How To Become A Utility Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a utility operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

A utility operator is an individual responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in the production of electricity, gas, water, or other utility services. They monitor equipment performance and adjust controls to ensure efficient and safe operations. Utility operators work in a variety of settings including power plants, treatment facilities, and distribution centers. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety are essential qualities for success in this profession.

ScoreUtility OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.0

Avg. Salary $38,693

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate -7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.29%

Asian 1.84%

Black or African American 7.77%

Hispanic or Latino 12.61%

Unknown 4.48%

White 71.01%

Gender

female 16.58%

male 83.42%

Age - 47.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47.5

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a utility operator?

Pros

Good job security
Opportunities for advancement within the company
Good benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off
Opportunity to work outdoors
Can provide a sense of satisfaction knowing that your work is essential to the functioning of society

Cons

Can involve long hours and shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Can be physically demanding, involving heavy lifting and exposure to harsh weather conditions
Often requires being on call in case of emergencies
Can be stressful due to the importance of maintaining reliable utility services and responding to emergencies
May require working in confined spaces or at heights, which can be dangerous

Key steps to become a utility operator

Explore utility operator education requirements

Most common utility operator degrees

High School Diploma

39.2 %

Associate

22.5 %

Bachelor's

21.1 %

Start to develop specific utility operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Safety Standards	23.07%
Safety Procedures	4.70%
Hand Tools	4.53%
Ladders	4.13%
Preventative Maintenance	3.82%

Complete relevant utility operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New utility operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a utility operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real utility operator resumes.

Research utility operator duties and responsibilities

Manage HVAC system and air handling system as far positive pressure systems and negative pressure systems.
Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Snow removal equipment: shovels, scrappers, blowers, spreaders.
Maintain equipment such as mowers, trimmers, trucks and trailers.

Prepare your utility operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your utility operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a utility operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable utility operator resume templates

Build a professional utility operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your utility operator resume.