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Public utilities are essential in our day-to-day life. Getting a job in public utilities can be very fulfilling. This article will be helpful if you want a job in public utilities.
We have prepared a list of the top 20 best-paid jobs in public utilities based on average income and job prospects in this post.
We hope that this information will assist you in determining which profession is suited for you and will provide you with a clearer picture of your future if you pursue a career in public utilities.
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What is a Public Utility?
A public utility is a business that provides essential services to society, such as electricity supply, gas, power, water, and transportation.
Public utilities are usually regulated by the government, which protects them from competition and guarantees that they offer excellent service to their clients.
Jobs in the public utilities sector pay well and provide great benefits. These benefits may include pension plans and health insurance.
Due to the growing demands for these important services, the sector is quickly expanding.
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What are the Duties of a Public Utilities Employee?
A public utilities worker is responsible for many critical community functions. These responsibilities may include:
- infrastructure repair and
- maintenance, customer service,
- and industry regulation.
Public utilities employees get various wages based on their experience and credentials. They also have access to healthcare and retirement programs.
What are the Benefits of Working in Public Utilities?
Working at a public utility firm has several advantages. These include:
1. Competitive Compensation
Research has shown that the average pay for public utility workers in the United States is $59,000 per year, which is more than double the national average.
Furthermore, many public utilities provide significant retirement packages, flexible work schedules, and tuition assistance schemes. Also, many occupations provide prospects for promotion.
2. Reliable Employment
Public utility companies are commonly considered among the most stable employment in the country. This is because they are not always affected by the same kind of economic changes as other organizations.
3. The Chance to Work in a Demanding Sector
Workers in public utilities have several options for progress and improvement. In addition, many public utility firms have great training programs that may assist employees in developing their abilities in several areas.
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The Top Paying Jobs in Public Utilities
There are several high-paying positions available in public utilities. Electricians, engineers, and managers are among the best-paying jobs in public utilities.
1. Electricians
Electricians are in charge of installing, repairing, and maintaining public utility electrical systems. They frequently operate with high-voltage wires and equipment, which can be hazardous.
However, electricians have a degree in electrical engineering or a similar profession, making them well-equipped to handle these responsibilities.
2. Engineers
Engineers are in charge of planning and executing public utility systems and services. They work primarily on major projects that need a good understanding of engineering fundamentals.
Engineers usually have degrees in mathematics and science. This makes them well-prepared to create and manage complex situations.
3. Managers
Managers oversee the overall management of public utilities. Also, they usually supervise many departments and personnel.
However, managers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in business or a similar subject to be effective in this field.
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20 Best Paying Jobs In Public Utilities
1. Renewable Energy Managers
Average Annual Salary: $71,760
Public utilities are increasingly depending on renewable energy sources to power our homes and businesses.
This has increased the demand for renewable energy managers, who are in charge of developing and implementing plans for utilizing solar, wind, water, and other sustainable resources.
These professionals usually hold postgraduate degrees in engineering or environmental science.
2. Pipeline Inspectors
Average Annual Salary: $77,345
Pipeline inspectors are in charge of checking pipelines’ safety and correct operation. They examine pipes for leaks, rusting, and other issues.
Pipeline inspectors normally have a high school degree or equivalent, and certain businesses may need American Petroleum Institute accreditation (API).
3. Electric Power Plant Managers
Average Annual Salary: $94,790
Electric power plant managers are in charge of the overall functioning of a power station.
They normally hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering and have worked in the electric power business for several years.
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4. Natural Gas Distribution Manager
Average Annual Salary: $74702
Natural gas distribution managers for a utility business organize natural gas distribution within a specific geographical area.
They create and carry out strategies to guarantee that gas is supplied effectively and securely and keep track of gas use and costs.
5. Water Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $96,820
Water engineers must design, build, and maintain water supply and wastewater treatment systems.
They might also focus on water resource management and planning. Water engineers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related field.
6. Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Average Annual Salary: $100,340
Hydroelectric plant specialists are responsible for keeping these facilities running smoothly. Hydroelectric facilities create electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water.
They might operate the plant’s control systems or perform maintenance tasks such as repairing leaks and replacing broken equipment.
7. Energy Auditor
Average Annual Salary: $74670
According to an energy auditor, an organization’s energy consumption may be made more efficient by finding possibilities.
To ensure that energy-saving techniques are implemented, performing audits, developing and executing energy conservation programs, and coordinating with other members of the business may be necessary.
Energy auditors may operate in a variety of settings, including for-profit businesses, government agencies, and private enterprises.
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8. Wind Farm Managers
Average Annual Salary: $57,801
Wind farm managers are in charge of the overall management and upkeep of a wind farm.
They are often hired by utilities or independent power producers and may be in command of a team of technicians.
9. Hydroelectric Power Plant Operators
Average Annual Salary: $43,930 to $97,410
Hydroelectric power plant operators must run and maintain hydroelectric power plants. While working at industrial locations, they regularly go to remote areas.
Hydroelectric power plant operators must be knowledgeable in mechanical and electrical systems.
10. Nuclear Licensing Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $116,824
One of the duties of a nuclear licensing engineer is to assist a nuclear energy plant’s licensing and regulatory needs while also ensuring that all systems and equipment are functioning properly.
They work closely with regulatory officials and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to adopt new codes and keep the firm in compliance with regulatory standards (NRC).
11. Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $66,650 to $152,220
The duties of a nuclear criticality safety engineer are to carry out research and researching techniques for shipping, managing, and storing nuclear material in order to avoid an accident such as a nuclear reaction.
Also, they do research and analysis on nuclear fuel attributes and calculation data, as well as fuel transfer and storage plans given by nuclear power plants.
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12. Radiation Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $104068
Running experiments to evaluate and analyze the effects of radiation in diverse circumstances is one of the tasks of a radiation engineer.
They must carry out experiments and then give a mathematical model based on the outcomes
13. Gas Controller
Average Annual Salary: $90,538
Controlling pipelines to ensure that consumers receive the correct amounts of gas or oil flow is one of a gas controller’s tasks.
As a gas controller, you work with gas and oil companies to prevent major problems from occurring, monitor live pipeline pressure data, and detect and respond to abnormal flow volume and emergency readings.
In gas chambers, you may change the temperature, pressure, and flow rate.
14. Utilities Manager
Average Annual Salary: $86,929
Managers of public utilities perform operations audits to ensure that utilities are delivered to consumers and businesses for the lowest possible cost.
A utility manager is in charge of infrastructures such as telecommunications firms, power plants, and water treatment plants that provide important services to city, town, or area residents.
15. Power Transmission Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $107,743
One of the primary roles of a power transmission engineer is to plan energy transmission routes. In this area of employment, the power transmission engineer also makes an essential contribution to the electricity system’s infrastructure.
Examine maps and GIS data to find the best path for transmission lines from the energy source (such as a power plant) to the end customer (e.g., home, building, street light, etc.).
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16. Substation Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $94,307
Substation engineers construct power substation design plans and work with the project team and other stakeholders to finalize designs.
A substation engineer’s tasks include creating design drawings and documents and selecting the appropriate conduits and cables for each substation.
They also facilitate work using engineering application software while collaborating with team members.
17. Pipeline Controller
Average Annual Salary: $94,937
As a pipeline controller, you supervise and manage pipeline system operations.
You keep a look out for pipeline breaches, ensure that liquid natural gas or oil is flowing, organize emergency remedies when problems are discovered, and maintain a record of key events.
Pipeline controllers frequently utilize established procedures and norms to manage systems, improve energy efficiency, connect with customers, and educate new employees.
18. Power Distribution Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $89,724
As a power distribution engineer, your primary responsibilities will be the design and maintenance of electrical distribution networks.
Your tasks include developing electrical procedures for the site, providing technical advice for wiring systems, monitoring the overall operation of an electrical system, ensuring applications comply with legal standards, and providing technical help to a varied workforce.
19. Power Systems Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $82,593
They work in the energy industry. They examine transmission viability for a wind power firm, and they also build, assess, and manage an electrical power distribution system for a utility company or substations.
In addition, they might also handle electric metering.
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20. Power Lineman
Average Annual Salary: $78,126
It is the duty of a power lineman to install and maintain electrical cables in order to support utility operations.
As part of their job, they may undertake construction work to repair or replace lines.
Utilize equipment to reach difficult places, and train an apprentice to execute the work.
They also find broken components in a system, inspect and test power lines and associated apparatus, climb poles and transmission towers, and operate in adverse weather.
How to Get a Job in a Public Utilities
To work in the public utility industry, you must first register with the Public Utilities Commission.
To become a registered employee, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and pass a criminal background check.
Once registered as an employee, you may start the process of becoming a public utility employee by filling out an application form and sending it to the Public Utilities Commission.
When your application is granted, you will be given a registration number and will be able to begin working as a public utility employee.
The highest-paying jobs in public utilities are often those requiring expert work.
If you’ve worked with water, wastewater, electricity generation, or telecommunications, you could be qualified for a job in public utilities.
If you are interested in working with the public utilities, please get in touch with the Public Utilities Commission for additional information.
Conclusion
It is not surprising that the public utility industry employs the most people because they are highly valued.
Public utilities usually provide their employees with a number of alluring advantages, some of which are inaccessible to workers in the private sector and offer a wide range of job opportunities for the general public.
Choosing a job in public utilities may be useful because the public sector remains the largest employer of labor while also providing a number of attractive advantages to employees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Utilities
What comes under Public Utilities?
Public utilities are those business undertakings that provide necessary services to society. The undertakings dealing with the supply of electricity, gas, power, water, transport, etc., are all covered under public utility services.
What does the utility worker do?
The Utility Worker is responsible for keeping the buildings, grounds, equipment, and inventory clean, orderly, properly maintained, safe, and secure. Assists skilled maintenance, landscaping, and custodial staff as directed in performing semi-skilled or unskilled tasks in the upkeep and repair of facilities.
Why are public utilities important?
Public utilities make significant capital investments in infrastructure improvements. Public utilities serve their communities’ best interests by ensuring efficient, reliable operations and facilities to deliver their vital services 24/7.
Is public utilities a good career?
The short answer is yes; a career in public utilities can be financially rewarding and also offer job security, above-average pay, benefits, and prospects for growth.
Conclusion
It is not surprising that the public utility industry employs the most people because they are highly valued.
Public utilities usually provide their employees with a number of alluring advantages, some of which are inaccessible to workers in the private sector and offer a wide range of job opportunities for the general public.
Choosing a job in public utilities may be useful because the public sector remains the largest employer of labor while also providing a number of attractive advantages to employees.
FAQs
What comes under Public Utilities?
Public utilities are those business undertakings that provide necessary services to society. The undertakings dealing with the supply of electricity, gas, power, water, transport, etc., are all covered under public utility services.
What the utility worker does?
The Utility Worker is responsible for keeping the buildings, grounds, equipment, and inventory clean, orderly, properly maintained, safe, and secure. Assists skilled maintenance, landscaping, and custodial staff as directed in performing semi-skilled or unskilled tasks in the upkeep and repair of facilities.
Why are public utilities important?
Public utilities make significant capital investments in infrastructure improvements. Public utilities serve their communities’ best interests by ensuring efficient, reliable operations and facilities to deliver their vital services 24/7.
Is public utilities a good career?
The short answer is yes; a career in public utilities can be financially rewarding and also offer job security, above-average pay, benefits, and prospects for growth.
References
- vastlearners.com- Paying Jobs in Public Utilities
- kamerpower.com– 20 best paying jobs in Public utilities in 2022
- erieri.com– Nuclear Licensing Engineer
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