Utilities

In general, U.S. energy consumption is expected to increase from 2022 through 2050. "In the industrial sector, energy consumption increases between 5 percent and 32 percent between 2022 and 2050," according to the Energy Information Administration. "In the transportation sector, energy consumption ranges from a decrease of 10 percent between 2022 and 2050 to an increase of 8 percent. Our projections of residential consumption of purchased electricity increase between about 14 percent and 22 percent from 2022 to 2050 across all cases."

In January 2025, 593,200 people were employed in the utilities sector (up from 554,500 in January 2015), according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). It predicts that the number of jobs in the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution sector will grow by 10.9 percent from 2023 through 2033. Although automation has reduced the number of workers in some professions, many workers in the industry are reaching retirement age. Retirements will account for many openings in the coming years. The DOL also predicts the following employment outlooks for utilities subsectors:

• solar electric power generation: +275.9 percent
• wind electric power generation: +115.1 percent
• geothermal electric power generation: +42.1 percent
• nuclear electric power generation: -15.9 percent
• fossil fuel electric power generation: -32.6 percent

The Natural Gas Supply Association reports that fracturing, horizontal drilling, and natural gas projects will contribute to job growth in the coming years. Employment opportunities in natural gas distribution, however, are expected to decline. In fact, job opportunities for gas plant operators are expected to decline by 10 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the DOL.

One important caveat is that policy adjustments as presidential administrations change may favor fossil fuels over renewable energy power generation or vice versa. Demand for workers and opportunities in power generation will change according to prevailing policies. The DOL provides employment outlooks for various careers in its Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Job opportunities for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers are projected to decline by 8 percent. "Although electricity use is expected to increase, technological advances and greater efficiency are expected to reduce employment in these occupations," according to the DOL. "However, some distributors and dispatchers will still be needed to manage the complex electrical grid."

Faster-than-average (+8 percent) are expected for electrical power-line installers and repairers. Increasing electrical grid needs and the growing complexity of the interstate power grid will ensure rising demand for these workers.

Job opportunities for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are projected to decline 6 percent. "As water and wastewater treatment plants become more advanced with automated systems to manage treatment processes, fewer workers may be needed," according to the DOL. "Although some work can be automated, plants will still need skilled workers to operate increasingly complex controls and water and wastewater systems." The DOL predicts that despite declining employment, about 10,300 openings for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are projected each year from 2023–33 due to the need to replace workers who retire or transfer to other occupations. Opportunities will be best for those with training or higher education in water or wastewater systems and good mechanical skills.

Here is the outlook for other careers in the utilities sector:

• sales managers: +31.2 percent
• civil engineers: +16.7 percent
• software developers: +14.4 percent
• electrical engineers: +7.5 percent
• customer service representatives: -7.1 percent
• meter readers: -11.0 percent

The DOL reports that the mean annual wage of workers in the utilities sector was $97,250 in 2023. This is much higher than the national average ($63,098) for all private sector workers. Mean annual earnings for selected career fields were as follows in 2023:

• management: $162,240
• computer and mathematical: $110,860
• engineering and architecture: $109,350
• business and financial operations: $105,960
• installation, maintenance, and repair: $93,650
• production: $91,970
• sales and related: $88,500
• office and administrative support: $65,370