what do public utilities jobs pay

The public utilities sector involves both the management of public service systems and the distribution of these services. The federal government and its different departments are the largest employers of people in the public services sector. The US has 675,775 employees in public utilities, according to the most recent report.

Working in public utilities can involve maintenance, construction, repair, management, cleaning and more. A typical salary for a job in public utilities is between $52,000 and 82,000 annually.

what do public utilities jobs pay

Working in public utilities can involve a range of roles in the electricity, gas, water and telecommunications sectors. It ensures that essential goods and services we need for daily living are provided to us. On a national level, these industries are vast and employ all sorts of workers, with varying levels of qualifications and experience. Therefore, remuneration is based on the duties performed. As an example, let’s examine some of the positions in public utilities.

• Public Utility Planner

A public utility planner is responsible for organizing the production and delivery of public services on a large scale. In order to provide the public with necessary utilities, public utility planners must have the qualifications to work together with governmental bodies, utility companies and developers in the planning process. On average, public utility planners make around $85,000 per year.

• Utility Manager

A utility manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of facilities such as water treatment and electric power plants and ensuring they run efficiently. This executive role offers an average salary of $74,000 annually.

• Electrical Engineer

Engineering is a sought-after profession in the public utilities industry; electrical engineers are especially desirable for their expertise in electricity generation and distribution. On average, they make a generous salary of around $84,000.

Engineers who specialize in industries such as telecommunications and water treatment can expect a similar salary.

• Wind Turbine Technician

Wind turbine technicians have highly specialized job requirements, leading to a limited talent pool, however there are many technician positions available in the public utilities sector such as valve repair and other equipment specialists. Wind turbine technicians typically earn around $50,000 per year.

• Utility Worker

Utility workers are responsible for cleaning, maintaining, and protecting the buildings, grounds, tools and infrastructure. Landscaping and repairs are part of his/her job responsibilities in the workplace. A utility worker can earn an average of $31,000 a year, even with little experience.

Managerial and specialist positions in public utilities typically offer higher salaries, while technician and maintenance positions may not be as remunerative. The list of job titles is a representation of the variety of career opportunities in this field. This industry has positions such as Safety officer, public utilities analyst, utilities installer, solar panel installer, plumbers, plant operator, equipment operator, power lineman, pipeline controller, power system dispatcher, and more.

Factors Affecting Salaries of Public Utilities Positions.

Public utility salaries are based on job titles, experience levels, educational backgrounds, geographic location, and specialty areas.

1. Experience: It is obvious that experience affects the compensation you receive in return for your services and expertise. In public utilities, gaining experience is essential since it offers new prospects even if you don’t have the necessary academic qualifications. This is because employers prefer someone who is familiar with the technicalities of running the utilities plants and operations.
2. With a good education, you can get a job with a high salary, such as a specialist or manager. For example, an engineering degree in areas such as electricity, communication, etc. Having this skill will help you get a well-paid job. The utility sector has something for everyone. Even without the required credentials, expertise is highly desired in the utility industry.
3. Location:
4. Various states, such as California, New Hampshire and Connecticut. have an unregulated utility market. Working for utilities companies in affected states leads to increased pay, since competition has increased.
5. Specialization Required:
6. The salary for a job in the utilities sector depends on the complexity of the skills required. For instance, someone working on powerlines must possess particular abilities, such as balance, daring, and knowledge of electricity, among others. It can be difficult to locate in many individuals. Consequently, he/she will be rewarded with a more generous salary and more benefits than a utility worker who has to meet basic skill criteria.

Public Utilities Job Salaries in the Futures

During 2017-2022, the public utilities sector saw a 0.5% rise in the number of people employed across the US. With the increasing population and the subsequent rise in demand for utility services, this number is likely to grow in the years to come. The utilities sector is largely driven by technology, so due to rapid advancements in tech, it’s going through drastic changes that influence job security and compensation.

An example of this is the growth of renewable energy utilities companies. The demand for skilled personnel to run renewable energy plants such as wind and solar is rising along with the growth of these facilities.

Public utilities jobs pay $56,100 per year, on average.

however, there’s a wide variety of careers available in public utilities.

A safety engineer working in public utilities can earn up to $133,000 annually, depending on their experience and the company they work for. Conversely, an entry-level repair technician earns approximately $26,000 annually.

Below are 10 jobs found in the public utilities sector, along with their corresponding 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

Conclusion

Securing a career in public utilities comes with many rewards, including job security and competitive salaries. Joining the public utilities sector as an entry-level worker is a great way to develop your career. The utilities sector offers a wide range of job opportunities in addition to its other benefits. Therefore, regardless of your level of qualifications, skills and prior work experience, you have a good chance of securing a job in this sector. To find the right career in public services, all you need to do is pick your ideal path and look into job postings in the public utilities field.