20 Best Paying Jobs in Public Utilities for Moms

The best paying jobs in public utilities require years of experience and specialized knowledge.

Public utilities encompass many energy-related businesses, from production to delivery. Due to the great variety of jobs available, a large pool of people with different skills & education levels is needed to meet the demands of the expanding population. The public utility sector employs 982,723 people in the United States alone.

This article takes a closer look at some of the best-paying jobs in public utilities, their average salaries, and job outlooks.

What Are Public Utilities?

Public Utilities are services provided by the government or nonprofits to the public, including electricity, natural gas, water, waste management, transportation, and more.

Government sets up utilities to provide these services at a reasonable price and to ensure that everyone in the community has access to them. In some cases, the government may also regulate the cost of these services.

Some government companies may provide these services to generate revenue for the government, while others may offer them as public services.

While this industry may seem old-fashioned, great job opportunities are available, especially for those with the right skills and experience.

What Is the Average Pay for Public Utilities Workers?

As of October 2022, the average pay for a Public Utilities worker is $71970 per year. Most people are paid between $50,500 and $87,000 annually. That means utility workers in the United States make, on average, $16.61 per hour.

What Are the Best Paying Jobs in Public Utilities?

Let’s look at the best-paying jobs in public utilities:

1. Project Managers

Project manager positions are the heart of the best-paying jobs in public utilities. A project manager’s responsibilities include planning, executing, and monitoring projects. The median salary for a project manager is $79,058 annually in the US.

While every company has specific project manager responsibilities, here are some core responsibilities of a project manager:

• Planning: Define project scope, goals, and deliverables.
• Executing: Coordinate the effort of team members and third-party contractors or consultants to deliver the project on time and within budget.
• Monitoring: Track project progress and performance, identify potential risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports fo, i.e., proper management.
• Coordinating: Manage project resources, including budget, schedule, and risk.

2. Energy Engineers

Energy engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems that generate and use energy. They work in power generation, transportation, construction, and manufacturing. The median salary for an energy engineer is $75,866 per year, according to Glassdoor. The job is likely to grow by 18% by 2023.

Here are some typical responsibilities of an energy engineer:

To get a job as an energy engineer, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering (chemical or mechanical), although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

3. Hydro-Meteorological Technicians

The average annual salary of a hydro-metrological technician is $53,028, according to Glassdoor. You need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience to become a hydro-meteorological technician.

The responsibilities of a hydro-meteorological technician include:

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be a 9% growth in this field before 2032. Software Engineers

4. Software Engineers

This is another best-paying job in public utilities. Software engineers in public utilities make a median salary of $102,511 per year, according to Zippia.

The responsibilities of a software engineer include:

To become a software engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

5. Meter Readers

Meter readers are responsible for reading and recording data from meters that measure water, gas, or electricity usage. They work for utility companies and must be able to walk long distances and climb stairs. The average salary for a meter reader is $32,601 per year, according to Ziprecruiter.

The responsibilities of a meter reader include:

6. Reservoir Engineering Advisor

The primary responsibility of a reservoir engineering advisor is to develop and implement programs to increase production efficiency from reservoirs. They work in the oil and gas industry and must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

The average salary for an entry-level reservoir engineering advisor is $86,386 per year, while senior-level reservoir engineering advisors earn an average annual salary of $154,976, according to Ziprecruiter. This profession requires the following:

7. Water Resource Engineer

A water resource engineer is responsible for developing plans to manage water resources. They work in the water and wastewater industry and must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

The average salary for an entry-level water resource engineer is $66,925 per year, while senior-level water resource engineers earn an average annual salary of $143,500, according to Ziprecruiter.

A day-to-day water resource engineer’s responsibilities include:

8. Substation Engineer

A substantial engineer is responsible for the substations’ planning, design, and operation. They work in the electric power industry and must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. The job requires working on-site at substations, which may be located in remote areas.

The average salary for an entry-level substation engineer is $61,513 per year, while senior-level substation engineers earn an average annual salary of $79,289, according to Glassdoor.

The responsibilities of a substation engineer include:

9. Utility Manager

A utility manager job position allows you to earn money while at home with your family. A utility manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a utility company. Utility managers coordinate all the outside contractor work, handle customer service issues, and maintain the budget.

The average salary for an entry-level utility manager is $48,116 per year, while senior-level utility managers earn an average annual salary of $169,940. To become a utility manager, you need five years of management experience, and a bachelor’s degree is preferred.

However, some employers may accept candidates with 4 years of experience and education.

10. Nuclear Licensing Engineer

A nuclear licensing engineer ensures that nuclear power plants comply with safety regulations.

A nuclear licensing engineer’s work includes visiting facilities, reviewing blueprints and reporters, and conducting system operational tests. The average salary for a nuclear licensing engineer is $120,872, according to Ziprecruiter.

Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, while some employers may require a master’s degree.

11. Gas Controller

A gas controller is responsible for a natural gas system’s safe and efficient operation. Gas controllers work in the oil and gas industry and must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. The average salary for a gas controller is $90,744 in a year.

To get the job of a gas controller, you need an engineering degree. Gas controllers inspect and repair gas lines, regulate gas flow, and keep records. At the very least, you’ll need to have at least two years in the oil and gas industry.

12. Hydroelectric Plant Operator,

A hydroelectric plant operator is another best-paying public utility job for moms. A hydroelectric plant operator is responsible for operating a hydroelectric power plant.

Hydroelectric plant operators monitor the atmospheric temperature and precipitation levels with the help of technological devices. The average salary for a hydroelectric plant operator is $52,951.

To be eligible, you need an associate degree or at least 2-years of experience in the field. The job of a hydroelectric plant operator is to maintain the equipment and monitor the power output.

13. Power Plant Operator

A power plant operator is responsible for operating a power plant. Power operators control and monitor activities in a nuclear, fossil fuel, or hydroelectric power plant.

The primary responsibilities of a power plant operator include monitoring dials and gauges that regulate water, air, and steam pressure and temperature, as well as keeping records of readings. Generally, you require a high-school diploma to become an operator.

The average salary for an entry-level power plant operator is $55,626, while senior-level operators earn an average annual salary of $76,361.

14. Radiation Engineer

A radiation engineer is responsible for designing and operating equipment that uses or produces ionizing radiation. Radiation engineers work in the medical, manufacturing, and nuclear power industries. The average salary for a radiation engineer is $104,520.

The work of a radiation engineer includes:

To become a radiation engineer, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering. However, some employers may require a master’s degree or higher.

15. Wind Turbine Technician

A wind turbine technician is responsible for the maintenance and repair of wind turbines. A typical day in the life of a wind turbine technician may involve inspecting turbines, replacing parts, and repairing electrical systems. The average salary for a wind turbine technician is $68,500 per year, according to Ziprecruiter.

To become a wind turbine technician, you need a high school diploma. Some employers may require certification from an accredited program.

16. Renewable Energy Managers

Renewable energy managers plan & clarify regional requirements and supervise the installation of renewable energy systems. They also create proposals for new projects to clients, & update records. According to Ziprecruiter, the average salary for a renewable energy manager is $72,471 per year.

Most renewable energy managers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or environmental science. Some employers may require a master’s degree.

17. Transmission Lines Installers and Repairs

Transmission line installers and repairs work on high-voltage transmission lines that carry electricity from power plants to substations. According to Recruiter, the average salary for a transmission line installer and repair is $81,760.

18. Water Distribution System Maintenance Workers

Water distribution system maintenance workers are responsible for maintaining and repairing water mains, pumps, and valves. They also install new water lines and make repairs to existing ones. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a water distribution system maintenance worker is $39550.

This is a stable job with good pay and benefits. Most water distribution system maintenance workers have a high school diploma or equivalent.

19. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Hazardous materials removal workers are responsible for removing hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos. They also decontaminate and dispose of these materials. According to Recruiter, the average salary for a hazardous materials removal worker is $30,590.

Chemicals handled by these workers may be flammable, poisonous, or corrosive. As such, these workers must take precautions to protect themselves and others from exposure to these materials.

To become a hazardous materials removal worker, you need a high school diploma. Some employers may require certification from an accredited program.

20. Pipeline Laborer

Pipeline laborers operate and maintain equipment used in the construction of pipelines. They also inspect and repair existing pipelines. According to Ziprecruiter, the average salary for a pipeline laborer is $39,787.

Pipeline laborers must be able to work in confined spaces and at heights. They must also be able to lift heavy objects and work in adverse conditions.

The Best Paying Jobs In Public Utilities: The Bottom Line

There are more than 20 best paying jobs in public utilities for moms. These jobs offer good pay and benefits and provide stability and job security. If you are looking for a good-paying job in public utilities, consider one of the jobs on this list.

We hope you enjoyed this article. Please check out our post on How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities for more helpful tips and ideas!