Public utilities are essential to our lives, allowing us to keep the lights on and the water running in our homes.
Whether you are looking to start a new career or want to earn some extra money on the side, there are plenty of opportunities within the public utility industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s one of the fastest-growing careers in America.
Utility companies usually need numerous employees to operate their infrastructure safely and provide the best service to their customers, some more than others, depending on their size and location.
So if you’re passionate about the environment and determined to make a difference in its well-being, consider making your career in public utilities.
Check out this full list of 25 best-paying jobs in public utilities to learn more about your options and decide whether this industry might be right for you.
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How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities?
There are more than 200,000 jobs in the public utility sector.
There is a wide variety of positions available, and many offer excellent job security.
Best-Paying Jobs in Public Utilities: Here Is the Full List
- Utility Manager
- Transmission line and cable workers
- Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer
- Nuclear Licensing Engineer
- Wind Energy Technicians
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
- Utility Meter Readers
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Substation Engineer
- Transmission Line Engineer
- Wind turbine service technicians
- Power distribution line workers
- Water and liquid waste treatment plant operators
- Electrical power-line installers and repairers
- Gas plant operators
- Radiation therapists
- Solar energy collectors
- Petroleum pump system operators
- Journeyman Lineman
- Water Superintendent
- Wind Turbine Engineer
- Power Plant Engineer
- Semiconductor Processors
- Power System Dispatcher
- Commercial divers
Best-Paying Jobs in Public Utilities
1. Manager
The highest paying job on this list, a utilities manager’s salary can range from $62,500-$95,500 per year.
This position is typically held by someone with an engineering degree who has also undergone training to be a utility management professional.
They are responsible for managing utility systems for municipal or industrial water and wastewater treatment plants.
One big benefit to this position is that employers often offer an excellent benefits package which includes health and life insurance, retirement contributions, paid vacation days, and other perks.
2. Transmission Line and Cable Workers
Transmission line and cable workers install and maintain power lines, phone lines, fiber optic cables, and other communications equipment.
A typical day for a transmission line worker might include the following:
- Checking for problems on existing lines.
- Installing new cables.
- Inspecting new construction sites to ensure safety measures are taken.
The median annual wage is $69,290
3. Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer
As a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer, you’re responsible for ensuring the safety and security of nuclear power stations by designing and implementing systems to protect personnel from accidental criticality.
It’s a highly technical field, but you can train on-site at your plant.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineers earn a median salary of $117,950 annually.
4. Nuclear Licensing Engineer
Licensing engineers certify that a nuclear power plant is safe to operate.
They consider the safety of the public and the environment and technical issues such as how much radiation will be released into the air, water, and soil during operations.
Licensing engineers also ensure that all equipment at a nuclear power plant is maintained and operated within standards set by industry regulators.
5. Wind Energy Technicians
Wind Energy Technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines and other wind turbine-related equipment.
They also record operation information to determine the best time for maintenance and repairs.
6. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Solar photovoltaic installers are responsible for the installation of solar panels on roofs.
The work is physically demanding, but the pay is worth it.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers can make upwards of $60,000 per year.
7. Utility Meter Readers
Meter readers are the frontline of public utilities.
They collect and record data about the amount of water, electricity, natural gas, or other types of energy used by customers.
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8. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists are experts in nuclear medicine, a branch of diagnostic imaging.
They work with radioactive substances, such as Technetium-99m and Iodine-131, to diagnose and treat disease.
9. Substation Engineer
Electrical substation engineers are responsible for designing and installing substation equipment and systems.
This includes power transmission, power distribution, telecommunications, and control systems.
Their main goal is to ensure that the power is delivered safely, securely, reliably, and efficiently to consumers.
10. Transmission Line Engineer
A Transmission Line Engineer is a professional who designs, builds, and maintains power transmission lines.
They are responsible for installing and maintaining the lines that carry electricity from the power plant to distribution stations.
11. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Wind turbine service technicians are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining wind turbines.
In addition to technical skills, they need to have problem-solving skills and be good at working with others.
The median salary for a wind turbine service technician is $67,000 per year.
12. Power Distribution Line Workers
Power distribution line workers are tasked with installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power lines that deliver energy to homes and other buildings.
Electricians install, maintain, and repair all other types of electric equipment.
13. Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant Operators
Water and liquid waste treatment plant operators are responsible for monitoring, calibrating, and operating equipment to provide water and wastewater treatment.
This job requires a bachelor’s degree in water or civil engineering technology.
The median annual wage for this occupation is $69,570.
14. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical power-line installers and repairers (linemen) install, maintain, and repair electrical power lines.
Job duties include locating faulty equipment and replacing it with new parts.
Electrical power-line installers usually need a bachelor’s degree from an electrician school and on-the-job training.
The median annual wage for this job is $56,150.
15. Gas Plant Operators
Gas plant operators are responsible for operating and maintaining natural gas processing plants.
Several essential duties are associated with this job, including overseeing daily maintenance and safety checks on equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.
Gas plant operators also monitor gas production levels throughout the day to ensure enough supply for customers.
They must operate equipment like compressors and purifiers to process natural gas and respond to emergencies such as leaks or equipment failures.
16. Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists use ionizing radiation to treat cancerous tumors.
They work closely with patients, doctors, and other healthcare providers to identify the most effective treatments.
Radiation therapists need to be comfortable working independently and managing their caseloads.
17. Solar Energy Collectors
The solar energy collector is a device that absorbs light and converts it into heat, which can then be used to generate electricity.
Suppose a solar energy collector is on a rooftop. In that case, the heat is typically transferred by conduction or convection to water or air inside a building’s HVAC system, which then distributes it through ducts throughout the building.
18. Petroleum Pump System Operators
Petroleum pump system operators are responsible for monitoring and operating equipment that pumps gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products.
These professionals often work with engineers to troubleshoot problems related to pumps, pipes, or storage tanks.
The exact responsibilities of a petroleum pump system operator vary by industry.
For example, those working in refineries will monitor oil levels and temperature, while those at gas stations may monitor fuel tanks to ensure they don’t overflow.
20. Journeyman Lineman
A journeyman lineman will work on electrical power lines on the ground and high up in transmission towers.
These workers climb poles to repair or install new equipment, which means they must know how to use ropes for climbing safely.
Linemen usually have a two-year degree from a community college or vocational school.
21. Water Superintendent
Water is essential for life. The water superintendent oversees the daily operations of a water department, ensuring that tap water is safe to drink and that leakages are repaired quickly.
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22. Wind Turbine Engineer
A Wind Turbine Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining wind turbines.
They are responsible for designing the blades and rotors that convert wind into usable power.
23. Power Plant Engineer
A power plant engineer analyzes the design and operation of power plants, including fossil fuel, nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy plants.
They also evaluate the efficiency of power generators and transmission lines.
24. Semiconductor Processors
Semiconductor processors are responsible for testing, analyzing, and inspecting semiconductor wafers and other semiconductor items.
They examine the chips to ensure they are defect-free before packaging them for delivery.
25. Power System Dispatcher
A power system dispatcher is responsible for the operation of the power grid and manages potential disruptions to the system.
26. Commercial Divers
Commercial diving is one of the most dangerous jobs in public utilities.
They work at depths without air access and can only stay for a few minutes.
These divers may be called to inspect underwater infrastructure, recover sunken objects, or even assist with oil rig fires.
This job requires intense physical fitness, excellent problem-solving skills, and an ability to withstand extreme pressure from deep underwater.
SEE ALSO: Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Non-durables
Conclusion
Some of the best-paying jobs are found in public utilities.
Whether you’re interested in becoming an engineer, a construction worker, or a business manager, there’s something for everyone.
With the proper career training, these positions can lead to high wages and excellent benefits.
