Energy Transmission and Distribution Workers

Employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to decline 8 percent through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL reports that "employment of power distributors and dispatchers is projected to decline due to advances in smart-grid technology. Some dispatcher tasks, such as rerouting power during an outage, lend themselves to automation. However, some distributors and dispatchers will still be needed to manage the complex electrical grid." Those with strong related training and good mechanical skills will have the best job prospects.

Employment of electrical power line installers and repairers is projected to grow 8 percent through 2033, faster than the average for all careers. As the U.S. population grows and cities expand, new electric lines will need to be installed and existing ones maintained. Much work that power utility lineworkers do is not as readily automated, and many openings for these workers will continue to develop as experienced workers transfer to other jobs or leave the workforce. "The increasing prevalence of electric vehicles will also require more of these workers to install new grid connections," the DOL adds. "In addition, the interstate power grid will continue to become more complex to ensure reliability."