Are you looking for job opportunities in the public utility sector? In such a case, you will be definitely interested in knowing the current job market in the same sector.
Go through this article to find out how many jobs are available in public utilities and what type of skills and training you need to get a job in public utilities.
What are Public Utilities?
Organizations that provide essential services to the public, such as water, power, and transportation, are generally known as public utilities. Electricity, telephone service, and transportation networks come under public utilities.
The good news is that the like basic industries public sector is experiencing rapid job growth due to the continued high demand for highly skilled people, making public utilities an excellent job market.
How Many Utility Workers are there in the US?
As of 2022, the number of workers employed in the public utility industry in the US is 675,775.
How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities?
Numerous opportunities are waiting for qualified candidates in the public utility industry. In this field, it is possible to find work in customer service, technical and engineering fields. You may need to have an engineering or similar technical degree in order to get acquire a job in this field.
If you get a job in public utilities, you will get employment opportunities such as health insurance and retirement savings plans.
10 Best Paying Jobs in Public Utilities
1. Water and Sewage Treatment Operator
Sewage clean-up is one crucial industry. Numerous companies operate in this sector, each playing a significant role and unique function.
Such plants are usually responsible for the collection and treatment of commercial and also household wastewater before ejecting it into the environment/ecosystem. The job requires a little training and supervision. This sector also has a tie-up with the local government institutions as it concerns the public’s health. Recently most industries working with water-based elements or ones that produce water waste have invested in water treatment plants as it helps them to reduce adverse environmental effects.
2. Nuclear Safety Engineer
A nuclear safety Engineer is responsible for examining and analyzing different ways of storing, managing, and transporting nuclear substances. Such a job really requires caution and only the most efficient individuals are given the responsibility. A small mistake can result in a calamity with unmanageable consequences.
The worker would have to study, calculate and analyze different nuclear elements and know about handling each of those in the most efficient way. He/she is also responsible for detecting risks from potential nuclear facilities. They even have to write proposals for different power-plant management programs. Yearly pay-out is around $90,000 – $172,000.
3. Natural Gas Utilities
In this sector, the job role basically revolves around managing and efficiently distributing natural gas to the public and private sectors. The allocation of resources in the right way is a big responsibility and the workers require a specific set of knowledge and skills to do so. It is among the high-paying sectors and also requires environment-friendly methods of functioning.
The workers need to make sure that the usage of these natural gases is at least sustainable and non-catastrophic in the future. The sector is gradually expanding with time and is becoming one of the important sectors.
4. Power Systems Engineer
One of the highest paying jobs in public utility is the electric utility. As a power systems engineer, there are various accountabilities, such as analyzing, designing, and operating electrical units or plants. The job is to enhance the existing power usage.
To be a power engineer, one needs a degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s in engineering itself. The annual salary can be around $90,000.
5. Pipeline Controller
A pipeline controller keeps a check on the pipeline systems of the allotted area for leaks and other probable problems. They also collocate way-outs in case of emergencies. There are certain pre-existing protocols that pipeline controllers follow to manage the systems. They also communicate with customers and work to optimize resource usage and experienced workers can train newcomers.
Although the work is mainly fixed location-based, however, they may sometimes travel in case of emergency needs. To be a pipeline controller, one must have problem-solving skills and multiprogramming capabilities to face unforeseen situations. People associated with this field earn around $94,937 per year.
6. Meter Reader
A meter reader records meter readings of different living units, factories, and institutions to maintain a record of it and keep a check on power usage. This includes meter readings of water, natural gas, and electricity. The readings are then used to generate bills for the amount used by consumers.
A high school pass-out can easily apply for this job. After a short period of training, people can start working. The yearly payouts are approximately around $60,000.
7. Architectural Designer
In this sector, the job role is to design various private, government as well as individual projects that involve the construction of buildings and other such structures. This job requires a specific skill set and proper qualifications. A degree in Civil engineering or equivalent is a must.
The yearly averages are fairly handsome and it’s one of the highest-paying sectors.
8. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
One of the most desired high-paying jobs is solar panel installers. The job role requires individuals to install solar power panels and other connected technical arrangements. The job is both mentally and physically exhausting and the pay-out is $50,000 approximately on a yearly basis.
As the demand for eco-friendly survival is increasing daily, the demand for such power panels increases. Hence, in the industry, though exhausting and less paying, the demand and supply of labor never go down as it requires minimal qualification.
9. Substation Engineers
Substation engineers perform the most important function of the electric power plants. They check on the transmission of AC voltages from one level to another. The ones that are generating substations are responsible for the evacuation of power from the production plant to power supply lines. The average salary is around $105,884 as it contains a high-risk factor and only qualified individuals can be a worker in this sector.
10. Control Room Supporter
The control booth employees operate, maintain and manage the machinery and equipment of multiple other power plants. To be qualified for this job role, the individual would require a higher diploma or similar degree in the field. To work efficiently in this sector, the worker would require excellent discipline-specific knowledge and skill-sets. The annual average income is around $160,000 and is among the high-paying job options.
Final Words
If you are interested in having a profession that is both stable and fulfilling, you might give some thought to working for a utility company. Among the numerous different careers that are currently accessible, you are sure to find one that is a good match for your abilities and pursuits.
One of the most attractive aspects of working for a public service organization is the variety of jobs that are available to prospective employees. There is a vast range of industries from which one can pick, ranging from engineering to providing services to customers.
While working in public utilities, you will eventually discover that public utilities pay highly and provide great benefits to their employees.
