often as part of a rotating schedule that may include nights, weekends, or holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage. Daily tasks include analyzing system data, issuing instructions to field crews, communicating with utility partners, and recording detailed logs of events. You’ll collaborate with engineers, dispatchers, and other operators to maintain grid stability and quickly troubleshoot any issues that arise. This dynamic environment requires staying alert and ready to act decisively under pressure.

What is a Grid Operator job?

A Grid Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling electrical power grids to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply. They manage power flow, respond to system disturbances, and coordinate with power plants and substations to maintain grid stability. Grid Operators use specialized software and real-time data to balance electricity demand and supply. They follow strict protocols to prevent blackouts and restore power efficiently in case of outages. This role requires strong analytical skills, quick decision-making, and in-depth knowledge of electrical systems.

What does a grid operator do?

A grid operator manages the daily operation of electrical power grids, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity by balancing supply and demand in real-time. They monitor system performance, coordinate with power plants and maintenance crews, and use specialized control systems to prevent outages and maintain grid stability.
What are popular job titles related to Grid Operator jobs in California? For Grid Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grid Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Grid Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Grid Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Grid Operator job openings:
Grid Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grid Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 88% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 75% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,331 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Wholesale Electricity Market Analyst (Hybrid)

Wholesale Electricity Market Analyst (Hybrid)

California ISO

Folsom, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Description
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.
As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.
The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently-managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own-making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.
The California ISO is committed to the health, safety and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid work capacity.
Relocation assistance is available.
Job Description
Under the general direction of the Manager, the Market Validation and Quality Analyst (internal title) works on complex mathematical and market analytical assignments. Provides technical expertise to other departments and external entities related to price validation, electricity market applications, and power systems operations. Supports the department to ensure software business rules comply with the ISO Tariff and FERC requirements.
What's In it for You
Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Make a difference and impact millions of people who depend on electricity in their everyday lives.
  • You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
  • You will work in an extremely collaborative environment inside our LEED certified Folsom, California campus.
  • You will be challenged, be a part of a winning team, and your contributions will be rewarded and recognized.

What You Will Be Doing
  • Performs mathematical and economics analysis of market software and power systems applications results to determine validity of prices and congestion, and optimality of solutions with respect to the market model, incurred cost and impact on reliability of the power system grid.
  • Supports the validation and testing of market outcomes to address market participant's disputes or inquiries, assists in the evaluation of problems and their alternative courses of action.
  • Performs duties needed to supplement the design of market operations software, processes, and policies, provides technical expertise related to cost optimization technologies, market clearing economic principles, transmission system, resource operating characteristics, and price analysis.
  • Assists in identifying and resolving implementation, design and integration-related problems or potential problems within assigned areas, and may propose solutions to such issues. Demonstrates an understanding of policy issues and related matters.
  • May participate in market design and development efforts to identify new measures necessary to validate market results and leverage opportunity for incorporating features that will improve market solution quality. May develop business procedures and methods as needed.
  • Supports our Grid Operations Control Room with analysis and validation in a remote and in-person capacity.

Qualifications
Level of Education and Discipline
  • Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering with a Power Systems focus, Operation Research, Economics, Finance, or related field. Master Degree preferred

Amount of Experience
  • Equivalent years of education and training, plus two (2) or more year related experience.

Type of Experience
  • A combination of experience in any of the following disciplines required:
    • utility/power industry
    • preferably in a similar ISO
    • system analysis
    • operations research
    • regulatory and/or economic analysis
    • data analysis
    • real-time applications development.
  • Experience in the design, development or implementation of computational methods of market models.
  • Exposure and experience with applied optimization principles and techniques, power system operations and market design.

Additional skills and abilities
  • Ability to think technically and provide practical and feasible solutions to problems keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account.
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
  • Strong mathematical analytical skills are required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical and mathematical materials and concepts.
  • Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Additional Information
The pay range for the Market Validation and Quality Analyst (internal title) at the CAISO is $45.10 - $63.15 per hour.

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