Public Utility Jobs Overview
There are many different types of public utility jobs available. Some of the most popular include working for the water or sewer department, the electricity company, the gas company, or the trash and recycling company.
Others work for the government, managing public parks or running public transportation systems.
Most public utilities jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require additional training or certification.
Many public utilities jobs are unionized, which means that workers are represented by a union and have access to union benefits and protections.
Public utility jobs can be both challenging and rewarding. Workers in these jobs help to keep our communities running smoothly and provide vital services to residents.
how many jobs are available in public utilities
If you are interested in a career in public utilities, be sure to research the different types of jobs available and the requirements for each.
what do public utility jobs pay?
In the United States, public utility jobs typically pay quite well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for all utility workers was $67,920 in May 2019, which is significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810.
Of course, wages will vary depending on the specific public utility job, as well as the location and experience of the worker. But overall, public utility jobs tend to be fairly well-paying.
According to Zippia, Public utility jobs pay $56,100 per year, on average. However, there’s a wide variety of careers available in public utilities.
For example, a safety engineer with years of experience working for a top-notch company can make as much as $133,000 per year in public utilities. On the other hand, an entry-level repair technician only makes about $26,000 per year.
Public Utility Jobs Pay Data w.r.t. Agencies
Public Utilities Specialist was the 255th most popular job in the U.S. Government in 2021, with 435 employed. The most common payscale was the general schedule payscale.
In 2020, the Department of Energy hired the most employees titled Public Utilities Specialist, with an average salary of $110,179.
| Agency | Employees Hired | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | 391 | $110,178.80 |
| Public Buildings Service | 12 | $112,576.08 |
| Bureau of Reclamation | 6 | $94,568.33 |
| Federal Communications Commission | 2 | $170,800.00 |
| Smithsonian Institution (Exchange Sep Boards of Trust) | 1 | $126,620.00 |
| Indian Affairs | 1 | $103,396.00 |
Here are 10 common jobs in the public utility industry and their pay rates:
| Job Title | Average Salary | Entry-Level Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Engineer | $87,000 | $57,000 | $133,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | $84,000 | $63,000 | $110,000 |
| Joruneyman Lineman | $74,000 | $51,000 | $108,000 |
| Utilities Manager | $74,000 | $48,000 | $114,000 |
| Valve Technician | $54,000 | $37,000 | $72,000 |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $50,000 | $35,000 | $69,000 |
| Repair Technician | $44,000 | $26,000 | $74,000 |
| Plant Operator | $37,000 | $29,000 | $46,000 |
| Utility Worker | $31,000 | $31,000 | $40,000 |
| Line Inspector | $26,000 | $21,000 | $34,000 |
What do public utilities jobs pay in US?
The average salary for public utilities jobs in the United States is $89,060 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the specific job title, level of experience, and location. For example, engineers and managers typically earn higher salaries than customer service representatives and technicians.
Here are some examples of salaries for public utilities jobs in the United States:
- Engineer: $100,000-$150,000 per year
- Manager: $120,000-$180,000 per year
- Customer service representative: $30,000-$50,000 per year
- Technician: $40,000-$60,000 per year
Public utilities jobs offer a number of benefits, including:
- Salary and benefits: Public utilities jobs typically offer competitive salaries and benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Job security: Public utilities jobs are typically considered to be secure, as they are essential services that are needed by the public.
- Opportunities for advancement: Public utilities jobs offer opportunities for advancement, as there are many different positions within the industry.
If you are looking for a stable, well-paying job with opportunities for advancement, a public utilities job may be a good option for you.
Here are some of the most in-demand public utilities jobs:
- Engineers: Engineers design, develop, and test new products and processes. They are needed in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and energy.
- Technicians: Technicians install, maintain, and repair capital goods. They are needed in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
- Sales representatives: Sales representatives sell capital goods to businesses and other organizations. They need to have a strong understanding of the products they are selling and the needs of their customers.
- Customer service representatives: Customer service representatives handle inquiries, complaints, and account management for utility customers.
- Managers: Managers oversee the operations of a public utility company. They need to have strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
If you are interested in a career in public utilities, there are a number of steps you can take to increase your chances of success. These steps include:
- Get a good education: A good education is essential for a career in public utilities. Many employers require workers to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field.
- Get experience: Internships and entry-level jobs can give you valuable experience and help you develop the skills you need for a career in public utilities.
- Network: Networking with people in the public utilities industry can help you learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door.