Do Public Utilities Jobs Pay in 2023? - (Updated)

The public utilities industry consists of the management and distribution of services provided by the government or state, such as the supply of electricity, water, or the train network.

Jobs in public utilities include human resources, maintenance & repair, construction, design, and many others. The federal government is the major employer of labor in public utilities.

The Latest report shows that there are 982,723 people employed in the Utilities industry in the US as of 2022.

The average annual pay for Public Utilities jobs in the United States is $71,970 a year.

Do Public Utilities Jobs Pay? How Much Do Public Utilities Job Pay in 2023

5 Best Paying Jobs in Public Utilities

Different sectors that make up the public utilities industry include electricity, water supply, maintenance, rail system, gas, and telecommunications.

This industry is vast and offers numerous job opportunities for people at different levels of career. And these jobs pay really well. Let’s take a quick look at some of the jobs in public utilities and what they pay.

1. Human Resources Manager

Average Salary: $76189 per year.

A human resources manager plans, coordinates, and directs the administrative functions of an organization.

They oversee the recruitment of staff with the right skill set that keeps the utilities running efficiently. And also serve as a link between an organization’s management and employees.

The average salaries of Human Resources Managers in utility companies are $76189 per year.

2. Architecture Engineer

Average Salary: $90,000

Architectural engineers guide architects in designing structures and planning the construction process.

There are many infrastructures that need designing and construction in the utilities industry. So architects design buildings and infrastructures that enhance the standard of living and improve the quality of life of people living in communities.

The average architectural engineer salary in the USA is $90,000 per year or $46.15 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $72,012 per year.

3. Utilities Supervisor

Average Salary: $62683 a year

Utility supervisors are very important in the utility industry because they coordinate maintenance works in utility buildings.

They ensure utility systems such as electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and pipe systems are functional. The average annual pay for a Utility Supervisor Job in the US is $62683 a year.

4. Project Manager

Average Salary: $78,000 per year

A utilities project manager oversees, supervises, and coordinates the management of specific utilities projects.

They also organize assigned activities with other departments, outside agencies, and the general public.

Furthermore, utility project managers can work in engineering and construction, telecommunication equipment, and electric utilities.

The average salary of a utility project manager in the USA is $103,800 per year or $53.23 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $78,000 per year.

5. Electrical Engineer

Average Salary: $72,570

Every public utilities entity needs electrical engineers. The duties of an electric engineer range from design and implementation to maintenance of utility infrastructures, such as water or electrical grids, gas mains, and other types of delivery systems.

The average salary of utility electrical engineers in the United States is $72,570 per year in 2023.

***Do Public Utilities Jobs Pay? How Much Do Public Utilities Job Pay in 202***3

What Factors Affect Salaries of Public Utilities Jobs?

Experience Level

Experience is one of the factors that’ll determine how much you earn in public utilities. This is because most public utilities jobs require hands-on experience and expertise more than a certificate.

So, public utilities companies always look out for candidates with the right technical skills required for each job.

Education

Most best paying roles in public utilities require a higher degree. For instance, if a Utilities Company is looking to hire an HR Manager, Electrical Engineer, or Project Manager, they would most likely consider someone with a college degree and pay them more than someone with a high school diploma.

Location

Another factor that affects what public utilities jobs pay is where you live. Most companies in big metros pay more than those in smaller areas.

This is because they also take the cost of living in their area into consideration. If you’re looking for public utilities jobs, then you should also put the cost of living in a particular area into consideration.

Required Specialization

Another factor that can affect your salary in public utilities is the level of specialization required for your work.

For instance, a Hydroelectric Plant Technician who needs strong computer and technical skills, which a utility worker does not require. So the salaries vary too.

Public Utilities Salaries and Job Prospects

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the annual mean wage for Utility workers was $89,060 in 2021.

As of August 2022, there are about 541.6 thousand people employed in this industry.

One noticeable change in the future of public utilities is the adoption of green and renewable energy across the industry.

Alternative energy sources like solar and wind are becoming more and more the focal point of utility companies.

As a result, many jobs in utilities now require people with a passion for green energy and sustainability, as well as a combination of technical and soft skills.

Conclusion

Public Utilities is a good career path. There’s a wide variety of careers available in public utilities. And they offer many entry-level opportunities with potential career growth.

Jobs in this industry are found in the electricity industry, gas industry, water, and telecommunications industries.

The future of jobs in Utilities is in renewable energies, and professionals in this field should consider getting skills in renewable energy.