How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities? Many jobs in the public utility industry offer critical services to families and companies. Public utilities are under federal supervision to guarantee their security and reliability.
About Public Utilities In The US.
The government provides public utilities. Water, electricity, gas, and garbage are provided. Public utilities impact the US economy. It provides water, power, natural gas, and sewage disposal to millions of Americans daily.
Government regulators ensure safe and dependable public utilities. 675,775 people are employed nationally as of October 2022. Public utilities keep homes and businesses functioning properly. Life would be tough without public utilities. It’s controlled to keep people safe and healthy.
The US economy relies heavily on public utilities. It delivers water, power, natural gas, and sewage removal to millions of Americans. As of October 2022, public utilities employed 675,775 people nationwide. Between 2017 and 2022, US utility employment grew by 0.5% yearly. The aging population needs more services and more energy and water.
Note: Public utilities offer steady jobs with decent perks. Engineering, maintenance, customer service, and more are available in public utilities. Public utilities are fantastic places to start a career and offer paid vacation and sick days.
What are Public Utility jobs?
The public utility sector encompasses various job descriptions, from engineers to laborers to customer service representatives, as it is responsible for delivering necessary services to private residences and commercial establishments.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than 2.5 million individuals are now employed in the public utility industry. This involves employment in the distribution of electric power, sewage treatment, and water purifying.
Career Growth In Public Utilities
It is common knowledge that workers employed for public utilities enjoy high levels of job security in addition to favorable perks. However, many believe these services are controlled, and there is little possibility for advancement. There are times when this is not the case. In the field of public utilities, professional development possibilities are many.
They have tasks ranging from beginner’s to expert level, depending on your understanding. You can work as a manager, supervisor, technician, engineer, or operator of machinery. Therefore, if you are searching for a profession that is both stable and secure, as well as one that offers a decent chance of promotion, working for a public utility can be the appropriate decision for you.
Benefits Of Working In The Public Utility Sector
Working for a public utility has a lot going for it. To name only a few benefits:
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Safe Employment - Safety in one’s employment is a clear perk. Utilities provided by the government will not disappear anytime soon since they are a need for most people. Those who work in the sector often feel very secure in their positions.
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Well-Paying - Jobs in the public sector often pay well and offer solid job security. Companies in the utility industry tend to be large and prosperous, which allows them to provide competitive wages to their employees. This is especially true for occupations that need advanced degrees or certifications.
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Additional Benefits - Working in the public utility industry allows you to make more money while putting in fewer hours than you would in the private sector. You’ll have money for healthcare costs and retirement security.
How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities?
Numerous possibilities await qualified candidates in the public utility sector. A wide variety of careers are available, from those in customer service to those in engineering and management. It is contingent upon your level of education and experience and the availability of relevant positions.
There is probably a job out there that suits your interests and abilities. As the population, economy, and the number of cities expand, many openings are becoming available in the public utility sector.
As was previously said, the public utility industry is home to many employment specializations. However, the bar may be higher in some industries than others. The utility type and the need in a given state influence the number of available positions.
Keep in mind: As the population, economy, and number of cities continue to grow, there will be an increased demand for public utility workers. Now would be an excellent moment to switch to the public works division.
Best Paying Jobs In Public Utilities
Those interested in working in public service can choose from various job categories. Utility businesses serve the public and are thus complicated enterprises that demand well-trained personnel to manage. These are secure, well-paying positions with a bright future. Examples of such occupations are:
Utility Manager
The Utility Manager oversees all utilities, including power, water, gas, and sewage. Those in charge of supervising utility personnel see that their job is carried out safely and effectively.
Managers of utilities often earn a median salary of $86,929 per year. Most managers of public services have day jobs. Additionally, they are responsible for formulating and enforcing rules and regulations that govern the delivery of utilities.
Radiation Expert
Radiation engineers can work in various sectors, but they are most typically employed in the public utility industry. Public utilities like electric and water corporations employ radiation experts to guarantee that their facilities are safe according to government standards.
They also teach workers about correct Radiation safety practices and create new guidelines. They may make a salary of up to $104,068 annually, which is significantly higher than the average. Public utility companies provide their radiation engineers with competitive salaries and generous compensation packages.
Regulator of Gasoline
They are crucial to ensuring the continued security and efficacy of business procedures. In a public utility context, gas controllers keep tabs on and manage the flow of natural gas. Both business and household clients are welcome.
To maintain a steady and secure gas supply, gas controllers collaborate with other members of the public utility team, including engineers and customer care personnel. Gas controllers are sometimes expected to handle emergencies. A yearly salary of $90,538 is possible for them.
Pipeline Manager
The day-to-day operations of the pipeline system are your responsibility as the Pipeline Controller. You’ll ensure the pipeline runs effectively and safely while adhering to all rules and regulations.
You will also need to work with other organizations and interested parties to coordinate the pipeline’s operation to benefit everyone. Pipeline Controllers are frequently found working for public utilities, and they are compensated fairly under their level of education and work experience. The typical annual salary for a pipe controller is $94,937.
Scientists in Charge of Nuclear Licenses
They must ensure that nuclear power facilities run smoothly and without incident. Engineers specializing in nuclear licensing collaborate with other engineers and technical employees to ensure the facility meets all safety and regulatory standards.
As part of their work, engineers specializing in nuclear licensing create and implement safety measures, track plant performance and investigate cutting-edge nuclear technology. Nuclear licensing engineers earn a median annual pay of $120,814. Licensed nuclear engineers with more experience should expect to earn more. Engineers with nuclear licenses who work for public utilities pay better than their counterparts in other fields.
Power System Engineer
Engineer of Power Systems Engineers of Power Systems plan, study and manage the infrastructure that provides electricity to buildings and other facilities. Electric utilities, government organizations, consulting businesses, and manufacturing enterprises hire these engineers. Power system engineers make an average of $81,421 per year.
They also deal with power system planning, operation, control, and the design of transmission lines. In the field of power systems, engineers play a key role in the discovery and creation of innovative new technologies.
Water Resource Specialist
Our water supply is managed and protected by these experts. Specialists in water resources typically find employment at public utilities, where they are responsible for managing water conservation programs, overseeing water quality testing, and ensuring that water delivered to customers is safe to drink.
Specialists in the field of water resources usually work full-time, with the possibility of overtime or on-call shifts. Careers in water resource management are some of the best-paying options out there. They may make up to $65,270 a year on average.
Safety Engineer at Nuclear Facilities
Keeping personnel in nuclear power plants and other atomic facilities safe from radiation exposure is a nuclear criticality safety engineer’s top priority. They collaborate with government authorities, facility operators, and the general public for public and worker safety.
Engineers specializing in nuclear criticality safety usually hold a master’s degree or higher in engineering; however, some just have a bachelor’s. Engineers specializing in nuclear criticality safety may expect to earn a median annual income of $114,692. Salary levels can differ, though, based on geography and years of experience.
Helper in the Control Room
A job in the control room of a public power company might be rewarding. You’ll work with state-of-the-art equipment and provide essential services to your neighborhood. Utility monitoring is their job. You’ll need to be alert and quick to react to any alerts or crises. They can earn a maximum of $51,526 each year.
Meter Reader
The Utility Meter Reader monitors and records the energy used by businesses and manufacturing facilities. Bills for customers’ electrical use are calculated using this information. Salary and perks for Meter Readers are among the best in the industry. They have the potential to make $48,572 yearly. While most meter readers work full-time, some spend time on the side.
Note: States and feds control utilities. They define norms and criteria for service delivery. In recent years, new technology and players have changed the industry significantly. Despite changes, the public utility industry is vital to the US economy.
How Do You Get Started in the Public Utilities Field?
Getting a degree is the traditional initial step (though not always). This can be accomplished by earning a two-year, four-year, graduate degree or even a certificate.
Certification in sustainable energy, for instance, may be seen as an asset by some universities. Network and apply for jobs at local utility firms once you’ve earned your degree.
When everything else fails, you may try freelancing or contracting. Gaining relevant work experience now will set you apart from the competition for full-time jobs in the future.
FAQs
Some related questions are given below:
1 - Is public utilities a good career path?
There is a wide variety of duties and compensation for the many positions in the public utility sector. For many years, a career in public utilities was viewed as one of the best options available. There are, however, downsides to pursuing these job paths.
2 - What state has its power grid?
Regarding the United States power grid, only Texas has its own. Due to its abundant natural resources, Texas is well-suited to operate its electricity infrastructure. The transmission and distribution utilities, as well as the retail electricity suppliers, are all essential to the operation of the power grids.
3 - How many public utilities are there in the US?
The USA is home to more than 3,000 public utilities. These corporations supply essential goods and services to the American people, including water, power, and gas. State and federal governments regulate public utilities to guarantee they offer their customers secure and dependable service.
4 - What are public utilities in the United States?
A public utility is a business that serves the public at large. Companies that offer essential services like electricity, natural gas, water, heat, and cable TV are examples of public utilities.
5 - Why are public utilities important?
Many dollars are spent each year on infrastructure upgrades by public utilities. Public utilities protect the welfare of their communities by maintaining dependable systems and infrastructure that can provide essential services around the clock.
6 - Which government agency is in charge of maintaining public infrastructure?
Businesses that provide services in electricity, natural gas, telephones, water, rail transit, and/or passenger transportation may be subject to oversight by a public utility commission.
7 - Should you invest in utility companies?
Utility businesses can provide stable and relatively substantial dividends to their stockholders because of low demand elasticity and stable income streams. This is why income investors, who rely on their assets for income, often approach utility stocks similarly to bonds.
8 - What is a necessity for a public vehicle?
To reduce pollution, all cars being replaced must either have an engine that complies with Euro 4 standards or be electric. Security cameras, an automated fee-collecting system, speed limits, and GPS monitoring have all been necessities.
9 - Why are utilities important in business?
It’s essential to any firm, office, or workplace function and cannot be done without it. A sizable quantity of electricity is required to power today’s tools, gadgets, equipment, and machinery, making it a need in any organization. Energy consumption is highest in a company’s manufacturing department.
10 - What are public utility vehicles?
Those motorized vehicles (often four-wheeled) that transport the public fall under the category of “public utility vehicles” (PUVs). The government sets fixed routes for these vehicles and uniform prices for them.
Conclusion
You can choose from various paths if you want to work for a government agency. These positions pay well and provide generous benefits that may be used to provide for you in your later years. You can locate work that suits your interests and abilities. If you are interested in becoming a Meter Reader, you may check with your local utility provider. Unsurprisingly, those seeking employment might find a wide variety of options within the utility sector. You need to be ready and know what it takes to acquire a job.