Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path? [Ultimate Guide]

Is working for public utilities an ideal career path? Yes, if you appreciate giving back to your community, a job in public utilities may be an excellent fit for you.

This industry offers various opportunities, from entry-level positions with few requirements to those requiring a skilled certification.

Looking at its pros and cons/challenges, we’ll talk about its job prospect, top careers, and tips for a successful career in public utilities. So, let’s explore if this career path is right for you!

What Are Public Utilities?

Public utilities are corporate organizations (such as electric companies) that provide a public service and are subject to particular government control.

On the other hand, it is a company that provides the public with water, gas, electricity, telecommunication, waste management, or transportation.

Is Public Utilities a Good Career Path?

Public utilities can be a great career path for individuals interested in providing essential services to the public and maintaining critical infrastructure.

The best-paying jobs in public utilities are typically management and technical.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for electrical power-line installers and repairers was $85,420 in May 2023.

The median annual wage for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers was $85,950 in May 2020.

Other high-paying jobs in the public utilities sector include civil engineers, mechanical engineers, environmental scientists, and specialists.

These positions typically require advanced degrees and specialized skills. Overall, a career in public utilities can be rewarding and financially lucrative.

What Are The Job Prospects For Public Utilities?

According to BLS data, employment in public utilities has been consistent over the last two decades. Every city and county needs public utilities, so some jobs are here to stay. It’s a reliable field.

However, the BLS warns that the industry might lose 34,600 employees between 2021 and 2031. It changes depending on the role. Line installers, HVAC technicians, and electricians are predicted to expand at an average pace and may require some training or education.

However, career opportunities for water and waste treatment operators, power plant operators, nuclear engineers, and technicians may decrease.

The Benefits And Disadvantages of Working In Public Utilities

There are several benefits to working in the public utility industry and a few drawbacks. However, you must know that this industry has some of the highest-paying careers.

Benefits

• Job Growth: Many jobs in the public utilities sector are expected to grow in the following years, particularly in renewable energy and crafts. There are several jobs available that offer on-the-job training and have low entry requirements. These opportunities also allow you to advance in your career as you gain more experience.
• High-Paying Jobs: Jobs in public utilities, particularly those involving trade and engineering, can pay well.
• Entry-Level Positions: Most public utility positions do not require prior experience, so you can begin immediately. For example, customer service agents and sanitation personnel frequently have few requirements.
• Competitive Pay and Benefits: Many jobs in the public utilities sector are expected to grow in the following years, particularly in renewable energy and crafts. There are several jobs available that offer on-the-job training and have low entry requirements. These opportunities also allow you to advance in your career as you gain more experience.
• Job Security: Many people use public utilities daily and must be consistently available. It means that jobs in public utilities are in high demand and provide high levels of job security. It makes you feel confident in your role and gives you a feel of sense of dedication to your employer.

Drawbacks

• Physically Demanding: Many public works tasks are physically demanding. Although working with your hands can be rewarding, physical labor is not without its costs.
• Risk Factor: Most technical employment job roles in this field have some level of risk. For instance, working near a gas distributor puts you at risk of exposure to hazardous gases and possible fires and explosions.
• Extended Working Hours: Employees of public utilities may be required to respond to crises around the clock, which might interfere with work-life balance and ask for flexibility.
• Continuous Learning Process: The public utilities sector is always evolving, with new services and technology developing, and staying relevant necessitates ongoing learning to gain new skills and keep current with industry trends.
• Repetitiveness: Jobs in public utilities must follow a set of rules and guidelines. For people who love creative jobs, this may provide difficulty because it can make labor repetitious.

Strategies for Building a Successful Career Path in Public Utilities

Are you aiming for a successful career in public utilities? Here are some important techniques and recommendations for establishing a great career:

• Obtain a Degree
• Stay Current with Industry Trends
• Prioritize Safety
• Network Within Your Industry

7 Highest Paying Jobs in Public Utilities

It’s encouraging to know that although the average annual salary in the United States is a little over $53,000, many employees in the public utilities sector pay more than twice that amount. In light of this, the highest-paying positions in public utilities will be discussed in this section. Just keep in mind that often, higher pay requires certain training and work experience.

1]: Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Average Annual Salary: $130,000 – $170,000
Jobs Available: 16,700

This is the highest paying position in Public Utilities, and it demands experience managing nuclear fuel safely and effectively. For instance, Criticality Safety Engineers research and evaluate nuclear fuel handling, storage, and transportation strategies.

2]: Petroleum Engineer

Average Annual Salary: $132,564
Jobs Available: 38,200

Petroleum engineers frequently spend time on drilling sites, engaging with management and oilfield individuals to properly analyze and communicate proposed techniques.

Furthermore, Petroleum Engineers routinely assess and maintain existing equipment while designing new equipment to aid in oil or gas extraction.

3]: Radiation Engineer

Average Annual Salary: $119,133
Jobs Available: 29,600

Radiation engineers deal with nuclear energy by performing tests to assess the effects of radiation. Typically, this is accomplished by conducting experiments in an experimental setting that may be used to study the issue and recommend better layouts, parts, and designs.

While these experiments are well regulated, Radiation Engineers must exercise caution when dealing with something as hazardous as radiation.

4]:  Electrical Engineer

Average Annual Salary: $99,844 
Jobs Available: 53,000

An electrical engineer oversees the design, construction, testing, and maintenance of electrical machinery. In the public utility industry, their primary focus is usually on the development of communication networks and power producing equipment.

3 Highest Paying Entry-Level Jobs in Public Utilities

5]: Substation Technician

Average Annual Salary: $50.29/hr or $104,604/yr.
Jobs Available: 26,300

The primary responsibility of a substation technician is to do regular maintenance on the electric substations serving specific communities. They will also have to build electrical systems and control panels and handle any necessary emergency repairs.
This is by far the highest-paying entry-level position on our list; to begin, one must have a high school diploma.

6]: Plant Operator

Average Annual Salary: $71,610
Jobs Available: 37,100

Plant operators are knowledgeable professionals in the manufacturing and power industries that manage and monitor daily operations. Since they are in charge of most of the plant’s machinery and equipment, these experts play a crucial role in the public utility sector.

7]: Solar Technician

Average Annual Salary: $56,727
Jobs Available: 49,400

The general duties of a solar specialist include installing, configuring, and maintaining solar power systems for homes and businesses.
This is an excellent opportunity for entry-level work in public utilities with room for career advancement.

Requirements for Education and Certification to Work in Public Utilities

Since public utilities is a large business, schooling requirements will differ based on the position you choose to pursue. However, below are some general information regarding what you should expect:

High School Diploma

In fact, at least 25% or more of those currently employed in any of our top five entry-level jobs have a High School Diploma as their highest level of education. Many entry-level jobs in Public Utilities are simple to get into. For instance, 50% of Sewer and Drain Technicians only needed a High School Diploma to start their career.

Bachelor’s Degree

Considering how many people in the public utility industry only have an associate’s or high school diploma, knowing that a bachelor’s degree is highly valued might not come as a surprise.

Only a bachelor’s degree is needed for many of the highest-paying positions in the field, and engineering is the most popular major (Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, etc.).

Other Certifications

Not all Public Utilities fields require credentials, but here are a few that you should be aware of: Examples include the Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), Public Power Manager, and Public Utility Regulation and Economics (PURE).

Mostly, these certificates can provide an advantage or allow you to continue getting a degree, but they are not necessary.

Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path? [FAQs]

Bottom Line

Public utilities require a passion for service, a commitment to addressing societal needs, and a willingness to navigate the complexities of a societal necessity. The sector’s diverse roles allow you to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of communities and the environment. However, it’s important to weigh these benefits against the demanding nature of the job, potential regulatory challenges, and the changing environment of technology.

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