Yes. Public utilities is a good career path. Firstly, public utility jobs tend to offer stability and steady employment. With the sector providing vital services, there will always be demand for these roles. Secondly, it can be financially rewarding; employees often receive attractive remuneration packages due to the demanding nature of the job. Furthermore, career progression is available in some companies for those who are willing to put in hard work and dedication.
Why decide on a public utilities career path?
With the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven jobs, it can be challenging to decide on a career path. One area of employment that has remained consistent is public utilities—the system of providing essential services such as water, electricity, and natural gas. But is this industry a good choice for future job seekers?
Public utilities offer various advantages for workers in terms of job security and income potential. Those who are employed in the public utility industry have access to competitive salaries, generous benefits packages, and retirement plans. The demand for skilled professionals in this field will remain steady, making it an attractive option for those looking for long-term stability.
Additionally, the educational requirements are relatively low, requiring only a high school diploma or GED certification in most cases, with further specialized training available depending on the position desired.
Public utilities are a type of service that provides electricity and water to homes and businesses, as well as other essential services. This makes it an important career path, with many people considering it when making decisions about their future. But the question remains:
After all, as long as there is civilization, people will need these necessities. As a result, there will always be a lot of jobs to be had in the industry. At the same time, a career in the industry comes with various responsibilities.
The professionals working in the industry also require specific skills and qualifications. So, are you someone who is looking to start a career in the field? If you are, you’ve arrived at just the right place. We will discuss the career path and what it takes for someone to start on it.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What do People Working in Public Utilities do?
As someone working in this industry, you will play a key role in taking the basic necessities such as water and electricity to the people of the United States. This may include the production, supply, and distribution of water, gas, electricity, etc.
With the recent focus on improving distribution systems for public utilities, the pay has also increased for professionals in the industry. Like it does every year, the public utilities industry also grew this year.
So, the numbers in recent years are favorable if you are willing to start a career in the industry. But these numbers alone aren’t reason enough to start a career in the industry. After all, one considers many factors when thinking of starting a career in the field.
So, let’s take a look at some of them.
Why Choose a Career in Public Utilities?
You would want to start a career in public utilities for many reasons. But each person would have their own reasons for choosing a career path. Luckily, a career in this industry has a nice mixture of various reasons.
Within the Public Utilities sector, there are lots of different jobs available. For instance, one can work in natural gas, electricity, and water supply areas. So, based on your skills and qualifications, you can choose which jobs to apply for within the industry.
These jobs include roles like Petroleum Engineer and Radiation Engineer to entry-level jobs like Utility Operator. The pay for higher-level roles in the industry can go well into six figures.
A quick online check can tell the candidate which role suits their skills and qualifications best.
2. Opportunity to Make a Difference
People across the United States rely on public utilities professionals to access clean water, gas, electricity, etc. So, a professional working in the industry positively affects people's lives on a day-to-day basis by ensuring a smooth supply of these necessities.
So, working in the industry will make one feel good knowing so many benefits from their work.
3. Not a Sedentary Lifestyle
Another great thing about a career in this industry is that it allows you to move around and be active. In fact, desk jobs that involve sitting in front of a screen all day pose many health risks. Around 86% of American employees work jobs with long hours of sitting.
So, if you are someone who abhors that sedentary life, you must say yes to the question is public utilities a good career path. In this industry, you will get to work outdoors and will most likely stay fit as a result.
4. Easy to Enter
Another great thing about a career in public utilities is that entry-level jobs are easy to land. Even some of the higher-level jobs in the industry do not require any advanced degrees.
In many cases, you can start working in public utilities with just a High School Diploma. It is a great career path for those who want to start working quickly and do not have the time and resources to collect degrees.
Also, jobs in the industry allow learning on the job. This means you can start as a trainee and progress as you gain experience.
5. Higher Pay
The average salary for public utilities jobs is higher than the USA average. In fact, most jobs in the industry pay above $50-60k every year. Some jobs in the industry, such as Petroleum Engineer pay around $100,000 every year.
When you look at the lesser qualifications required to start a career in the field, a career in the industry seems even more rewarding. So, if higher pay is what you are looking for, say yes to the question, is public utilities a good career path.
6. Job Perks and Benefits
Jobs in the industry come with a wide range of employee perks and benefits. These include everything from a 401k and PTO to Health Insurance and more. After all, you will serve the public in the industry. So, you can expect perks for doing your job well.
7. Potential for Job Growth
Lots of new jobs in the industry have huge potential for growth. For example, Wind and Solar energy jobs are for the future and have huge growth potential for those with the right skills and qualifications.
In order to dive deep into how public utilities make a difference, download the latest statistical report here.
Education and Skill Requirements for Public Utilities Career Path
1. Minimal Requirements for Entry-level Jobs
Entry-level jobs in public utilities do not ask for advanced educational qualifications. Even a high school diploma should be enough for you to land a job as a Utility Operator. In fact, many sewerage technicians do not have a higher degree than their high school diploma.
All you need to do is learn as quickly as possible on the job. If you can do that, a long and lucrative career in the industry won’t need you to have fancy degrees.
2. Guaranteed Jobs for Bachelor’s Holders
Now, if you have a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, getting a job in Public Utilities becomes a cakewalk. In fact, some of the highest-paying jobs in the industry require the candidate to have a Bachelor’s Degree at the very most.
A Major in Engineering would be perfect for you to ensure a high-paying career in the industry. The discipline could be anything from Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc.
3. Additional Certifications
Irrespective of the industry, additional certifications come in handy in progressing your career. The same goes for the public utilities industry. Certifications such as CUSP (Certified Utility Safety Professional) and PURE (Public Utility Regulations and Economics) come in very handy when starting a career in the industry.
So, if you get into the industry and want to take your career to the next level, these certifications can prove to be the catalyst.
4. Good Physical Strength
Most jobs in public utilities will require the candidate to have good physical strength. As we discussed, jobs in the industry are not like desk jobs with a sedentary lifestyle.
Good observation skills and a keen eye for detail are some other skills one needs to excel in the industry. But the most important skill in many entry-level roles in public utilities has to be physical strength.
5. Ensuring Safety
Each and every professional working in the public utilities sector has to ensure that all safety regulations are being followed. In recent decades, there has been a renewed focus on promoting safe workspaces for employees and the public at large.
And when it comes to the public utilities sector, it becomes more important. Why? Because it is an industry on which people depend for day-to-day activities. Even the most minor of threats can risk the lives of the employees and members of the public as well.
So, ensuring absolute safety in all processes has to be up there among the skills needed for a good career in the industry.
In Conclusion
So, what do you look for in a career? Is paying potential enough for you? Do you also want to make a positive difference in people’s lives? Or is the potential for growth in your thing? Or do you look for a bit of everything in your career path?
Whatever your preference may be, a career in public utilities has it all. So, is public utilities a good career path? We say a resounding yes to the question. The public utilities industry is responsible for providing people with basic necessities. These include water, electricity, and other similar resources. All essential items to daily life. Due to the characteristic of the service, it keeps the industry stable.
If you are convinced, now’s the time to make a move. Get your resume ready and prepare a nice and crisp cover letter. Browse through the jobs in the public utilities industry and start applying. We hope you found the article helpful.
And we wish you a very happy job hunting and a lucrative career ahead!
Ranu Kumari is a Professional Writer and a Marketing enthusiast who currently runs her own Marketing Consultancy, LatitudeBOX. She has written promotional articles for multiple brands and has published her work in Scopus indexed journals. She is passionate about expressing her thoughts and ideas to connect with her readers in a voice that they understand.