How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities?

From meter readers to energy engineers, public utility is a vast sector that employs many people in different positions. The work done in this sector is essential for society, and it is a great place to start a career. If you are wondering how many jobs are available in public utilities and how you can apply for them, keep reading!

What Are Public Utilities?

Public utilities are services that we all use every day but often take for granted. These vital services make our modern lives possible, including water, electricity, gas, and sewage.

In addition, public utilities also refer to the businesses and organizations that provide these services. State and local governments regulate these businesses to ensure they provide their customers with safe, reliable, and affordable services.

How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities?

There are 675,775 jobs in public utilities in the U.S. Between 2017 and 2022, the number of persons employed in the public utility sector in the United States rose by 0.5% annually. The primary drivers of this growth are an aging populace necessitating a rise in service provision.

Many well-paying and engaging careers are available in the public utility business, from engineers to technicians to inspectors.

The public utility sector is vast and provides many different services to homes and businesses. The main areas of the public utility sector in the U.S. are electric power, sewage removal, natural gas, steam, and water supply.

The Main Areas of the Public Utilities Sector in the U.S.

1. Electric Power

The electric power sector generates, transmits, and distributes electricity. Electric power utilities use various methods, including nuclear power, coal-fired power plants, hydroelectric dams, and renewable energy sources.

There were 857,579 people employed in the electric power sector in the U.S. in 2021. And the number is growing. This sector employs workers in line workers, engineers, and customer service representatives.

2. Sewage Removal

The sewage removal sector is responsible for collecting, treating, and disposing sewage. Sewage treatment plants remove pollutants from sewage before it is discharged into the environment.

There are 60,598 jobs in the sewage removal sector in the U.S. Nonetheless, the number is expected to grow in the next decade. This sector employs workers in plant operators, maintenance workers, and sewage treatment plant managers.

3. Natural Gas

The natural gas sector is responsible for transporting, distributing, and storing natural gas. Natural gas utilities transport natural gas through pipelines to homes and businesses.

This sector employs 102,560 workers in the U.S., And the number is growing. This sector employs workers in positions such as gas line workers, customer service representatives, and engineers.

4. Steam Supply

The steam supply sector is responsible for generating and distributing steam. Steam is used for various purposes, including heating, cooling, and powering turbines. This sector employs workers in boiler operators, steamfitters, and maintenance workers.

5. Water Supply

The water supply sector collects, treats, and distributes water. Water utilities collect water from rivers, lakes, and groundwater aquifers. They then treat the water to remove impurities before distributing it to homes and businesses.

This sector already employs 254,504 people in the U.S., which is growing. This sector employs workers in water treatment plant operators, water distribution systems managers, and customer service representatives.

How Much Do Utility Worker Jobs Pay?

A utility worker makes an average salary of $16.61 per hour in the U.S., which is $34,548 per year. Entry-level positions start at $8.65 per hour, and experienced workers can make up to $12.50-$16.83 per hour.

The average salary of a utility worker varies significantly because there are many different types of utility jobs. For example, a customer service representative working for a natural gas utility may make an average salary of $46711 per year.

In contrast, a gas line worker may earn an average salary of $50,000 annually. Entry-level utility workers make way less than the average salary.

Public utility workers typically work full-time, and some utility jobs require shift work. Many utility companies offer benefits packages to their employees, including health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plans.

The Best Utility Employers for Women in the U.S.

There are many great utility employers for women in the U.S. Here are a few of the best:

Consumers Energy

Consumers Energy is one of the largest energy providers in the United States. They serve more than 6.7 million customers in Michigan. The company strongly focuses on renewable energy, and they are working to reduce its carbon footprint.

Consumers Energy offers a variety of job opportunities, including customer service, engineering, and renewables. The company has 9,778 employees and offers competitive salaries and benefits packages to their employees.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. They serve 8.2 million customers in six states. Duke Energy has a strong focus on sustainability, and they have set a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

The company is an excellent employer for women, with a female CEO, and offers a variety of job opportunities, including positions in customer service, engineering, and renewables. Founded in 1904, Duke Energy has 27,605 employees and offers competitive salaries and benefits packages to their employees.

Exelon

Exelon is one of the largest energy providers in the United States. They serve more than 10 million customers in Illinois, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. Exelon strongly focuses on renewable energy and is working to reduce its carbon footprint.

The company is an excellent employer for women and offers a variety of job opportunities, including positions in customer service, engineering, and renewables. Founded in 2,000, the company has 31,518 utility workers.

National Grid USA

National Grid is one of the largest energy providers in the United States. They serve more than 3.6 million customers in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. National Grid strongly focuses on renewable energy, and they are working to reduce their carbon footprint.

The company employs 28,000 utility workers and offers their employees competitive salaries and benefits packages.

Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy is one of the largest energy providers in the United States. They serve more than 7 million customers in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. Dominion Energy strongly focuses on renewable energy and is working to reduce its carbon footprint.

The company is an excellent employer for women and offers a variety of job opportunities, including positions in customer service, engineering, and renewables. Founded in 1983, Dominion Energy has 17,100 employees.

American Electric Power

American Electric Power is another one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. They serve more than 5.5 million customers in 11 states. American Electric Power has a strong focus on sustainability, and they have set a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

The company is an excellent public utility employer for women and offers a variety of job opportunities, including positions in customer service, engineering, and renewables. Founded in 1906, American Electric Power has 16,700 employees.

How to Get a Job in Public Utilities

There are a variety of ways to get a job in public utilities. The most common way is to find a job through your local utility company. You can also find jobs through the government, private companies, and non-profit organizations by searching through job boards.

Additionally, you can get a job in public utilities through internships and apprenticeships. The government, private companies, and non-profit organizations typically offer these programs.

Apprenticeships and internships are excellent ways to gain experience in the field of public utilities. However, most public utilities jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. The most common majors for public utilities jobs are engineering, business, and economics.

Conclusion

Finding a job you’re passionate about and qualified for is the most important thing. With the proper education and experience, you can find a great job in public utilities. However, it would help if you were as competitive as possible when applying for jobs in public utilities.

No matter how many jobs are available in public utilities, you can be assured there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to work in this field. There are a lot of people who want to work in this field, and the competition can be fierce.

So make sure you put your best foot forward when applying for jobs, and don’t give up if you don’t get the job you want. Keep searching, and eventually, you’ll find the perfect job!

We hope you enjoyed this article. Please check out our post on Best Paying Jobs in Public Utilities for Moms for more helpful tips and ideas!