How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities in 2023

Q: 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 .

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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The public utilities sector is an important aspect of society since it delivers essential public services. According to BLS, between 2004 and 2013, there were about 218,000 jobs in the public utilities sector.

In addition, the number of employment available in public utilities is growing since they employ more people than ever before.

Furthermore, recent figures predict a 14% increase in the number of jobs available in the public utilities sector.

The subject of public utilities is quickly expanding, and there are several prospects for individuals who are interested.

But, before we look at how many jobs are available in public utilities, let’s define what they are, the different types, and how much you can earn in this industry.

What are Public Utility Jobs?

The public utility industry offers important services to families and companies, and job descriptions span from engineers to laborers to customer service agents.

Over 2.5 million individuals work in the public utility sector, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Working in the production, transmission, and distribution of electric power, natural gas, sewage treatment, and water purification are all examples.

However, many opportunities are available in the public utility sectors as the population grows, cities expand, and the economy grows.

How Many Jobs are Available in Public Utilities?

Although it is impossible to provide an exact figure for how many jobs are available in the public utility sector in the United States, a reasonable estimate from multiple sources suggests that there are slightly more than 650,000 positions available in the public utility sector in the United States.

There are several employment opportunities in public utilities in the United States based on your educational and professional background.

However, certain fields may have more stringent requirements than others. The amount of employment available is determined by the type of utility and the state’s requirements.

Overall, numerous positions in public utilities are accessible as the population, economy, and a number of cities grow.

So, if you want to work in the public utilities department, this is a fantastic moment.

In the United States, public utilities are regulated by the government to guarantee that basic necessities such as power, water, and sewage are provided to all.

What are the 7 Main Areas of Utilities in the US?

There was 218,000 employment in these sectors according to Bureau of Labor Statistics statistics from 2004 to 2013.

In response to the question, “How many jobs are available in public utilities?” we may respond that 7.1% of these are in the public sector.

This indicates that the public sector employs 1.5 of every 19 people. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 14% increase in public-sector employment growth between 2022 and 2026. This is higher than the national average in all key categories, including construction.

Utilities in the United States are divided into seven categories:

Electrical Utilities
Water Utilities
Gas Utilities
Telecommunications/Media Services
General Service Providers
Cable TV Providers
Wireless Telecommunications

10 Best Paying Jobs in Public Utilities

The following are the 10 best paying jobs in public utilities:

#1. Utility Manager

Average Salary: $86,929 per year (ZipRecruiter)

Audits are performed by utility management. They conduct these inspections to ensure that companies and residents receive the best possible service.

This position requires you to manage water treatment plants. In addition, you are in control of infrastructures such as power plants.

In addition, as a utility manager, you are in charge of water, power, and sewage systems. You must keep the infrastructure up to date.

You should seek maintenance and repairs if necessary. In the case of an unplanned closure, you should collaborate with other teams. Finally, you must identify strategies to increase service quality while lowering expenses.

#2. Radiation Engineer

Average Salary: $104,068 per year (ZipRecruiter)

The Radiation Engineer is in charge of monitoring the safety and environmental impact of various radioactive materials.

They also help guarantee that all staff members follow the right procedures so that accidents do not occur.

As a radiation engineer, you are in charge of executing radiation pulse testing under various settings. You should present a theoretical analysis based on the outcomes of an experiment.

This is an excellent chance for graduates who desire to work in both a technical and humanistic subject.

#3. Gas Controller

Average Salary: $90,538 per year (ZipRecruiter)

The Gas Controller is in charge of the accounting and financial administration of the city’s gas, electric, and water services.

They are in charge of gathering, evaluating, and reporting data in order to verify that all utility revenues are properly accounted for and reported.

The Gas Controller will also give guidance and direction on a variety of initiatives, including, but not limited to, the following.

The Gas Controller is in charge of maintaining and monitoring the public utility’s gas system.

As a gas controller, you will be responsible for assuring the gas system’s safety, dependability, and efficiency. Your responsibilities will include the following:

Creating a comprehensive strategy for the city’s gas system.
Creating a comprehensive strategy for the city’s gas system.
Conducting monthly audits of each utility’s finances to find areas for improvement.
Finding new income streams to support major projects.
Keeping records and reporting on all aspects of the gas system that affect safety and dependability.
Processes are being updated to ensure that they comply with all applicable regulatory rules.
Identifying areas for improvement
Keeping track of project timeframes and finances

#4. Pipeline Controller

Average Salary: $94,937 per year (ZipRecruiter)

Pipeline controllers are in charge of ensuring that pipeline systems run safely and efficiently.

They collaborate with engineers who design pipes and equipment to guarantee that the system operates at peak efficiency.

Additionally, the Pipeline Controller will ensure that all equipment is operationally sound, maintain records of repairs, maintenance, and other operations, collaborate with other team members as needed, report information to management, and manage field safety measures.

Also, Pipeline controllers are in charge of controlling systems and optimizing power consumption.

In addition, controllers must communicate with consumers. They also teach new employees using established processes and practices.

Finally, Pipeline controllers may have to travel on occasion. However, most of their labor is done at a central control facility.

#5. Nuclear Licensing Engineer

Average Salary: $120,814 per year (ZipRecruiter)

A nuclear licensing engineer guarantees that the plant and reactor are run safely and efficiently.

They monitor the plant’s performance, including its maintenance and safety systems, to verify that it is working in accordance with design requirements.

Depending on the facility’s demands, the nuclear licensing engineer may also develop new designs or change current ones.

#6. Power System Engineer

Average Salary: $81,421 per year (Salary.com)

Next on the list of best-paying jobs in public utilities is the Power Systems Engineer is in charge of designing, developing, and implementing electrical power systems for a wide range of client applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, and public facilities.

This role necessitates a working knowledge of both the technical and financial elements of power systems engineering.

The ideal applicant will have knowledge of all elements of electrical power system design and implementation, including hardware, software, and system integration.

The chosen applicant will be able to work alone and collaboratively with other engineers to build solutions that satisfy customers’ demands.

#7. Water Resource Specialist

Average Salary: $65,270 per year (Zippia)

Water Resource Senior Specialist – Manage a team of professionals in creating and assessing new solutions for water utilities across the state. You will collaborate directly with clients to create solutions based on their requirements and objectives.

You will give strategic direction and guidance to team members reporting to you while actively exploring new growth opportunities inside a firm.

Water Resource Specialist – This role will lead a team of specialists in designing creative solutions for water utilities across the state based on consumer input and data given by other departments within our firms, such as finance or marketing.

#8. Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Average Salary: $114,692 per year (ZipRecruiter)

A Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer (NSCSE) ensures that nuclear facilities are safe and that they can function without harming themselves or others.

They review the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of nuclear plants to ensure their safety.

They also collaborate with other specialists to assess if new equipment should be put in existing facilities and how to best safeguard workers in the event of a crisis.

Additionally, Nuclear Difficulties Engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a similar discipline and substantial experience working with nuclear power plants, fuel fabrication facilities, and waste handling systems.

They could also have studied mathematics or physics.

The Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer will also help develop new processes and techniques for nuclear reactor safety.

#9. Control Room Supporter

Average Salary: $51,526 per year (ZipRecruiter)

Employees in the control booth run, maintain, and manage the machinery and equipment of many different power plants.

The worker would need higher education or a similar degree in the field to be suitable for this employment function.

To operate effectively in this industry, the individual must have outstanding discipline-specific knowledge and skill sets.

#10. Meter Reader

Average Salary: $48,572 per year (Comparably)

A meter reader records meter readings from various dwelling units, factories, and organizations in order to keep track of them and keep an eye on power use.

This comprises water, natural gas, and electricity meter readings. The measurements are then used to create invoices for the quantity of electricity consumed by users.

However, a high school graduate can apply for this position. People might begin working after a brief amount of training.

What are the Advantages of Working in the Public Utilities Industry?

Working in public utilities has many advantages, and they are not limited to the benefits of working in a sector that promotes the environment.

One of the most significant advantages is that they are reliable and constant, allowing you to prepare for the future with greater assurance.

This is especially critical if you are just getting started and have little experience. You may also anticipate a solid and secure career, which is difficult to obtain in many other fields.

Another significant benefit is that public utilities are always recruiting, so if you want to develop your career faster than someone with experience, this might be an excellent option.

Conclusion

Because Public Utilities Jobs a profitable and developing business, there are many opportunities for qualified people.

If you want to work in public utilities, thoroughly study each organization before applying. Look for opportunities that match your talents and interests, not just those promoted.

Finally, be open-minded because not every position in public utilities will be what you thought. Prepare to adjust swiftly and learn new skills if necessary.

There’s no reason why you can’t build a reputation for yourself in this industry with hard effort and determination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Utilities

Is public utilities a good career?

The short answer is yes; a career in public utilities can be financially rewarding and offer job security, above-average pay, benefits, and prospects for growth.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

Why are public utilities important?

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.