The public utilities sector plays a vital role in providing essential services like electricity, gas, water, sewage, and telecommunications to homes and businesses. As such, jobs in public utilities offer stable careers with good salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay for all occupations in utilities is $69,960, much higher than the national average wage across all occupations of $56,310.
For individuals seeking lucrative opportunities, exploring the best paying jobs in public utilities can be a strategic career move, providing both financial stability and the satisfaction of contributing to essential services.
Within the utilities sector, pay can vary significantly by specific job role. Here is an overview of common public utility jobs and their average salaries:
Power Plant Operators
Average Salary: $83,020
Power plant operators control and monitor power-generating equipment like boilers, turbines, generators and reactors. Their role is critical in delivering electricity to utility customers. Extensive on-the-job training is required.
Line Installers and Repairers
Average Salary: $75,020
Line workers install, maintain and repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables. The job requires technical skills and the ability to work with high-voltage equipment, often at heights.
Equipment Operators
Average Salary: $50,980
Equipment operators use machinery to construct, repair and maintain utility infrastructure. They are responsible for operating vehicles and equipment like trenchers, backhoes, bulldozers and excavators.
Meter Readers
Average Salary: $44,670
Meter readers visit homes and businesses at regular intervals to collect meter readings that establish utility usage for billing purposes. The job requires walking for long intervals, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.
Customer Service Representatives
Average Salary: $39,550
Customer service representatives interact with utility customers to start or stop service, explain billing charges and collect payments. Strong customer service skills are essential.
In summary, public utilities offer stable, well-paying careers across a variety of operational, technical and customer support roles. Salaries vary based on factors like education, experience, skill level and geographic region, but generally exceed national wage averages. With the continuous demand for essential utility services, public utility careers provide good job security well into the future.
FAQs
Which public utilities job pays the most on average?
The highest paying public utilities job is power plant operators, with an average salary of $83,020 per year. Their role in keeping electrical power generation equipment running is critical.
Do public utility jobs require a college degree?
Some public utility jobs like equipment operators and meter readers only require a high school diploma, while technical roles like line installers/repairers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Experience and on-the-job training are also valued.
What other benefits do public utility jobs offer besides good pay?
Public utility jobs often come with strong health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, tuition assistance programs, and opportunities for career advancement through further skill development.
Which utility industry pays the highest wages – gas, electric, water, or telecom?
Of the major utility industries, the electric power generation, transmission and distribution industry generally offers the highest wages across occupations.
How stable and secure are careers in the public utilities sector?
The utilities sector provides very stable and secure career opportunities since electricity, gas, water and telecommunications are essential services that customers require on an ongoing basis. As infrastructure ages, more workers will be needed for maintenance and upgrades.
