"Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path?" There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because the best solution for public utilities is dependent on your personal goals and interests. 

However, if you're looking for a career with stability and room for advancement, public utilities might be a good career path for you. You can expect to work in a field that is constantly evolving and expanding if you have a degree in public utilities or a related field, which means there is always something new to learn.

Here's all you need to know about public utilities and also if it is a good career path to choose. 

What Is Public Utilities 

A public utilities is an organization that provides products or services to the general public. Public utilities include common carriers and businesses that provide electric, gas, water, heat, and cable television systems.

In some cases, the term "public utilities" may be limited to private companies that provide specific products or services.

The term "public utilities" refers to a variety of businesses, including transportation, natural gas, cable television, telecommunications and oil (as well as solid waste collection, and disposal, water and wastewater treatment). 

These industries have large distribution networks of lines, pipes, or roads that must use public rights of way, often with strong physical connections between component pieces. This is referred to as a "network" structure.

The term "public utilities" refers to the various services provided by the public and private institutions and organizations that consist the public services sector.

The widest definition of services has long been based on the primary functions they perform.

The public utilities sector provides goods and services such as electrical energy, water, sanitation, waste disposal, recycling, natural gas, communications, public rail and bus transportation, and specific types of storage facilities such as public warehouses and grain elevators.

In summary, they are the organizations and institutions in charge of developing and maintaining the country's critical infrastructure as well as the basic services required for modern civilization.

Organizations that serve as public utilities, regardless of their ownership structure, have a direct impact on the public interest. Public utilities provide essential services that every individual and institution in a community requires.

It is the responsibility of the organizations working in the various sectors of this industry to ensure that their services are available when and where the public needs them. The accumulation of services is referred to as a society's social capital.

Why Public Utilities Is a Good Career Path

Exelon Corp, for example, is one of the largest public utility companies. Furthermore, the company believes in developing talent while offering rewarding careers.

A career at Exelon means you'll be respected for your knowledge and skills, recognized for your dedication and hard work, and given opportunities to advance in a variety of rewarding roles. Here's some of the reasons why public utility is a good career path. 

Extra benefits

Employees of public utilities are typically eligible for a variety of benefits. Among the benefits on this list are award leave, gratuity, special allowance, paid leave, and special bonuses. For example, some public utility employees are entitled to a type of bonus, the amount of which is determined by the length of service. 

The incentive is a percentage of the employee's income based on their length of service. In this case, a worker with more service time is eligible for a higher bonus percentage, whereas a worker with less service time is eligible for a lower bonus percentage.

Growth

Personal and professional development are essential for anyone looking for a good place to work. It is also an important aspect of any good job because it allows you to continue learning and advancing in your career. Most public utility companies prioritize employee development.

Little to no industry experience

In the public utilities sector, young job seekers with no prior industry experience are given a lot of exemptions, making it easier for them to find work.

The majority of public utilities allow applicants with no prior experience to compete for middle and upper-level positions.

Only a small percentage of job applicants in the public utilities sector are required to have specialized training or work experience.

Read Also: Is Capital Goods A Good Career Path

Job Security 

Public utilities specialists have a reasonable level of job security. Having job security means you understand that if you meet expectations, you will be able to keep your position. Because this profession is not as crowded as some others, specialists in this field are more secure. 

No Gender-Based Wage Disparity 

Another important reason why public utility jobs are desirable for everyone, regardless of gender, is the lack of gender-based pay disparities.

While it is possible to argue that some private-sector jobs pay men more than women, this cannot be said for positions with public utilities.

When it comes to good jobs for men and women alike, public utilities are unquestionably at the top of the list.

Income

The national average salary for an entry-level Public Utilities Specialist in the United States is $75,142 per year, according to Glassdoor.

This means that your salary will allow you to meet your basic needs and live comfortably, i.e. earning enough to cover your rent or mortgage payment, buy groceries, and pay monthly bills while still leaving you with expendable income.

Consolation of Professional Advancement

If you want to advance quickly and professionally, a job in public utilities can help you get there. Public utilities' methods of advancement allow their employees to advance in compensation and position, which are frequently based on years of service.

Most public utilities adhere to well-established procedures when evaluating employees' competency and determining whether they should receive a pay raise or a position promotion, as well as taking their years of service into account.

When you work for a public utility for a long time, you may be eligible for a special bonus or pay raise if you participate in professional development activities such as earning a degree or taking advanced classes in your field.

Public Utilities Characteristics

Provision of basic goods and services

Public utilities generate and deliver essential goods and services to people. Society would suffer greatly if these services were not provided. Public utilities provide goods and services that are essential to human life. They provide water and sewage treatment, energy, transportation, and gas supply, among other things.

Government contract 

A franchise is a legal agreement between a government organization and a public utility. The franchise is given a certain amount of time.

The franchise gives the public utility the authority to install cables and run wires in public areas such as streets and government buildings.

Tight guidelines

Public utilities are monopolies controlled by the government. They provide necessary products and services to meet the basic needs of the consumer population. Any service shortfall would cause serious socio-economic problems.

For example, if the water supplied is contaminated, it may cause illnesses or even an epidemic; if the electricity supply is unstable, industries may cease production; and if the gas cylinders supplied have leaks, human casualties may occur.

Because of this factor, public utilities are highly regulated in terms of quality, pricing charged, services provided, and so on. 

Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path?

The short answer is yes; a career path in public utilities can be financially rewarding while also providing job security, above-average pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Any young or ambitious person looking for a job that pays more than the median wage while also providing benefits such as health insurance and other perks should consider a career in public utilities.

If you know what you're doing, public utilities can provide you with the job satisfaction and stability you seek.

Engineering, technicians, administration, marketing and customer service agents are just a few of the departments and job titles available in the public utility industry. As a result, the public utility sector provides numerous opportunities.

Sectors Under Public Utility

Natural Gas

Many homes and businesses use natural gas for heating, but few consider how it gets there. Natural gas is extracted from underground deposits and transported via pipelines. It then goes through a process with a local company to be prepared for delivery to their customers.

You could work in distribution, on a pipeline, or in your local government if you work in natural gas.

Electric Power

Consider not having internet access! If you didn't have electricity, you'd have to learn to live in the literal dark ages.

Electricity is now a necessity, and working in the electrical segment of public utilities means you will have a significant impact. You can work not only on the consumer side of things, but also in other utility segments to help keep the power on.

With the growing interest in electricity generation to replace coal, there are numerous job opportunities available in this field.

Sewage Removal

Sewage removal is one of the dirtiest options in the public utilities sector. Those who work in this field will be in charge of our sewage treatment plants and sewer systems. Daily tasks will include collecting waste and treating it so that it can be disposed of without harming the environment.

Water Supply

We should never take the clean water we use to clean, bathe, and cook for granted. Water treatment companies help treat water so that it meets specific guidelines and keeps water "flowing" to our homes and businesses.

Types Of Jobs In The Public Utility Industry

It would be nearly impossible to list every single job available in the utilities industry. However, we have highlighted some of the most common trade jobs that you might be interested in.

Meter Readers / Utility Markers

Both of these jobs will require workers in the field, often working alone, so if you are an introvert, these are some excellent options. Meter readers will visit homes and businesses to read meters in order to determine how much utility usage a location has. Utility markers will be placed on the ground to indicate the location of underground lines for potential construction work.

Wind Turbine TechnicianWind turbine technician is one of our top picks for jobs in the public utilities industry. Jobs in the electric power sector are expected to grow at a 68% annual rate through 2030.

And, with median salaries of $55,000, there is enough money to go around. Many of these technicians can earn more than $100,000 per year.

However, you must be willing to take risks because these jobs can take you to dangerous heights. So these jobs are definitely for fearless public utility workers!

Skilled Trade Careers

These jobs do not require advanced degrees, but they may necessitate some training or certification. Many are classified as being in the manufacturing sector, which can be an exciting industry for those who enjoy building and creating.

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Working in these plants entails being a member of the team that cleans the community's water. Isn't this important work?

Water treatment plant operators will operate the machinery and monitor the processes used to clean our water for drinking, washing, and bathing.

Customer Service

If you enjoy pleasing others, working in customer service is an excellent opportunity. You will spend your days assisting customers with any problems they may be experiencing with their utilities. Making appointments for repairs, installations, or deactivations will be an important part of your job.

Plumber / Steamfitter

Plumbers, steamfitters, and other utility professionals have numerous options. Working with steam or water would be the two best options, but there is room for them in other types of utility trades as well.

Utility Manager

If you want to advance and broaden your career opportunities, becoming a utility manager is a great place to start. Utility managers manage staff, create budgets, and oversee the overall health and wellness of various public utility facilities such as power plants.

Most major utility companies require skilled utility managers, so if you have excellent management skills, this is an excellent career path to pursue.

Computer Technicians

Computer specialists will be required in today's computer-driven world. Maintaining systems, improving automation, and developing new computer systems to create better utility processes are just a few of the many tasks you may be assigned.

Engineers And Engineering Technicians

Engineers play an important role in these jobs. As an engineer, you will contribute to the development of technologies and processes that will aid in the improvement of the utilities that your organization manages.

Engineers provide a variety of services that contribute significantly to the efforts of the business, ranging from faster distribution to better cleaning.

Best paying jobs in public utilities

"Do jobs in public utilities pay?" This is a frequently asked question, and the answer is always yes. Many people wonder if there are many career options in public utilities. 

When we talk about public utilities, we're talking about a connoisseur of one-of-a-kind jobs that pay well.

There is something for everyone as long as you know what you're doing and are confident in your abilities. The following are some of the high-paying jobs in public utilities that you should look into.

Radiation Engineers

A radiation engineer's responsibilities include conducting experiments to test and evaluate the effects of radiation in various contexts. They must carry out tests in an experimental setting and then provide theoretical analysis based on the results.

A common area of interest for those in this profession is the operation of systems, equipment, or networks before and after radiation exposure.

While summarizing their findings, a radiation engineer may make recommendations for layouts, components, and designs that meet specifications for functioning at realistic radiation levels. Radiation engineers make between $73,000 and $123,000 per year.

Power System Dispatcher

A power system dispatcher manages the distribution of electricity among suppliers and customers, both residential and commercial.

As a power system dispatcher, you monitor generator systems to ensure maximum efficiency and estimate how much electricity is needed each day. When severe weather conditions, such as heat waves or snowstorms, discretion is essential.

Other job responsibilities include responding to requests for shortages or repairs and organizing the dispatch of crews to the location of the problem. A power system dispatcher's annual salary ranges from $48,000 to $125,000.

Water Resource Specialist

It is your responsibility as a water resource specialist to monitor regional or local water supplies to ensure there are no toxins present and that water conservation efforts are being made.

Water resource specialists work to protect public health by keeping an eye out for any problems that may arise with a community's water supply.

You issue press releases and educate the public about recycling, water safety, and conservation. Your annual salary as a water resource specialist will range from $61,000 to $292,000.

Power Engineer

Power engineers monitor the power and utility systems of a manufacturing or commercial facility. As a power engineer, your responsibilities include adhering to safe operating procedures, performing equipment repairs and maintenance, and adhering to all processes.

You have complete control over the facility's electrical system, which includes lighting, air conditioning, water purification, and all other power generation systems.

You work closely with the other engineers in your firm to ensure the efficient operation of the boiler systems, electrical systems, and other power transmission systems at your site. A power engineer's annual salary ranges from 87,500 to 135,000 dollars.

Power Plant Engineer

A power plant engineer is in charge of the day-to-day operations of a power plant. Their primary responsibilities include performing operational tests, preventative maintenance on machinery, inspecting thermal systems, and working closely with other plant personnel.

A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for this position. Depending on the industry, many engineers pursue a more specialized degree in chemical, electrical, or nuclear engineering.

A power plant engineer must also have strong analytical abilities, teamwork experience, and communication skills. Annual salary range for a power plant engineer is $96,500 to $136,500.

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

As a nuclear criticality safety engineer, your responsibilities include conducting research and analyzing approaches to transporting, handling, and storing nuclear fuel in order to avoid an accident such as a nuclear reaction.

You conduct research and analysis on nuclear fuel properties and calculation records, as well as fuel transfer and storage plans provided by nuclear power plants. One of your other responsibilities is to identify potential risks and areas in a nuclear plant that may be in violation of regulations.

You must also create new modes of transportation or storage, write proposal reports outlining your ideas, and submit these reports to a government review board. A nuclear criticality safety engineer's salary ranges from $73,500 to $172,000.

Nuclear Licensing Engineer

One of your responsibilities as a nuclear licensing engineer is to support a nuclear energy plant's licensing and regulatory requirements while also ensuring that all systems and equipment are functioning properly.

You collaborate closely with regulatory officials and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to implement new codes and ensure that the company adheres to regulatory standards. In order to ensure that all technical requirements are met, design and licensing documentation, safety analysis reports, and regulatory assessments must be created.

You complete NRC submittals, maintain effective communication with NRC inspectors, and respond quickly to new compliance issues. You conduct and transmit research on plant design and licensing laws and regulations. Some jobs require you to be available for emergencies within 60 minutes. The salary range is $66,500-$145,500 annually.

Utility Manager 

Managers of public utilities conduct operations audits to ensure that utilities are delivered to people and businesses for the least amount of money.

A utilities manager is in charge of infrastructure such as telecommunications companies, power plants, and water treatment plants that provide essential services to residents of a city, town, or area. You are in charge of the power, sewage, and water systems.

You inspect facilities, ensure that the infrastructure is up to date, and, if necessary, place maintenance and repair orders. You must also look for ways to cut costs or improve service quality, as well as collaborate with response teams in the event of an unplanned shutdown. An utility manager's annual salary ranges from $63, 000 to $142,000.

Are Public utilities a good investment?

For a variety of reasons, public utilities is a good career path and are an excellent investment. For starters, they provide stability and a good return on investment.

Secondly, because the industry is expanding, there are numerous opportunities for advancement. Finally, because they are regulated and low risk, public utilities are frequently regarded as a safe investment. That means you can rely on them to pay your bills and provide consistent service.

Requirements to Get a Job in the Utility Industry

Here are some requirements to consider if you want to work in the public utilities industry.

To begin, you must have a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience in the utility industry is also beneficial, but not required.

Following that, you must have prior experience working with computers and software. To analyze data and make decisions, you'll need to be able to use formulas and charts.

Finally, the ability to work independently and deal with stress is essential. You may be required to work long hours or on weekends in a utility environment.

Conclusion

It is not surprising that the public utility sector employs the most people because public utilities are highly valued for a variety of reasons.

Not only do public utilities provide a large number of jobs for the general public, but they also frequently provide their employees with a variety of advantageous benefits, some of which are not available to private sector employees.

Choosing public utilities as a career path may be worthwhile because the public sector remains the largest employer of labor while also providing a variety of advantageous benefits to employees.

I guess the listed points in this article has been able to prove to you public utilities is a good career path.