35 Best Paying Jobs In Public Utilities 2024 [with Salaries]

There is now ample scope in the public utility sector, as more and more jobs are being created daily in this sector. And there are many scops in every experience and expertise level. But do you know what the best-paying jobs on public utilities are?

From environmental engineering to pipeline management, from sewage inspector to logistician: there are many roles in the public utility sector. You can try them according to your area of expertise.

But not every profession in this sector can earn you the same. So, before we reveal the most lucrative jobs in this sector, let’s first understand what this sector is all about!

 

 

What Are Public Utilities?

Public utilities are primarily geared toward the community and residents. These services ensure that the residents have all the advantages and benefits of a science-driven community. And there are many positions and disciplines in this sector, as it covers a vast area of operations.

Most public utility jobs will make more than the average national income. But some of the examples of public utility services that pay the best are as follows.

• Inspection and maintenance of gas, oil, water, and sewer system
• Managing and operating public transport services
• Various aspects of revenue collection services

However, there are jobs available for every skill level, and you can take up any profession depending on your skillset and expertise.

 

35 Best Paying Jobs in Public Utilities

There are ample options available if you are looking for the best-paying jobs on public utilities, although not every job pays the same.

So, we have dived deep into the public utility sector to figure out your high-paying jobs.

 

1. Electrician

• Average Annual Salary: $60,040 per year / $28.87 per hour
• Job Availability: 711,200
• Growth In Job Sector: 7% (50,200)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

If you are looking for jobs that pay $40 or more an hour in the public utility sector, being an electrician can be the best option for you, as it is among the high-paying jobs.

It is among the hazardous jobs where you will need to handle electrical machinery. Besides, you also need to be aware of the accidents this profession may attract. But it’s a lifelong career that involves several perks.

 

2. Gas Controller

• Average Annual Salary: $76,970 per year / $37.01 per hour
• Job Availability: 15,110
• Growth In Job Sector: 7%
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

From ensuring the steady operation of pipelines to proper gas or oil flow on the customer’s end, you need to do various controlling-related tasks in the oil and gas sector as a gas controller. You also need to monitor the entire pipe system.

Your response should be prompt, as you will be dealing with flammable materials that can cause catastrophe in no time. Besides, you also need to know how to control major problems in case of an emergency.

 

3. Water Treatment Plant Operator

• Average Annual Salary: $47,880 per year / $23.02 per hour
• Job Availability: 125,200
• Growth In Job Sector: -7% (-8,600)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

As an operator, you’ll take care of the processes and operations in a water treatment plant. You will also be responsible for maintaining the equipment related to water treatment and filtration systems.

Your primary role will be to deliver water that is safe for human consumption. However, you also need to follow health- and safety-related guidelines if you are collecting water for treatment from any waste source.

 

4. Plumber

• Average Annual Salary: $59,880 per year / $28.79 per hour
• Job Availability: 469,000
• Growth In Job Sector: 2% (9,100)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

Becoming a plumber can be your safest bet if you are looking for entry-level jobs in utility companies. However, it is among the best-paid under-the-table jobs where you can make a handsome living.

From installing a new plumbing system to unclogging outlets, you will cover a wide array of operations as a plumber.

Besides having a fixed job in the public utility sector, you can also do it as a freelancer. However, it is quite a physically demanding profile.

 

5. Substation Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $101,780 per year / $48.93 per hour
• Job Availability: 303,800
• Growth In Job Sector: 3% (9,800)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

The duty of a substation engineer revolves around designing and maintaining medium to high-voltage power substations. It is among the best paying jobs on public utilities where you need to ensure efficient operation of the substation.

You need to ensure that the substation is operating in accordance with all the stipulated regulations from the government.

Besides having engineering knowledge, you must also have proficiency in 3D manuals and AutoCAD drawings.

 

6. Admin

• Average Annual Salary: $99,290 per year / $47.73 per hour
• Job Availability: 348,100
• Growth In Job Sector: 7% (23,600)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

Senior positions in administrative service, especially in the public utility sector, need you to have strong managerial, leadership, and administrative prowess. You’ll cover many things, from scheduling meetings to laying out new task plans.

Besides having at least five years of experience in this sector, you also need to have proficiencies in SAAS software and related tools to land a high-paying job.

However, this profession recently witnessed negative growth as AI comes into action in this field.

 

7. Power Plant Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $94,790 per year / $45.57 per hour
• Job Availability: 43,700
• Growth In Job Sector: -15% (-6,500)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

It is tough to make money fast and easily! However, if you become a power plant engineer, the sky will be your only limit, as it is among the highest-paid jobs in the public utility sector.

However, you must have at least 5 to 8 years of experience in this sector.

The workload of a powerplant engineer can be physically and mentally demanding, as you may need to deliver round-the-clock duties in case of an emergency. Besides, you need to work according to strict guidelines.

 

8. Utility Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $88,050 per year / $42.33 per hour
• Job Availability: 318,300
• Growth In Job Sector: 7% (22,100)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

A utility engineer is someone who designs, develops, and maintains utility systems in the public sector. You must have a civil or mechanical engineering background to enter this industry.

Besides designing, you may also need to point out flaws and repair those in any water, gas, or sewer utility system. But it is among the best-paying utility jobs and one of the most physically demanding professions.

 

9. Wind State Manager

• Average Annual Salary: $56,260 per year / $27.05 per hour
• Job Availability: 11,100
• Growth In Job Sector: 44% (4,900)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

If you want to make more than $100/day from the public utility sector on average, you may try your luck as a wind state manager.

You need to work with wind turbine engineers and mechanics to ensure the smooth operation of the wind farm.

Besides operation, you also need to work with wind analysts to ensure better productivity and accurate topographical decisions while establishing wind turbines. However, it is also quite a physically demanding job.

 

10. Senior Electrical Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $101,780 per year / $48.93 per hour
• Job Availability: 303,800
• Growth In Job Sector: 3% (9,800)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and repairing various electrical equipment and heavy machinery.

It is among the highest paying jobs in the world that also come with several perks and employment benefits.

As a senior engineer, you might need to lead a team of new engineers. And that needs you to have leadership and team building qualities, as you must deliver cumulative output as a team with your juniors.

 

11. Nuclear Licensing Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $120,380 per year / $57.87 per hour
• Job Availability: 13,900
• Growth In Job Sector: -11% (-1,500)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

Nuclear Licensing Engineer is among the best-paying government jobs where your salary can exceed six digits. And you need to inspect and analyze operations and maintenance of nuclear power plant systems.

As a licensing engineer, you will ensure clean nuclear energy without damaging the environment. However, it is a declining profession as governments are now emphasizing renewable energy and green technologies more than nuclear energy.

 

12. Wind Turbine Technician

• Average Annual Salary: $56,260 per year / $27.05 per hour
• Job Availability: 11,100
• Growth In Job Sector: 44% (4,900)
• Educational Qualification: Postsecondary Nondegree

Becoming a wind turbine technician can land you one of the best-paying jobs on public utilities. And you can find job vacancies for turbine maintenance and repairing technicians even on the best freelance job apps.

Although a college degree is not required to enter this field, you need at least 5 years of industry experience to bag a high-paying position. However, most wind turbine companies offer on-the-job training to their wind turbine technicians.

Read: 27 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $30/hr)

 

13. Renewable Energy Manager

• Average Annual Salary: $152,350 per year / $73.25 per hour
• Job Availability: 191,100
• Growth In Job Sector: 2% (4,400)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

Most countries have now laid future plans to convert their overall energy production to renewable energies, such as wind and water.

And to become a renewable energy manager, you need to have a civil or structural engineering background.

Besides the expertise to ensure the steady operation of a renewable energy plant, you must have communicational expertise.

It will help maintain a healthy relationship with customers. You also need to have knowledge about permissions and requirements.

 

14. Solar Energy Systems Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $101,780 per year / $48.93 per hour
• Job Availability: 303,800
• Growth In Job Sector: 3% (9,800)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

As a solar energy system engineer, your primary role will be to install and maintain solar panels and related tools and equipment. And it is among the best paying jobs on public utilities where you can get a six-figure salary.

This job profile is not just challenging but equally physically demanding, as you may need to lift and install heavy solar panels. Besides, there are several occupational hazards that are also involved in this profession.

 

15. Construction Manager

• Average Annual Salary: $98,890 per year / $47.55 per hour
• Job Availability: 478,500
• Growth In Job Sector: 8% (36,400)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

The real estate and construction industry is booming worldwide, as this sector now houses many of the best-paying jobs in public utilities. Becoming a construction manager can be lucrative if you have a civil engineering background.

You need to take care of the entire project of construction of buildings, bridges, and other civil infrastructures. However, you need to have prowess in human management as you’ll be working with daily laborers.

Read: 49 Best Travel Jobs To Get Paid to Travel.

 

16. Radiation Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $120,380 per year / $57.87 per hour
• Job Availability: 13,900
• Growth In Job Sector: -11% (-1,500)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

Radiation engineers are responsible for testing and evaluating the radiation output and effects in various topological conditions and settings. Besides having a practical approach, you may also need to conduct theoretical processes.

You must have a thorough knowledge of the radiation safety parameters and programs to ensure that the plant is operating under regulations. However, it is an extremely dangerous job where you need to work in hazardous environments. And you also need to have proper licensing to enter this field.

 

17. Transportation Inspector

• Average Annual Salary: $36,660 per year / $17.62 per hour
• Job Availability: 1,640,600
• Growth In Job Sector: 11% (1,74,200)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

As a transportation inspector, you need to ensure that the vehicles used by your company abide by all the local laws and government policies. Besides, you may also need to handle and coordinate the entire fleet of your establishment.

You need to check and ensure the safety features of the vehicles routinely. Besides, you also need to make sure that the drivers are operating according to your company’s regulations. However, this job requires a lot of communication.

 

18. Meter Reader

• Average Annual Salary: $45,720 per year
• Job Availability: 24,500
• Growth In Job Sector: -11% (-2,700)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

A meter reader is someone who visits your place and takes down the meter reading to calculate your energy consumption. All energy companies hire meter readers to cater to their customers.

Besides electricity, you may also need to check water meters if your company ensures that service. However, it is quite a physically demanding job where you must travel daily and visit customers’ houses. And you may also need to work under immense pressure.

Read: 35 Immediate Hire Work From Home Jobs

 

19. Power Distributor

• Average Annual Salary: $94,790 per year / $45.57 per hour
• Job Availability: 43,700
• Growth In Job Sector: -15% (-6,500)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

The role of a power distributor revolves around controlling the systems of a power plant or power grid. And as a specialist, you need to make sure that the energy is generated in accordance with the laws and environmental policies.

This job involves a lot of physical tasks, as it is quite physically challenging. Besides, it is also quite hazardous as you’ll be working with high-voltage electrical equipment and tools. However, this job offers a lot of employment benefits.

 

20. Control Room Supporter

• Average Annual Salary: $76,650 per year / $21.73 per hour
• Job Availability: N/A
• Growth In Job Sector: N/A
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

The role of a control room supporter is among the best-paying jobs on public utilities, no doubt about that! And you need to maintain and operate heavy machinery and tools as a control room staff.

Besides having a high-school diploma or equivalent, you need to have the ability and expertise to handle and maintain heavy machinery and equipment. You also need to have ample knowledge of power distribution systems.

 

21. Petroleum Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $130,850 per year / $62.91 per hour
• Job Availability: 22,800
• Growth In Job Sector: 8% (1,900)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

A petroleum engineer is responsible for developing and executing plans to extract oil and natural gas without harming the environment. It is also among the best jobs where you get paid to travel, as it needs a lot of site visits.

Besides having an engineering degree in petroleum and gas, you also need at least five years of industry experience to get any managerial role. Moreover, you also need to have prowess in troubleshooting and emergency responses.

Read: 50 Best Online Jobs That Pay $20 An Hour or More

 

22. Journey Lineman

• Average Annual Salary: $60,040 per year / $28.87 per hour
• Job Availability: 711,200
• Growth In Job Sector: 7% (50,200)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

As a journey lineman, you must manage, inspect, and maintain electrical high-tension lines and wires that transmit energy from the power plant to customers’ houses. It is not just a physically demanding job but equally hazardous.

You’ll be working with high-voltage electricity and heavy machinery daily, where a single mistake can cause catastrophic situations. Besides, you need the ability to work under pressure, as your duty will be doubled in case of a natural disaster.

 

23. Pipeline Controller

• Average Annual Salary: $53,895 per year
• Job Availability: N/A
• Growth In Job Sector: N/A
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

The Petroleum sector houses several of the best-paying jobs in public utilities. And among those, the pipeline controller is top of the line.

As a controller, you need to ensure the proper and continuous flow of oil and natural gas in any pipe system.

You are also responsible for the routine checks of the pipelines to eliminate any chance of catastrophes. Besides, you also need to have the right understanding of dealing with disasters, emergencies, and gas leakages.

 

24. Project Manager

• Average Annual Salary: $98,980 per year / $47.59 per hour
• Job Availability: 402,300
• Growth In Job Sector: 6%
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

A project manager is someone who stipulates the project plan and ensures that the project is happening in accordance with that plan.

And you will also be responsible for completing and delivering a project within a pre-specified timeline.

You can even become a project manager after retiring from any white-collar job, as it is among the best jobs after retirement to try. However, you must have leadership and team-building qualities to make a name in this industry.

Read: 41 Late Night Work At Home Jobs That Pay Well – $1000/Week.

 

25. Environmental Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $96,820 per year / $46.55 per hour
• Job Availability: 44,000
• Growth In Job Sector: 4% (1,800)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

An environmental engineer is responsible for preserving and improving the environment. As a specialist, you need to design and maintain sewer and waste management systems, clean polluted areas, and even monitor drinking water quality.

You also must identify and mitigate all the bio and general hazards to any environment.

Besides, your role may also need you to conduct research and stipulate newer environmental policies to make the planet greener.

 

26. Chemical Engineer

• Average Annual Salary: $105,550 per year / $50.75 per hour
• Job Availability: 26,900
• Growth In Job Sector: 14% (3,700)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (Engineering)

Becoming a chemical engineer, especially in the public sector, can definitely land you among the best-paying jobs in public utilities. However, your job responsibilities will be broad, and you may need to work under immense pressure.

It is also a hazardous profession, as you’ll be dealing with industrial-grade chemicals and biohazardous stuff.

Besides having an engineering graduation, you need to have at least 5 to 8 years of industry experience to land a high-paying position.

 

27. Maintenance Specialist

• Average Annual Salary: $43,180 per year / $20.76 per hour
• Job Availability: 1,539,100
• Growth In Job Sector: 5% (76,300)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

As a maintenance technician or specialist, you must ensure that the equipment and system are functioning properly. This job involves intense physical labor as you will be dealing with heavy machinery and equipment.

Besides repairing the tools, you need to ensure routine maintenance of all the machinery and tools used in an establishment. Moreover, you also need to investigate and resolve the problem in case of an emergency.

Read: 9 Amazon Proofreading Jobs For Beginners – $20/Hr.

 

28. Human Resource Specialist

• Average Annual Salary: $62,290 per year / $29.95 per hour
• Job Availability: 782,800
• Growth In Job Sector: 8% (58,800)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

HR or human resources is something that is needed in every industry, not just for the public utility sector. And it has now become one of the most lucrative professions where you can even make six-figure salaries.

As an HR specialist, your primary role will be to identify, filter, and employ new people in your company that is suited for the project.

Besides, you may also need to administer employee benefits and performance output. But you need to have strong communication skills.

 

29. Operations Specialist

• Average Annual Salary: $82,360 per year / $39.59 per hour
• Job Availability: 104,200
• Growth In Job Sector: 23% (24,200)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

Becoming an operation specialist can land you the best-paying jobs on public utilities. Your primary role will be to oversee a company’s or establishment’s day-to-day operations. Besides, you also need to coordinate with various departments.

You also need to have the right understanding of troubleshooting methods in case of an emergency. Besides, you may also need to ensure the safety of operations and management while doing this job.

 

30. Information Technology Specialist

• Average Annual Salary: $109,020 per year / $52.41 per hour
• Job Availability: 1,622,200
• Growth In Job Sector: 25% (411,400)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation (IT)

The 21st century is the era of information technology and telecommunications. And there are ample scopes in this sector as it is rapidly booking. Besides, it is also among the best-paying jobs on public utilities.

Besides having a four-year engineering degree in information technology, you must have at least 5 years of experience to land a managerial position.

However, you must have a strong understanding of tools and software used in the IT sector.

Read: 14 Legit Online Typing Jobs To Do From Home – [$30+ Per Hour]

 

31. Communications Specialist

• Average Annual Salary: $62,800 per year / $30.19 per hour
• Job Availability: 276,800
• Growth In Job Sector: 8% (22,300)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

As a communication specialist, you must stipulate a communication strategy for a company or government. However, it is among the worst jobs for introverts, as you need to communicate with numerous people while doing this job.

Besides your daily duties as a PR, you may also need to produce engaging content, manage all the social media handles, and even coordinate with various events.

However, you need to work under immense pressure as you need to execute your communication strategy within a given TAT.

 

32. Health and Safety Specialist

• Average Annual Salary: $74,870 per year / $36.00 per hour
• Job Availability: 132,400
• Growth In Job Sector: 5% (6,300)
• Educational Qualification: Postsecondary Nondegree

A health and safety specialist’s primary job is to determine a property’s safety and precautionary standards in any unforeseen circumstances.

To do that, you need to have extensive knowledge of engineering and science.

You need at least a high school degree with health and safety management certification courses. However, top-tier vacancies need you to have at least 8 to 10 years of industry experience.

 

33. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

• Average Annual Salary: $124,650 per year
• Job Availability: 1,305,800
• Growth In Job Sector: 6% (78,400)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

A regulatory affairs specialist ensures that any company’s product complies with all the rules and guidelines stipulated by the government. Besides, they also need to maintain professional relationships with regulatory agencies and authorities.

As a specialist, you must also have a thorough knowledge of regulation changes and approval systems. Besides, you also need to coordinate with the R&D team of your company.

However, it is a mentally demanding job where you need to make a lot of communication with various agencies.

Read: 77 Legit Work From Home Companies That Pay Weekly.

 

34. Asset Protection Specialist

• Average Annual Salary: $31,470 per year / $15.13 per hour
• Job Availability: 1,087,200
• Growth In Job Sector: 3% (38,000)
• Educational Qualification: High School Diploma

As an asset protection specialist, you need to ensure the proper safety and security of the assets and properties of your company.

It is not just among the best-paying jobs on public utilities but also among the best jobs where you work alone most of the time.

However, this is a physically demanding job where you must visit the site multiple times a day. Besides, you need a ready plan to deal with theft, burglary, or property damage.

 

35. Logistician

• Average Annual Salary: $77,030 per year / $37.03 per hour
• Job Availability: 195,000
• Growth In Job Sector: 28% (54,100)
• Educational Qualification: Graduation

Any big company needs to ensure proper operation of its supply chain to maintain a steady flow of manufacturing materials, goods, and information. And many legit WFH companies are now offering this role, as it can be done from home setups.

As a logistician, your primary role will be to maintain and manage the supply chain, warehousing solutions, and even transportation systems.

You need strong communication and coordination skills, as you will work with a team rather than alone.

 

Best Paying Jobs on Public Utilities  –  Conclusion

That’s it. These are the best-paying jobs in the public utilities you can try. We hope you’ve found what you are looking for in public utilities. If you have any suggestions or recommendations, you can share them in the comments.

 

Looking For Other Best and High-Paying Jobs?

• 71 Online Jobs That Pay Daily (Some Instantly) – Up to $50/Hour
• 50 Best Online Jobs That Pay $20 An Hour or More
• 41 Late Night Work At Home Jobs That Pay Well – $1000/Week