How Many Jobs are Available in Public Utilities And is it Right For You?

The public utility sector plays a crucial role in any society as well as providing essential services to the general populace such as water supply, electricity generation, waste management, telecommunications, transportation, and gas distribution.

In addition to this, the public utility sector provides several important functions including ensuring safety standards, maintaining infrastructure, and regulating the market.

In terms of growth prospects, the public utility sector is expected to remain robust throughout the next decade. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings within the public utility sector are projected to increase by 10% over the coming ten years.

This guide provides an overview of the different types of careers available across the public utility sector along with the skills required to succeed in each area. You’ll learn about the education requirements needed to enter the profession as well as the salary ranges associated with each position.

In this article, we will explore how many jobs are available in public utilities.

How Many Public Utilities Jobs Are in The US?

Public utility companies provide essential services for the U.S. economy. These include sewer removal, natural gas distribution, water supply, and electricity generation. These services help businesses operate efficiently and make life easier for people living in cities and towns across America.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission estimates that there are about 2 million jobs in the energy sector alone. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of jobs in the public utility sector increased by nearly 10% over the past decade.

However, despite the growth, the public utility sector continues to face challenges. For instance, the increasing costs associated with operating and maintaining infrastructure are one challenge. Another is the growing competition from companies offering similar products and services.

Despite these challenges, the public utility sector still provides many opportunities for individuals interested in working in the field. Here are some of the most common positions within the industry.

About Public Utilities in the U.S.

Public utilities in the United States provide essential services to millions of American consumers every day, including water supply, electricity, and natural gas.

They are also a large source of employment, with over 675 thousand employees working in the sector. These jobs include those held by engineers, managers, technicians, electricians, and others.

Utilities must be regulated by the gov’t to assure their safety and reliability. They must also be protected from unfair business practices. Finally, they must be required to serve the public fairly and charge reasonable rates.

Public Utilities In The U.S.

The United States has over 7,500 public utility companies. They provide vital services such as water supply, electric power, natural gas, waste management, transportation, telecommunications, sanitation, and information technology.

Every day, it provides vital services to millions of people, including water supply, electric power generation, natural gas distribution, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal, air quality monitoring, traffic control, and emergency response.

How to Get Into The Public Utilities Sector

Public utilities offer many different types of career opportunities. Some of the most common include customer service representatives, engineers, managers, and accountants.

These positions require varying levels of education and experience, depending on the particular job. However, there are plenty of open positions available in every type of role.

Educational Requirements

You need to meet specific academic requirements to be eligible for different types of positions within the public utility sector.

Academic requirements for available jobs in public utilities include a high school diploma/equivalent, a bachelor’s degree or higher, and postsecondary education/training in your desired field.

For example, a position at a water treatment plant may be open to applicants who hold a high school degree or some form of postsecondary education.

In contrast, others, like electric transmission line maintenance, require specialized training or an associated degree. Others, such as gas pipeline repairmen, must learn on the job.

Career Growth in Public Utilities

The public utility industry includes companies that provide electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, transportation, water supply, wastewater management, solid waste disposal, stormwater management, irrigation, and other essential services to consumers.

These industries offer a wide range of job opportunities, including entry-level positions, managerial roles, and technical jobs.

There are many ways to advance within the field. For example, you could work for a utility company directly or for one of its contractors. You might also find employment working for government agencies or local governments. Or, you could start your own small business.

Average Pay of a Utilities Worker?

On an annual basis, the median income for utility workers in America is $82,171, which means they earn approximately $43.70 per hour. They work an estimated 43.7 hours per week. This includes overtime and weekend work.

Utility workers typically earn less than most other occupations because many utilities are regulated industries. They often do not offer health insurance or retirement plans. Many employers provide paid vacation days and sick leave.

However, some utility companies may provide additional perks such as tuition reimbursement programs and discounts on equipment. Some utility companies may even allow retirees to continue working part-time.

Check out the best paying jobs in public utilities.

Conclusion

There are many different types of careers available for those interested in working in the utility industry. Whether it is water, gas, electric, sewer, cable TV, telephone, broadband internet, wireless communications, transportation, environmental protection, or even construction, there are plenty of opportunities for people to work in the field.

If you are looking for a career change, or simply want to make some extra money while enjoying yourself, consider a career in the utility industry.