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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Distribution System Operator in Virginia is $118,394 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Distribution System Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Distribution System Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $125,877 | $10,490 | $2,421 | $61 |
| Average | $118,394 | $9,866 | $2,277 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,567 | $9,047 | $2,088 | $52 |
Careers Integrated Resources Inc - Richmond, VA
MWResource, Inc. - Richmond, VA
U.S. Army - Richmond, VA
U.S. Army - Virginia Beach, VA
A Distribution System Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Distribution System Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Distribution System Operator | $79,116 |
| Software ... Level Distribution System Operator | $95,649 |
| Distribut... Level Distribution System Operator | $117,844 |
| Software ... Level Distribution System Operator | $137,799 |
| Software ... Level Distribution System Operator | $158,639 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Distribution System Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Distribution System Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 200% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 100% above the average. In contrast, Distribution System Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Distribution System Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $236,788 | $114.0 | 100% |
Understanding how a Distribution System Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $125,877 | $10,490 | $2,421 | $61 |
| Average | $118,394 | $9,866 | $2,277 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,567 | $9,047 | $2,088 | $52 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Distribution System Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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