The public utility sector is an important part of society as it provides fundamental services to the public. However, the number of jobs available in public utilities is increasing as they have been employing more workers than ever. The field of public utilities is growing rapidly, and there are many opportunities for those interested in this field. Indeed, the best way to find a job in public utilities is to attend a career fair or search online.
This guide will explain how to get a job in public utilities and what roles are available.
About Public Utilities in the U.S.
Public utilities in the United States play a significant role in the economy. It provides essential services to millions of Americans each day, such as water supply, electricity, natural gas, and sewage removal. The public utility sector is also a major employer, with over 675,775 workers across the country as of December 2024. Also, the number of people employed in the utilities industry in the U.S. increased by 0.5% annually between 2017 and 2024. This growth is due to an aging population that needs more services and increased demand for energy and water.
State and federal governments regulate public utilities. And, they set rules and standards for delivering the services right. Moreover, the sector has seen significant changes in recent years, as technologies have evolved and new players have entered the market. Despite these changes, the public utility sector remains a critical part of the U.S. economy.
The public utilities space is popular because it offers stable employment with good benefits. There are many jobs available in public utilities, including positions in engineering, maintenance, customer service, and more. Moreover, public utilities are a great place to start your career and offer various benefits, including paid vacation and sick days.
Now let’s see what major departments public utilities serve and what jobs are available.
Electric Power Utilities Sector
Electricity is a basic necessity in the modern world. It powers our homes, businesses, and industries. In the United States, we have a public utility system to ensure that everyone has access to electricity. The federal and state governments regulate the electric power industry to ensure that consumers receive reliable and affordable services.
The electric power industry has a long history in the United States. In 1879, Thomas Edison developed the first practical electric light bulb. This invention led to the development of a reliable and affordable electrical grid system. Today, the electric power industry is a vital part of our economy and provides jobs for millions of Americans.
Electric power in the United States includes three main sectors: generation, transmission, and distribution.
Generation of Electricity: The generation of electric power takes place at power plants, where electricity is created from various energy sources, such as coal, natural gas, nuclear fission, hydroelectricity, and solar energy. As of 2020, more than 172,000 people work in the U.S. electric power generation sector.
Transmission & Distribution Services: The electric power transmission industry is a vital component of our society, providing electricity transmission and distribution services for residential customers and commercial ones. They also wholesale the power they sell to other companies who use it in their facilities or sell it again at higher prices.
Biggest Companies in the Electric Power Transmission Industry in the U.S.
The electric power transmission industry is one of the most important in the United States. It is responsible for transmitting electricity from generating plants to consumers.
Transmission and distribution of electricity are a vital part of the production process. Transmission systems include lines that carry power from the generator to the ultimate consumer. At the same time, distributors take care of delivering it through their networks such as poles or meters before finally reaching your house with wire cables for your use. However, this industry is not responsible for the generation of electricity.
There are several large public utility companies in this industry, and they are all competing for market share. If you are looking for jobs in this sector, here is a list of the biggest companies in the electric power transmission industry in the U.S.
- Exelon Corporation
- Florida Power and Light Company
- Southern California Edison Company
Water and Sewage Utilities Sector
The sewage removal sector in the United States is yet another important industry. Many companies work in this sector, and they all have different roles. The sector is responsible for removing wastewater from homes and businesses and then treating it before releasing it back into the environment. This process is essential for keeping our water resources clean and healthy.
The sewage removal sector is a massive operation, and it employs thousands of people across the country. The companies that work in this sector are responsible for building and maintaining wastewater treatment plants and collecting and disposing of wastewater. They also work with local governments to ensure that regulations are followed and that the public’s health is protected.
Thanks to new technology and stricter regulations, the sewage removal sector is constantly evolving. Companies are constantly looking for ways to improve their operations and reduce their environmental impact.
Natural Gas Utilities Sector
Did you know in 2020, the United States used about 30.5 (Tcf) of natural gas? The natural gas utilities sector is also one of the most important sectors in the United States economy. It is responsible for providing residents and businesses access to natural gas, which is used to heat homes and power factories. The sector has been growing rapidly in recent years as more and more people discover the benefits of using natural gas. Below are some of the uses of natural gas according to various sectors.
Natural Gas in the Electric Power Sector
In the electric power sector, natural gas is used to generate electricity and produce useful thermal output. In the United States, approximately 38 percent of all-natural gas is used for electric power generation. Thermal output from natural gas-fired plants can be used for district heating, water heating, and other industrial purposes.
Natural Gas in the Industrial Sector
The industrial sector is one of the main consumers of natural gas in the United States. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of October 2020, the industrial sector used 33% of all the natural gas consumed in the country.
One reason for this high consumption is that natural gas is a great fuel for process heating. It is clean-burning and efficient, and consumers use it to heat large and small areas. In addition, because it is a versatile fuel, natural gas can be used to power turbines, boilers, ovens, and other equipment in industrial facilities.
As a result of its many benefits, more and more companies are switching from other fuels to natural gas for their process heating needs.
Natural Gas in the Residential Sector
Residential natural gas use has many benefits. It is efficient to use for heating buildings, water, cooking, and drying clothes. Also, Natural gas is also a clean-burning fuel, which means it doesn’t produce as much air pollution as other fuels like coal or oil.
Natural Gas in the Commercial Sector
Natural gas is often thought of as a fuel for heating homes, but it also has many uses in the commercial sector. Also, it can generate electricity, power vehicles, and heat water. It is also used in manufacturing and other industrial processes.
Biggest Companies in the Natural Gas Sector
A study published recently in April of 2022 found that ExxonMobil and Chevron are the leading oil and natural gas producers in the United States. The report found that while production is down overall, the two companies still control a significant market share. ExxonMobil and Chevron produce more than one-third of all oil and natural gas in the country.
Explore your careers by working for Chevron and learn all about their hiring process here. However, if you want to contribute and change the world with Exxon Mobil, check here for career opportunities.
What is an Average Pay of a Utilities Worker?
In the United States, the average pay of utility workers is $82,171 per year. A utility employee works 43.7 hours per week on average. This salary can vary depending on the specific job within the utility industry and the worker’s experience and level of education. Additionally, there are a number of benefits available to retirees.
Workers must have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some utility companies may require more specialized training or certification.
Career Growth in Public Utilities
There are many opportunities for career growth in this industry. Workers can move up the ladder to become managers or supervisors. They can also become engineers or technicians.
There are also many opportunities for workers to specialize in specific areas such as water treatment or electrical powerline installers and repairers. The public utilities industry offers a variety of exciting career opportunities.
Final Verdict
So, if you are looking for a stable, rewarding career, consider working for a public utility. With so many opportunities available, you are sure to find the perfect job that matches your skills and interests. One of the best things about working for a public utility is the variety of jobs available. From customer service to engineering, there is something for everyone. Public utilities also offer competitive wages and great benefits, which makes them an attractive option for job seekers. Just be sure to research the different positions available and find the one that is the best fit for you.