Power distributors and dispatchers
SOC Code: 51-8012
Power distributors and dispatchers carries a 56% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $107,240 and -3.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 9,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 56% AI exposure, Power distributors and dispatchers sits 19 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 92% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Power distributors and dispatchers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Power distributors and dispatchers has ai exposure of 56%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Power distributors and dispatchers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Power distributors and dispatchers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Power distributors and dispatchers (SOC 51-8012) carries an AI exposure score of 56%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 9,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.2% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $107,240, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Power distributors and dispatchers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
- 2. Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
- 3. Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
- 4. Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.
- 5. Distribute or regulate the flow of power between entities, such as generating stations, substations, distribution lines, or users, keeping track of the status of circuits or connections.
- 6. Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.
- 7. Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
- 8. Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.
- 9. Implement energy schedules, including real-time transmission reservations or schedules.
- 10. Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Operation and Control
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Power distributors and dispatchers?
Power distributors and dispatchers has an AI exposure score of 56%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Power distributors and dispatchers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Power distributors and dispatchers is projected to decline by 3.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 9,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Power distributors and dispatchers?
Key skills for Power distributors and dispatchers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Power distributors and dispatchers earn?
The median annual wage for Power distributors and dispatchers is $107,240, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Power distributors and dispatchers?
The typical entry-level education for Power distributors and dispatchers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Power distributors and dispatchers?
Power distributors and dispatchers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).