Do you want to explore job opportunities in the public utility sector? Read this article to learn about the roles of public utilities and how many jobs are available in this field.
The public utility sector plays a key role in every community in addition to offering basic services to the general people such as gas distribution, waste management, water supply, electric power generation, and telecommunications.
Because each industry has its own department, the utility industry is always in need of new workers because the more people there are, the more work they have to do.
In addition, the public utility sector performs a number of crucial tasks, such as maintaining infrastructure, regulating the market, and ensuring that safety standards are met.
What Are Public Utilities?
Public utilities are companies or organizations that provide essential services to the public, such as electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications. These services are considered essential because they are necessary for the functioning of society and are typically regulated by government agencies to ensure fair pricing and service quality.
Public utilities often employ a large number of workers, including engineers, technicians, customer service representatives, and administrative staff.
These jobs may require specialized training and certifications, but they often offer competitive salaries and benefits. Additionally, public utilities can provide opportunities for career advancement and the chance to work in a field that makes a positive impact on the community.
About the Public Utilities Job Opportunities in the US
Public utilities play a significant economic role in the United States because they have provided and continue to provide essential services to millions of Americans every day.
Contrarily, the public utilities sector provides a wide range of employment opportunities, with over 675,800 employees counted nationwide as of September 2022.
According to a study, between 2017 and 2022, there was a 0.5% annual rise in the number of jobs in the public utility sectors in the United States.
How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities?
The economy of the United States mainly depends on the services provided by public utilities. Natural gas distribution, water supply, and electric power generation are all examples of these.
These services facilitate effective company operations while easing daily life for citizens of American cities and towns.
The energy industry alone employs approximately 2 million people, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Additionally, the number of jobs in the public utility industry increased by nearly 10% over the past decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the public utility sector has approximately 1.4 million open jobs which makes it ranks fifth overall in terms of job openings in the United States, just behind the construction and following transportation, education/training, healthcare, and social assistance.
Workers in this sector earn an annual salary of $75,950 which is significantly higher than the national average which is $41,320.
The public utility sector is a significant and expanding sector. From 2008 to 2016, the industry saw a 2.5% increase in the number of jobs, and this trend is expected to continue.
Contribution of Public Utilities to Our Lives
A country’s economy and development are greatly influenced by its public utilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) asserts that the expanding population is increasing the demand for workers in public utilities.
The demand for workers in this industry is expected to rise by 20% between now and 2024. Water, Electricity, and natural gas are the main reasons behind this enhancement.
Without these basic necessities, survival is very difficult. The administration of public utilities is therefore more concerned with the growth of jobs in this industry. The public utility sector can be a great way to start your career.
Demanding Positions in the Public Utility Sector
There are numerous jobs that are available in public utilities. More than 7,500 public utility companies operate in the United States and they provide vital services to millions of people in America.
Most demanding jobs are available in the fields like natural gas, and electric power which is further divided into electric power distribution and electric power transmission.
From 2019 to 2026, it is anticipated that there will be a 10% increase in the number of jobs in the public utility sector. In 2018, there were over 2.6 million people working in this field, and by 2026, that number is expected to rise by 4%.
A field worker for a public utility typically earns $32,000, but overtime work and promotions can bring in much higher salaries. The salaries in some fields are even higher; For instance, the average annual salary of some construction workers is $70,000.
Electricity Power Sector
The electric power industry is the biggest industry in the United States since all household, public, private, and industrial services in the country rely on a reliable energy supply. That is the reason why there are a large number of employees in this sector.
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The production, transmission, and supply of electricity to homes and businesses across the nation are all the responsibility of the electric power sector. This utility industry is regulated by state governments to ensure that it maintains the established standards of safety, dependability, and cost while providing public electric power.
The electricity energy sector currently employs approximately 7.5 million people across the nation. In terms of job openings, the United States has approximately 1.3 million positions available.
Due to the volume and depth of work required, the power sector industry has been divided into three subsectors.
- Electric generation companies are responsible for producing and gathering natural resources to create electricity.
- Electric transmission businesses use high-voltage switch transformers and high-voltage transmission lines to transfer the electricity generated by generator companies to transmission systems.
- Electric distribution firms ensure that businesses and homes have access to electricity by delivering it from high-voltage transmission lines.
The electric utility industry is one of the biggest industries. Exelon Corporation, Southern California Edison Company, American Electric Power, and Florida Power & Light Company are among the major players in the electrical industry in the United States.
The Natural Gas Utilities Sector
One of the most vibrant segments of the US economy is the natural gas utilities sector. Natural gas, a clean-burning fuel, is produced in this sector and is used in both residential and commercial markets as fuel and for heating.
One of the most significant aspects of the American economy is natural gas production. This industry employs more than 9.8 million people or approximately 5.6% of the country’s workforce.
Additionally, natural gas is the fuel with the greatest versatility and is frequently utilized as an economical alternative to other energy sources.
Natural gas producers are supervised by the federal and state governments to ensure that they generate, transmit, and distribute natural gas to consumers safely and in accordance with environmental regulations.
According to studies, the natural gas sector would reserve more than one million job possibilities by the end of 2025.
Energy Transfer, Exelon Corporation, and Duke Energy Corporation are the most well-known factories in the natural gas industry.
Water supply and waste management Utility Sector
Two of the biggest and most significant industries in the US are wastewater maintenance and public water supply.
Companies whose sole business is to remove sewage from homes and businesses across the nation and supply sufficient water supply are in this sector. Companies collect, treat, and distribute water to homes and businesses from various natural resources.
Additionally, these same companies are responsible to collect household wastewater, transporting it to sewage treatment facilities, and responsibly disposing of it.
It is a utility sector that creates a lot of micro-departments since the jobs are very demanding and need a big team to make sure there are no mistakes. For this reason, the public sector is always seeking for new personnel to have the best performance across all departments.
The cycle of providing water and removing sewage is overseen by the state and federal governments to guarantee the safety of everyday customers of these services and the strict observance of waste management regulations.
Nuclear licensing Engineer
The main responsibility of a nuclear licensing engineer is to make sure that the plant and reactor are operated safely and effectively. In order to guarantee that the plant is operating in accordance with the design specifications, they monitor the operation of the plant, including its safety and maintenance systems.
Depending on the requirements of a specific facility, the nuclear licensing engineer may also be in charge of creating new designs or modifying existing ones.
To apply for the job you must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field and have worked in nuclear licensing for at least four years. The annual salary in this field ranges from $66,500-$145,500.
Power System Dispatcher
All-electric, gas, and water utility vehicle dispatch, as well as service delivery, are under the purview of the power system dispatcher.
The dispatcher gives customers information and direction, makes sure that all equipment is in good working order, and makes sure that the necessary safety precautions are taken.
You will be in charge of conducting inspections, testing machinery, and reporting any power system issues as a power system dispatcher. Additionally, you will liaise with other departments on any necessary repairs or enhancements.
Power System Dispatchers are in charge of making sure that every component of the power system is properly maintained and operating as intended. The annual salaries in this sector range from $47,500-$125,000.
How to Get Jobs in the Public Utility Sector
There are numerous career opportunities at public utilities. Engineers, managers, accountants, and representatives of customer service are among the most prevalent professions.
Depending on the job, these positions require varying levels of education and experience. However, there are numerous open positions in every position.
Educational Requirements
There are a large number of jobs available in the public utility sector. The most demanding ones are natural gas, Electric power, and water supply and waste management. These sectors have a large number of jobs but there are some requirements.
To be considered for various positions in the public utility sector, you must meet specific academic requirements.
A bachelor’s degree or higher, a high school diploma or equivalent, and postsecondary education or training in your desired field are the academic requirements for open positions in public utilities.
For instance, candidates who have completed some kind of postsecondary education or have a high school diploma may be eligible for a position at a water treatment plant.
In contrast, some, like maintenance of electric transmission lines, necessitate specialized training or a related degree. Others, like those who fix gas pipelines, have to learn on the job.
Average Salaries and Benefits of Public Utility Workers
The median annual income of utility workers in the United States is $82,171, or approximately $43.70 per hour. They are said to put in 43.7 hours of work each week. Overtime and weekend work are included in this.
Depending on position and qualifications, utility workers in the electric power sector earn an average of $28.54 to $49.14 per hour.
However, some utility companies may offer additional benefits like equipment discounts and tuition reimbursement programs. Retirees may even be permitted to continue working part-time at some utility companies.
People working in the public utility sector have job security. To guarantee service continuity, utility service providers make investments in employee retention. Many employees also have free medical insurance for themselves and for their families. Some employees also get a car and house depending upon their rank and qualification.
FAQ’s
Do jobs in public utilities pay well?
Yes, the public utility sector pays well depending on your position and qualification. Other than that public utility workers enjoy other benefits as well.
What is the typical wage for utility workers?
In the United States, utility workers earn an annual salary of $82606 on average. Workers in this industry typically put in 44 hours per week.
Is a career in public utilities appealing?
The public utility industry offers attractive salary packages, retirement plans, and other benefits, making it a promising career path. It is a service that also makes you happy inside.
How big is the US public utility industry?
In the United States, the public utility sector is one of the largest drivers of the economy, contributing approximately 10% of GDP.
Conclusion
There are a significant number of job opportunities available in the public utilities sector. The industry is rapidly expanding and the need for skilled professionals is on the rise. The job roles vary from entry-level positions to highly skilled technical roles and managerial positions. The public utilities sector offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals with diverse skill sets and qualifications.
Additionally, the industry is also known to provide job stability, good pay, and benefits. Overall, the public utilities sector is a viable option for those seeking a career in a growing and in-demand industry. With the growing demand for sustainable energy and the increasing focus on modernizing the infrastructure, job opportunities in the public utilities sector are likely to continue to grow in the future.
