To become a distribution system operator, you first must earn a high school degree or GED and have an interest in a technical field. Other qualifications vary based on the goods you are distributing. Water distribution system operators should have some experience with hydraulics, chemistry, and mechanical technology and may need to earn a water distribution operator certification. Electrical distribution system operators need strong computer skills and must pass a system operator exam. You also need a strong working understanding of electrical theory and the ability to make sound operating decisions.

If you are interested in a job related to Distribution System Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Distribution System Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Distribution System Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Electric System Operator
Salary range: $83,000 - $94,000
An electric system operator configures, operates, and monitors power plant systems to ensure reliability. As an electric system operator, your responsibilities include controlling and balancing the voltage generation of electrical power systems and the transmission of electrical power so that utility customers have access to reliable power. Your job duties include maintaining and repairing electrical systems, escalating operational issues to supervisors or technicians as needed, and restoring electrical systems after power failures or outages. You must work well both independently and as part of a team, paying attention to safety procedures.
Rail Excavator Operator
Salary range: $45,000 - $59,500
Rail Excavator Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Rail Excavator Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Rail Excavator Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Jarraff Operator
Salary range: $35,000 - $46,000
Jarraff Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Jarraff Operator jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $46,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Jarraff Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Electric Shovel Operator
Salary range: $35,000 - $46,000
Electric Shovel Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Electric Shovel Operator jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $46,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Electric Shovel Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Entry Level Excavator Operator
Salary range: $45,000 - $59,500
Entry Level Excavator Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Excavator Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Day Bulldozer Operator
Salary range: $36,500 - $56,000
Day Bulldozer Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Day Bulldozer Operator jobs pay between $36,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Day Bulldozer Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
311 Operator
Salary range: $35,000 - $46,000
311 Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for 311 Operator jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $46,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for 311 Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Contract Fifo Heavy Equipment Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000
Contract Fifo Heavy Equipment Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Contract Fifo Heavy Equipment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Contract Fifo Heavy Equipment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
988 Loader Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $46,500
988 Loader Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for 988 Loader Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $46,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for 988 Loader Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Full Time Bulldozer Operator
Salary range: $36,500 - $56,000
Full Time Bulldozer Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Full Time Bulldozer Operator jobs pay between $36,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Full Time Bulldozer Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Distribution System Operator Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Distribution System Operator Jobs in 2026