There are numerous well-paying jobs available in the public utilities sector if you wish to work in it. In this area, there are various well-paying opportunities available, many of which are in engineering and management.
Finding a well-paying employment that aligns with your professional interests and ambitions can be facilitated by becoming knowledgeable about the many job alternatives.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 26 highest-paying positions in public utilities in this post, so you may look into profitable career paths.
Best paying utility jobs
1 Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer
Range of pay: $146,000 to $161,000.
To avoid an accident like a nuclear reaction, one of the duties of a nuclear criticality safety engineer is to conduct a study and evaluate ways to move, handle, and store nuclear fuel. You read and examine studies on the properties of nuclear fuel, calculate papers, and analyze fuel transfer and storage schemes offered by nuclear power facilities.
Other responsibilities include creating new ways for storage or transportation, generating proposal reports outlining your recommendations, and submitting these reports to the government review board. You may also have to identify potential hazards and regions within a nuclear facility that might be in violation of rules.
2 Radiation Engineer
Pay range: $90,500 to $156,000 annually
Conducting tests to test and assess radiation effects in various environments is the responsibility of a radiation engineer. One of their duties is to provide a theoretical analysis based on an experiment they conduct in an experimental setting.
Experts in this field frequently concentrate on how networks, systems, or equipment operate both during and after radiation exposure. A radiation engineer may recommend configurations, components, and designs that satisfy specifications for functioning under actual radiation levels while summarizing their findings.
3 Engineer for Transmission Lines
Pay range: $93,500 to $153,500 annually
An engineer specializing in transmission lines drafts, designs, and evaluates the layout of power and communication lines. In this line of work, you will bid on projects and collaborate with clients to create designs that take into account the telecommunications and electrical requirements of the project.
Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, you design the system after accounting for the need for electricity. Choosing parts and materials and coming up with a design that works within the client’s budget are among your duties. You might stick with the project until your concept is effectively implemented, depending on your role.
4 Engineer for Nuclear Licensing
Range of pay: $142,500–$147,500 annually
Providing licensing and regulatory support for a nuclear energy plant and making sure all systems and equipment are operating as intended are among the duties of a nuclear licensing engineer. To apply new codes and maintain the company within regulatory requirements, you collaborate closely with regulatory staff and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Completing regulatory assessments, and designing and licensing paperwork, as well as safety analysis reports, are additional responsibilities that involve making sure all technical specifications are satisfied. You finish NRC submittals, maintain efficient contact with NRC inspectors, and promptly address new compliance issues. You conduct research on plant design and licensing, and you disseminate technical and legal information. For certain jobs, you have to be able to react to crises in less than sixty minutes.
5 Dispatcher for Power Systems
Range of pay: $104,000 to $138,000 annually
The distribution of electricity between suppliers and consumers—both residential and commercial—is managed by a power system dispatcher. In your role as a power system dispatcher, you keep an eye on generating systems to guarantee maximum performance and calculate daily power requirements.
When there are extreme weather conditions, such heat waves or snowstorms, discretion is especially important. Responding to requests for repairs or shortages and organizing the dispatch of teams to the scene of the issue are additional job responsibilities.
6 power lineman:
Salary range for a power lineman: $69,000 to $136,000.
As a power lineman, it is your responsibility to establish and maintain electrical wires in order to support utility operations. You might use equipment to access locations that need repair, perform construction work to replace or repair lines, and mentor an apprentice in the trade as part of your job description.
Along with identifying broken components in a system, you also have to climb poles and transmission towers, examine, and test power lines and other equipment, and operate in inclement weather. In the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes or storms, you might have to work longer shifts.
7 Power Conversion Specialist
Range of pay: $127,000 to $136,000.
The primary duties of a power transmission engineer center on energy transmission route planning. In this line of work, you contribute significantly to the infrastructure of the electricity system. In order to determine the optimal transmission line route from the energy source (such as a power plant) to the end user (such as a house, building, street light, etc.),
It is your responsibility to examine maps and GIS data. You must be able to handle safety regulations and environmental rules in addition to planning the most effective path. A power transmission engineer is in charge of not only the system’s planning and logistics but also its construction.
8 Technician for Substations
Pay range: $70,500 to $135,500 year
The electrical substations that supply energy to surrounding residences and buildings are maintained and repaired on a regular basis by substation technicians, who also install wire systems and control panels. In this position, you might work with engineers and architects to create the substation’s layout and plan.
You can work on building and installing wiring cabinets and electrical equipment, testing, calibrating, and maintaining relays and operational devices, and troubleshooting and repairing transformers and other equipment after the designs are finished. In addition, you can be in charge of erecting fences or other safety barriers surrounding the substation and keeping an eye out for any potential problems with circuits or other connection lines.
9 Engineer for Power Systems
Pay range: $98,000 to $134,000 annually
energy-sector professional works as a power systems engineer. In this field of work, you might handle electric metering or evaluate transmission viability for a wind power company. You might also build, evaluate, and manage a utility company or a substation electrical power distribution system.
You usually concentrate on all of a power system’s components in order to increase its efficiency and help the company you work for accomplish its goals. As you assist the project manager in identifying the ideal sites for new utility projects, such as wind turbines or substations, you also have obligations related to project development. You also decide where controls should be placed in these locations as a power systems engineer.
10. Engineer of Power
Range of pay: $46,500 to $133,500 annually
Power engineers keep an eye on the utilities and power systems in a business or industrial setting. Your responsibilities as a power engineer include maintaining and repairing equipment, according to safe operating regulations, and following all protocols.
The whole electrical grid of the building, including the systems for power generation, air conditioning, lighting, and water treatment, is under your control. You collaborate closely with other engineers in your organization to ensure the seamless running of the electrical, boiler, and other power transmission systems at your plant.
11. Manager of Power Plants
Pay range: $87,000 to $132,000 annually
In order to maintain a constant supply of electricity for residences and businesses, a power plant manager oversees the operations of the facility and keeps an eye on the employees. In your capacity as a power plant manager, you ensure that all of the facility’s equipment is operating at current industry and governmental requirements.
Additionally, you make sure the plant stays within its allocated budget while producing enough energy to meet demand. You might occasionally have to supervise equipment installation and repairs. Furthermore, one of your duties is to confirm that each worker is adhering to the guidelines established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).You notify and document any safety violations together with the corrective measures you take in accordance with these requirements.
12. Electricians for substations
Range of pay: $76,000 to $130,000 annually
Larger relays provide power to a substation, which then distributes high voltages across a huge area. At these electrical substations, vital equipment is supervised and maintained by a substation electrician. As a electrician for substations, you keep an eye on the parts and perform any required maintenance. Maintaining circuit breakers, transformers, voltage regulators, and other components to keep them in good operating order is part of the job description.
13. Manager of utilities
Range of pay: $76,000 to $129,000 annually
Managers of public utilities conduct audits to make sure that services are rendered to customers and enterprises at the most affordable cost. As a utilities manager, you are in charge of establishments like electrical plants, telecommunications companies, and water treatment facilities that supply essential services to people living in a city, town, or area.
Taking care of the power, sewer, or water systems are part of your job. You evaluate the facilities, make sure the infrastructure is up to date, and request maintenance and repairs as needed. Together with managing reaction teams in the event of an unscheduled shutdown, your duties also entail searching for methods to reduce expenses or raise the caliber of services.
14. Engineer for Power Distribution
Pay range: $97,500 to $127,500 annually
The design and upkeep of electrical distribution networks are the core duties of a power distribution engineer. Among your responsibilities will be creating electrical processes for the site, offering technical advice for wiring systems, supervising the entire operation of an electrical system, making sure applications adhere to regulations, and offering technical assistance to different staff members.
Together with creating project schedules and programming reports, you usually evaluate expenses, specify testing parameters, and assist in putting new engineering techniques into practice. For the purpose of managing installations and equipment maintenance, you also communicate with suppliers, utility companies, consultants, and independent contractors.
15. Substation Engineer
Substation Engineer Pays: $98,500 to $125,500 year
Power substation design plans are made by substation engineers, who also work with the project team and other stakeholders to complete drawings. Creating design drawings and documentation, figuring out what kind and quantity of cables and conduits each substation needs, facilitating tasks using engineering application software, and organizing teamwork are all part of the job description of a substation engineer.
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, several years of work experience in electrical engineering positions, and strong problem-solving abilities are prerequisites for a career as a substation engineer.
16. Lineman for Electrical
Pay range: $124,000 to $124,000 annually
Power lines are installed and maintained by electrical line workers, often known as electrical linemen. They are responsible for installing and maintaining new power lines as well as fixing damaged transformers or lines.
Linemen ensure that electrical lines are in good working order and promptly and precisely fix problems to get customers’ electrical service back online. Line workers perform their duties at heights and at various outdoor locations.
17. Engineer for Transmission
Pay range: $92,000 to $124,000 annually
Two main categories of transmission engineers exist. One type is employed by television and broadcasting firms, where they guarantee seamless and uninterrupted transmissions. Maintaining transmission equipment, keeping an eye on incoming feeds and outgoing broadcasts, supervising departmental employees and solving issues as they come up are all part of the job.
The other kind of transmission engineer is employed by utility and power firms. They are a subset of electrical engineers who create and evaluate systems for producing and distributing energy to users. For instance, some people design wind turbines for use as an energy source while working in the wind-power-producing industry.
18. Engineer of Power
Range of pay: $46,500 to $133,500 annually
Power engineers keep an eye on the utilities and power systems in a business or industrial setting. Your responsibilities as a power engineer include maintaining and repairing equipment, according to safe operating regulations, and following all protocols.
The whole electrical grid of the building, including the systems for power generation, air conditioning, lighting, and water treatment, is under your control. You collaborate closely with other engineers in your organization to ensure the seamless running of the electrical, boiler, and other power transmission systems at your plant.
19. manager of utilities
Range of pay: $76,000 to $129,000 annually
Managers of public utilities conduct audits to make sure that services are rendered to customers and enterprises at the most affordable cost. As a utilities manager, you are in charge of establishments like electrical plants, telecommunications companies, and water treatment facilities that supply essential services to people living in a city, town, or area. Taking care of the power, sewer, or water systems is part of your job.
You evaluate the facilities, make sure the infrastructure is up to date, and request maintenance and repairs as needed. Together with managing reaction teams in the event of an unscheduled shutdown, your duties also entail searching for methods to reduce expenses or raise the caliber of services.
20. power distribution engineer
Salary range for a power distribution engineer: $97,500 to $127,500 annually
The design and upkeep of electrical distribution networks are the core duties of a power distribution engineer. Among your responsibilities will be creating electrical processes for the site, offering technical advice for wiring systems, supervising the entire operation of an electrical system, making sure applications adhere to regulations, and offering technical assistance to different staff members.
Together with creating project schedules and programming reports, you usually evaluate expenses, specify testing parameters, and assist in putting new engineering techniques into practice. For the purpose of managing installations and equipment maintenance, you also communicate with suppliers, utility companies, consultants, and independent contractors.
21. Engineer for Wastewater
Range of pay: $76,000 to $123,500 annually
At a water treatment facility, a wastewater engineer makes sure that every system is operating properly. Creating safe, clean drinking water for your community is the main duty of a wastewater engineer.
Designing and running the apparatus, systems, and machinery that collects, purifies, and distributes water is one of your responsibilities. Since you have to replicate and evaluate the therapy process, computer modeling abilities are required for this task. Additionally, you can be responsible for outreach, fostering connections with locals and representatives of the government.
22. Operator of Power Plant
Pay range: $62,500 to $122,000 annually
In addition to running and maintaining the equipment that generates power, your duties as a power plant operator also involve controlling these generators to regulate energy output and storage. In accordance with customer requests, you also control the appropriate voltage and electrical flow.
For instance, in a nuclear power plant, control rods that produce electricity are adjusted, and reactors, wind turbines, and cooling systems are observing to make sure they function within predetermined bounds. Your duties at a solar project include keeping an eye on the heat transfer and positioning and adjusting mirrors or solar panels in accordance with the weather.
ALSO READ : The best paying jobs in california
23. Superintendent of Water
Pay range: $68,500 to $111,000 annually
An essential component of the water treatment process is the water superintendent. In this line of work, you oversee the procedure by which water enters the treatment facilities owned by the municipality. The plans that supply water from wells, lakes, and rivers to a town or city’s treatment centers are your responsibility to design and manage.
One of the other responsibilities of the job is to maintain the municipality’s sewage infrastructure. As a supervisor, your responsibilities as a water superintendent relate to the number of your team. While larger cities may have a sizable workforce, little towns may simply have a number of persons on their team. For the city’s water system, you might also be in charge of news releases and public reports.
24. Underground Electrician
Range of pay: $71,000 to $120,500 annually
The installation, upkeep, and repair of underground systems, such as those in mines and telecommunications, are the areas of expertise for underground electricians. Running wire in accordance with technical papers and plans, as well as local additions and the National Electrical Code, are among your duties in this position to guarantee the equipment operates safely.
On projects involving new development or in the event of outages and other connectivity problems, you frequently collaborate in teams. Your responsibilities include managing and controlling electronic data using both common hardware and more advanced computer applications. Observing all mandatory safety protocols is crucial due to the possibility of harm.
There are additional safety dangers when working with electricity sources because of the confined workspace and voltage.
25. Controller for Pipelines
Range of pay: $102,000–$113,500 annually
You oversee and manage the functioning of pipeline systems as a pipeline controller. You keep an eye out for leaks in pipelines, make sure that oil or natural gas is flowing continuously, plan emergency reactions when issues are found, and keep a log of significant occurrences.
Pipeline controllers routinely oversee systems, assist in maximizing power usage, interact with clients, and educate new personnel using established protocols and procedures. Although centralized control facilities handle most of the work, pipeline controllers travel from time to time. In order to solve issues as they come up, this profession frequently requires multitasking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
26. Lineman Journeyman
Pay range: $59,500 to $110,500 annually
The electrical power system is constructed and maintained by journeyman linemen. This is a high-level role requiring several years of relevant expertise. You build, maintain, and repair electrical transmission and distribution systems in this line of work, both underground and above ground. Because you frequently climb poles and lift equipment, your duties demand you to be able to lift up to 50 pounds and feel comfortable working at heights of up to 60 feet.
Operating aerial and excavation machinery, resolving system issues, configuring transformers, and other duties are among the responsibilities. It is essential to have thorough reporting and documentation. Apprentices can also be trained by you. The ability to work in different weather conditions, a high school diploma, the completion of an apprenticeship, and a Department of Labor Journeyman certification are among the requirements.