Your Guide to Utility Job Opportunities

Utilities are a great source for stable employment. They are an essential service that will require regular upgrades and service expansions as populations grow. In addition to job security, most utility jobs also offer competitive wages and benefit packages. Before starting your job hunt for the right job, take the time to learn a little more about the employment opportunities that are available to you.


Types of Utility Jobs Available

While energy companies are often the first to come to mind when discussing utilities, they are not the only place to look for utility jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, utility jobs can be broken down into the following categories:

• Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
• Natural Gas Distribution
• Water, Sewage and Other Systems

Green energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal are all included under the category of electric power generation. Other systems may include utilities that run steam or air-conditioning units to sell heated or cooled air.

Since utilities provide critical infrastructure, almost all utility companies are subject to strict government regulation. Employees receive rigorous training and work in an environment that must adhere to a high level of safety standards.


Where to Find Utility Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that U.S. utilities employ more than half a million workers. The vast majority – 72.3% - work in electric power industries. Another 19.1% work in natural gas distribution and the remaining 8.6% are employed by water, sewage and other systems.

Utility jobs are diverse and include production, executive and administrative functions. The breakdown of occupations within the utility industry is as follows:

• Production, Installation, Maintenance and Repair: 40%
• Office and Administrative Support: 21%
• Professional Occupations such as Engineers: 15%
• Management, Business and Financial: 13%

Other occupations in the utility sector include positions in construction, sales, customer service and sales.

With 53% of the utility workforce age 45 or older, the outlook for utility occupations is excellent. Positions in water and sewage systems are expected to see the most growth at 13% from 2008-2018. Although an advanced degree may be required for some positions, many utility jobs rely heavily on employer-sponsored training and on-the-job instruction.

Working within the utility industry can also be very lucrative. Overall, the average wage for all non-government utility jobs in 2008 was $28.84 an hour. Some utility occupations earn an average wage that is close to $40 per hour.


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Maryalene LaPonsie is an accomplished writer who has extensive experience reporting on education, career advancement and workforce development topics. She specializes in sales and marketing consultation as well as general copywriting services.