10 of the Best-Paying Jobs in Public Utilities
Public utilities keep daily life running. From powering homes and delivering clean water to providing internet and natural gas, these services are essential to every community. The people who work in public utilities make sure that when you flip a switch, turn on a faucet, or check your Wi-Fi, everything works the way it should, often without anyone noticing the complexity behind the scenes.
A career in public utilities can mean working with energy sources like electricity, natural gas, or renewable power, managing water and wastewater systems, or helping modernize America’s infrastructure. With demand for reliable, sustainable energy rising, utilities are investing heavily in new technologies, creating more opportunities than ever before.
For those with the right skills and technical background (or the drive to get there), the industry offers stability, advancement potential, and some of the best-paying jobs in the country. Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of working in public utilities and reveal the highest-paying utility jobs in 2025.
Is Public Utilities a Good Career Path?
To understand how vital public utilities are, think about your morning routine. You wake up and turn on the light, check your phone, take a hot shower, brew a cup of coffee, and hop online — all powered by electricity, water, and internet services. Every step relies on public utilities working precisely as they should.
Because these services are essential, the industry offers reliable, long-term career potential. As long as people need power, water, and communication networks, public utilities will continue to need skilled professionals to keep them operating smoothly. Many of these jobs also come with substantial benefits, union representation, and a clear path for advancement.
Public utilities are also evolving quickly. Renewable energy projects, smart grids, and clean water initiatives are transforming the industry, creating high-paying technical and engineering roles. The need for cybersecurity experts and data professionals is also growing as utilities become more digital.
Between job stability, good pay, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on your community, a career in public utilities remains one of the most dependable and rewarding career paths available today.
Advantages of a Career in Public Utilities
- Strong job security. Public utilities deliver essential services, making them largely recession-proof. Whether the economy is booming or slowing, people still need electricity, water, and internet. This stability gives workers long-term confidence in their careers.
- Excellent benefits. Utility companies are known for strong compensation packages that often include employer-sponsored health insurance, retirement plans with matching contributions, and paid time off. Many also offer tuition assistance and professional development programs, making it easier to grow your career without added financial stress.
- Clear advancement opportunities. The industry’s structured hierarchy means there’s usually a defined path for advancement. Many utilities promote from within, offering apprenticeships, certifications, and leadership programs that help employees move from entry-level positions into management or specialized technical roles.
- High earning potential. Many public utility jobs pay well above the national average, particularly in technical, engineering, and management roles. Workers who gain certifications or licenses, such as engineers, power plant operators, or cybersecurity analysts, can easily earn six figures.
- Stable work schedules. While field and emergency response teams may work around the clock, many utilities offer predictable, full-time hours and steady workloads. For professionals seeking work-life balance, this consistency can be a major perk.
- Meaningful work. People who work in utilities play a direct role in keeping communities running. From maintaining clean drinking water to keeping the power grid stable, the work is essential, and knowing you’re helping millions of people live comfortably can be deeply rewarding.
Challenges of a Career in Public Utilities
- Highly regulated environment. Because utilities are tied to public safety and infrastructure, nearly every process is governed by strict regulations. Employees must follow precise procedures and industry standards, which can limit creativity and flexibility in day-to-day work.
- Bureaucracy and red tape. Large public utility organizations often move slowly. Getting approvals or implementing new ideas can take time due to layers of management and government oversight, which can frustrate workers who prefer a faster-paced environment.
- Nonstandard or on-call hours. Utilities operate 24/7. That means technicians, operators, and emergency response staff may work nights, weekends, or rotating shifts. Even office-based employees might be called in during outages or emergencies.
- Physically demanding work. Many field positions require heavy lifting, climbing, and working outdoors in all weather. Jobs like lineworker or power-plant operator can be tough on the body and often require strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Potential hazards. Working with high-voltage electricity, heavy machinery, or confined spaces involves real risks. Although safety training is extensive, the work itself can still be dangerous, and employees must remain alert and cautious at all times.
- Adapting to new technology. The utilities industry is changing fast, with digital systems, renewable integration, and smart-grid upgrades transforming how work gets done. Keeping up with latest tools and certifications can be challenging, but it is increasingly necessary for career growth.
The Best-Paying Public Utilities Jobs
1. Computer and information systems (CIS) manager
- Average salary for a CIS manager: $171,200
- Growth projection: 15% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
- Experience: Several years in IT or systems management
CIS managers oversee the digital operations that keep modern utilities running. They manage smart grid systems, cybersecurity, and data networks that monitor and control essential infrastructure. As utilities adopt new technology and automation tools, demand for skilled IT leaders continues to rise, making this one of the best-paying jobs in public utilities.
2. Architectural and engineering manager
- Average salary for an engineering manager: $163,668
- Growth projection: 4% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture; master’s degree preferred for senior roles
- Experience: Several years of professional engineering experience plus leadership background
Architectural and engineering managers oversee the planning, design, and maintenance of public utility infrastructure. They lead teams that build power plants, water systems, and transmission networks, ensuring projects meet safety and regulatory standards. Their mix of technical expertise and strategic oversight makes them among the highest earners in the public utilities sector.
3. Computer hardware engineer
- Average salary for a computer hardware engineer: $155,020
- Growth projection: 7% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
- Experience: Several years designing or maintaining hardware systems
Computer hardware engineers develop and maintain the physical technology that powers utility systems, from grid sensors to control center hardware. As utilities modernize their operations with smart devices and connected equipment, these engineers play a crucial role in building secure, reliable infrastructure while earning strong six-figure salaries.
4. Public utility lawyer
- Average salary for a lawyer: $129,682
- Growth projection: 4% over the next decade
- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree and state bar licensure
- Experience: Several years of practice in corporate, energy, or environmental law
Utility lawyers handle the complex legal and regulatory issues that shape the energy and infrastructure sectors. They advise companies on rate cases, permits, contracts, and compliance with federal and state regulations. Their specialized knowledge of the utility industry makes them key decision-makers and some of the best-paid professionals in the field.
5. Utility systems software developer
- Average salary for a software developer: $129,322
- Growth projection: 15% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering
- Experience: Several years of experience developing enterprise or operations software
Software developers build and maintain the applications that power today’s utility operations, from outage management systems to smart grid platforms and customer billing tools. As the industry continues to digitize and automate, software developers play a vital role in improving efficiency and reliability, making it one of the fastest-growing and best-paying jobs in public utilities.
Related: Software Developer Career Guide
6. Grid & operations analytics data scientist
- Average salary for a data scientist: $120,062
- Growth projection: 34% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, or statistics; master’s preferred
- Experience: Several years of experience in analytics, machine learning, or predictive modeling
Data scientists help utilities turn massive amounts of system data into actionable insights. They analyze grid performance, forecast energy demand, and identify ways to optimize reliability and efficiency. As utilities continue to modernize and adopt AI-driven tools, data scientists are becoming some of the most in-demand and well-paid professionals in the industry.
Related: Data Scientist Career Guide
7. Electronics engineer
- Average salary: $118,780
- Growth projection: 7% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronic engineering
- Experience: Several years of engineering experience in utilities or related industries
Electronics engineers design and test systems that keep utilities running efficiently, including power grid controls, sensors, and transmission equipment. Their work supports the modernization of energy networks and the integration of renewable energy, making them essential (and well-compensated) contributors to today’s utility workforce.
8. Health and safety engineer
- Average salary for a health and safety engineer: $109,660
- Growth projection: 4% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety engineering, or a related field
- Experience: Several years in safety or engineering roles; professional certification often preferred
Health and safety engineers design and enforce procedures that protect utility workers and the public. They inspect equipment, monitor work environments, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. With utilities operating complex and potentially hazardous systems, these professionals play a crucial role and earn a competitive six-figure salary for their expertise.
9. Chemical engineer
- Average salary for a chemical engineer: $105,655
- Growth projection: 3% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline
- Experience: Several years in process or environmental engineering
Chemical engineers play a critical role in public utilities by improving water treatment, fuel efficiency, and emissions control processes. They develop safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective methods for generating and delivering essential resources. Their expertise in chemistry, energy systems, and environmental compliance makes this one of the best-paying technical jobs in public utilities.
Related: Chemical Engineer Career Guide
10. Information security analyst
- Average salary for an information security analyst: $101,147
- Growth projection: 29% over the next decade
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology
- Experience: Several years of IT or cybersecurity experience; industry certifications preferred
Information security analysts protect utilities from cyber threats targeting power grids, water systems, and communication networks. They monitor systems, investigate breaches, and implement advanced security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure. With rising cyber risks across the energy sector, this role has become one of the fastest-growing and best-paying jobs in public utilities.
Public utilities offer a wide range of career paths for professionals with technical skills, leadership experience, or a passion for community impact. Whether you’re managing cybersecurity, designing infrastructure, or operating power systems, the industry provides both stability and strong earning potential. As technology continues to modernize the grid and expand renewable energy, these best-paying public utilities jobs will remain in high demand for years to come.
Related: Information Security Analyst Career Guide
