Public utilities is one of those careers that when we think about nowadays it is normal to doubt whether it has a future in the job market. The industry in general offers a wide field in which everyone can direct their career in the way they see fit.
It is worth remembering that this is a field purely dedicated to serving people. So if offering a service, assisting, and helping people is not among your plans, this may not be the best option. This is a broad industry that looks to its participants to help ensure the greatest comfort to the community.
Is it worth it to work in public utilities?
The short answer is yes. This is a career field that first guarantees confidence and stability to its workers for the future. It is something to assume and analyze. The world always needs basic services, therefore, it needs someone to manage them.
In this field of work, you will always be facing people, offering them the services they require for their daily lives. Moreover, working in this career can secure your government benefits. This is because often the companies that offer these services are run by the government. Although this is not always the case, there are also private companies that offer these services. In summary, yes, public services are a good career opportunity in the U.S.
What kind of companies make up public utilities?
By 2024 it is estimated that this field will consist of around 700,000 workers in the United States divided among its branches. What is clear is that this is a very multidisciplinary field, so there are different employment levels and ranks. The fields for public utilities careers are:
- Natural gas distribution
- Electricity companies
- Telephone companies
- Water companies
- Sanitation and waste disposal companies
As you will see, in this business you will be acting as a manager of sorts in the process of delivering some necessities for people. That is why it is so important to give this career the value it truly deserves. Public utilities workers are that silent entity that is part of our daily lives.
What kind of jobs are there in public utilities?
Just like the industry itself, within public utilities, there are many job titles and positions. Each of them has its influence on the successful delivery of services. Some of these positions are:
- Engineers
- Managers
- Administrative team
- Public relations or communications team
- Drivers
How much do jobs in public utilities pay?
| Career | Salary |
| Natural gas distribution sector | $60,000 to $90,000 per year |
| Electricity companies | $40,000 to $150,000 per year |
| Telephone companies | $84,000 per year |
| Water companies | $19,000 and $80,000 a year |
| Sanitation and waste disposal companies | $40,000 to $133,000 per year |
Since this is such a broad field, it would be best to specify branch by branch how much the salaries tend to be depending on the job itself. As we have said, these salaries may vary depending on where you work and the benefits that are granted to the employee.
In the same way, it is worth remembering that many of these workers have great benefits. These may vary depending on whether they work for a private company or directly for governmental entities.
Natural gas distribution sector
Salary ranges within the natural gas distribution sector range from $60,000 to $90,000 per year. This depends on the position and ranks you hold within the industry and the company you work for.
Electricity companies
The branch undoubtedly has the largest number of workers. By 2024 an estimated 200,000 workers were registered in this field alone. However, this also means that it is one of the branches with the greatest fluctuation in salaries.
Pay averages between $40,000 to $150,000 per year, figures that will vary depending on both your position and your rank within the company. So the salary itself depends a lot on what you do for the company.
Telephone companies
If you’re wondering “Are telecommunications a public utility?”, the answer is yes. The average salary is around $84,000 per year. It all depends on the company you work for. However, this is a career where top managers can earn up to $120,000 per year.
Water companies
This vital sector is the one that follows electricity as one of those with the largest number of workers. This is not surprising considering the importance of the vital liquid for everyone’s daily life.
As far as salaries are concerned, a public utilities worker in the field of water companies usually earns on average between $19,000 and $80,000 a year. This is for an average worker in the mid-range.
Furthermore, this is a position where the salary can vary greatly depending on the state. This is because water companies are managed by governmental orders and the laws of each entity.
Sanitation and waste disposal companies
This is another one of those companies with a high average salary range where your annual pay will depend a lot on the function you perform in the company. From $40,000 to $133,000 per year are the average salaries that are seen in these companies depending on the position and rank you have.
Public utilities, a much-criticized career
Many relate public utilities as an example of a monopoly, directly criticizing this honorable career. Without considering how important this position is for everyday life and what the workers contribute to society.
Even belittling the different branches with questions like “Are telecommunications part of public utilities?” for example, something that should be changed. This career should be more respected considering its direct impact on society and the basic needs of the inhabitants.
References
-
Kc, Sandesh. “Is Public Utilities a Good Career Path? – Open Education Online.” Open Education Online, https://openeducationonline.com/careers/is-public-utilities-a-good-career-path/.
-
“Payscale – Salary Comparison, Salary Survey, Search Wages.” Payscale – Salary Comparison, Salary Survey, Search Wages, https://www.payscale.com/.
-
“Publicity, SEO, Web Dev, IG Verification – Loaded Media.” Loaded Media, https://www.loadedmedia.com/.