10 of the Most Popular Types of Systems Operator Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Systems Operator jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Systems Operator Jobs

• Systems Administrator

  Salary range: $70,000 - $104,000

  The primary duties of a system administrator are to install, update, and maintain computer systems while managing user access regimes. As a systems administrator, you have administrative privileges to change settings, install or remove software, and access security functions unavailable to normal users. A systems administrator might oversee multiple machines at once, or even an entire network. You provide technical support to users who are experiencing problems and collaborate with network administrators to ensure the continued performance of the network. As a systems administrator, you determine the level of access a user has to network information and what operations they can perform, limiting users to only what they need to perform their job.

• Distribution System Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $68,000

  A distribution system operator, or DSO, coordinates the distribution system for a product or good. An electric distribution system operator distributes energy resources, but system distribution operators also work in fields related to water, utilities, and fuel. You monitor system operations, maintain the distribution system, and document any issues or problems. You ensure the electric grid works through various problems and weather conditions. If you work in gas distribution, you oversee the transport of natural gas through pipeline networks and to customers. Your responsibilities and duties include troubleshooting and repairing the distribution system and creating recovery and emergency contingency plans.

• 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.

• Nerc System Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $79,500

  Nerc System Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Nerc System Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $79,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Nerc System Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Nerc Transmission Operator

  Salary range: $55,000 - $146,500

  Nerc Transmission Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Nerc Transmission Operator jobs pay between $55,000 (25th percentile) and $146,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Nerc Transmission Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $98,000 - $157,000

  The role of a systems engineer varies based on the company they work for, but in every industry systems engineers use computerized systems to keep track of all the moving parts within their organizations. The term systems engineer usually refers to a computer systems engineer, which combines several disciplines to create, purchase, and install a computer system that suits the needs of each particular client. They will also work in a hands-on manner during the installation, acquisition, testing, and implementation phases of the project. Duties typically include making recommendations for scalability, troubleshooting any problems that arise during the use of the system, reviewing a company’s security requirements, and recommending security measures to allow the company to avoid compromising any sensitive data.

• Electric Distribution System Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $68,000

  Electric Distribution System Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Electric Distribution System Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $68,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Electric Distribution System Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Distributed Control System Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $58,000

  Distributed Control System Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Distributed Control System Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $58,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Distributed Control System Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Power System Operator

  Salary range: $109,000 - $141,500

  Power System Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Power System Operator jobs pay between $109,000 (25th percentile) and $141,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Power System Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Mission Systems Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $79,500

  Mission Systems Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Mission Systems Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $79,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Mission Systems Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.