Blaster
Load and set off explosives to break rock at mines, quarries and construction sites.
- $61,390/yr median
- 0.0% growth
- 1–2 years of training
Career field
Energy & Utilities Careers
Generate, move and maintain the power, fuel and communications every home and business runs on.
Energy and utility workers run power plants, operate the grid, drill and service oil and gas wells, and keep substations and telecommunications lines working. Many of these jobs pay well above the national median without a four-year degree, because the work is technical, round-the-clock and safety-critical.
Most employers train new hires on the job for a year or more, often through formal operator or apprenticeship programs, and some roles require federal or company licensing, such as Nuclear Regulatory Commission operator licenses. Expect shift work, drug testing and strict safety rules in exchange for strong pay and benefits.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
33 energy and utilities careers
Chemical Equipment Operator
Run equipment that makes chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
- $58,040/yr median
- +3.6% growth
- Months on the job
Chemical Plant Operator
Control the reactors and systems that produce chemicals and materials.
- $78,120/yr median
- -5.2% growth
- 6–18 months on the job
Control Valve Technician
Install, test and repair the valves that control flow in plants and pipelines.
- $74,340/yr median
- +4.3% growth
- Months to years of training
Derrick Operator
Work high in the drilling rig handling pipe and managing drilling mud.
- $58,620/yr median
- +1.6% growth
- Under 5 years of rig experience
Extraction Helper
Assist miners, drillers and crews in mines and oil fields.
- $47,730/yr median
- +1.7% growth
- Weeks to months on the job
Gas Compressor Operator
Run compressors that move natural gas through pipelines.
- $77,320/yr median
- +2.1% growth
- Months on the job
Gas Plant Operator
Run plants and compressor stations that process and move natural gas.
- $87,820/yr median
- -6.0% growth
- 1–2+ years on the job
Geological Technician
Support geologists by collecting samples and data in the field and lab.
- $53,350/yr median
- +3.6% growth
- 2-year degree plus field training
Meter Reader
Read and check gas, water and electric meters for utilities.
- $48,150/yr median
- -10.5% growth
- A few weeks on the job
Mining Engineer
Design safe, efficient mines to extract minerals and metals.
- $106,220/yr median
- +3.8% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Mining Machine Operator
Operate the machines that cut and move coal, ore and rock underground.
- $61,810/yr median
- +3.2% growth
- 1–12 months
Nuclear Engineer
Design and run nuclear reactors and radiation systems safely.
- $133,970/yr median
- +0.4% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Nuclear Reactor Operator
Control nuclear reactors that generate carbon-free electricity.
- $122,890/yr median
- -5.9% growth
- 2–4+ years
Nuclear Technician
Monitor radiation and support nuclear plants, labs and research.
- $110,240/yr median
- +1.1% growth
- 2 years + plant training
Oilfield Service Operator
Run the equipment that completes, services and repairs oil and gas wells.
- $58,160/yr median
- +1.1% growth
- 1–2 years on the job
Petroleum Engineer
Design ways to extract oil and gas safely and efficiently.
- $144,910/yr median
- +2.0% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Power Dispatcher
Balance the power grid in real time from a utility control center.
- $106,730/yr median
- +1.2% growth
- 1–3+ years on the job
Power Plant Operator
Run the turbines, boilers and controls that generate electricity.
- $102,040/yr median
- -5.1% growth
- 1–3+ years on the job
Pump Operator
Run pumps that move water, oil and other liquids.
- $61,770/yr median
- +4.3% growth
- Months on the job
Quarry Rock Splitter
Split and shape stone blocks at quarries.
- $48,740/yr median
- +5.8% growth
- A few weeks on the job
Refinery Operator
Run the units that turn crude oil into fuels and products.
- $96,710/yr median
- -1.9% growth
- 6–18 months on the job
Roof Bolter
Install bolts that hold up the roof in underground mines.
- $78,540/yr median
- -18.9% growth
- Months of on-the-job training
Rotary Drill Operator
Run the drilling rig and lead the floor crew drilling oil and gas wells.
- $67,890/yr median
- +0.8% growth
- Under 5 years of rig experience
Roustabout
Build, maintain and repair oil and gas sites and equipment.
- $46,960/yr median
- +3.6% growth
- 1–3 months
Separating Machine Operator
Run filters, centrifuges and stills that separate materials.
- $51,610/yr median
- -5.7% growth
- Months on the job
Stationary Engineer
Run boilers, chillers and building systems that heat and cool large facilities.
- $78,620/yr median
- +3.1% growth
- 1–4 years
Substation Technician
Install, test and repair the equipment that controls high-voltage power.
- $103,020/yr median
- +9.7% growth
- 1–2 years + experience
Surface Mining Equipment Operator
Run giant trucks, loaders and shovels at surface mines and quarries.
- $57,430/yr median
- +1.0% growth
- Months of on-the-job training
Telecommunications Lineworker
Build and repair the cables and fiber that carry internet, TV and phone.
- $74,330/yr median
- -3.4% growth
- 1–3 years
Underground Mining Loader Operator
Run loaders and shuttle cars that move ore and coal underground.
- $74,500/yr median
- -15.8% growth
- Weeks to months of training
Water Well Driller
Drill wells for water, geothermal systems and soil testing.
- $60,190/yr median
- +3.6% growth
- 1–3 years
Wellhead Pumper
Keep oil and gas wells producing by checking and adjusting pumps and equipment.
- $69,960/yr median
- -2.0% growth
- Under 5 years of experience
Compare energy and utilities careers
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petroleum Engineer | $144,910 | +2.0% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Nuclear Engineer | $133,970 | +0.4% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 3 | Nuclear Reactor Operator | $122,890 | -5.9% | 2–4+ years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 4 | Nuclear Technician | $110,240 | +1.1% | 2 years + plant training | Associate's degree |
| 5 | Power Dispatcher | $106,730 | +1.2% | 1–3+ years on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 6 | Mining Engineer | $106,220 | +3.8% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 7 | Substation Technician | $103,020 | +9.7% | 1–2 years + experience | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 8 | Power Plant Operator | $102,040 | -5.1% | 1–3+ years on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 9 | Refinery Operator | $96,710 | -1.9% | 6–18 months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | Gas Plant Operator | $87,820 | -6.0% | 1–2+ years on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 11 | Stationary Engineer | $78,620 | +3.1% | 1–4 years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 12 | Roof Bolter | $78,540 | -18.9% | Months of on-the-job training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 13 | Chemical Plant Operator | $78,120 | -5.2% | 6–18 months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 14 | Gas Compressor Operator | $77,320 | +2.1% | Months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | Underground Mining Loader Operator | $74,500 | -15.8% | Weeks to months of training | No formal educational credential |
| 16 | Control Valve Technician | $74,340 | +4.3% | Months to years of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 17 | Telecommunications Lineworker | $74,330 | -3.4% | 1–3 years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 18 | Wellhead Pumper | $69,960 | -2.0% | Under 5 years of experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 19 | Rotary Drill Operator | $67,890 | +0.8% | Under 5 years of rig experience | No formal educational credential |
| 20 | Mining Machine Operator | $61,810 | +3.2% | 1–12 months | No formal educational credential |
| 21 | Pump Operator | $61,770 | +4.3% | Months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 22 | Blaster | $61,390 | 0.0% | 1–2 years of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 23 | Water Well Driller | $60,190 | +3.6% | 1–3 years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 24 | Derrick Operator | $58,620 | +1.6% | Under 5 years of rig experience | No formal educational credential |
| 25 | Oilfield Service Operator | $58,160 | +1.1% | 1–2 years on the job | No formal educational credential |
| 26 | Chemical Equipment Operator | $58,040 | +3.6% | Months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 27 | Surface Mining Equipment Operator | $57,430 | +1.0% | Months of on-the-job training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 28 | Geological Technician | $53,350 | +3.6% | 2-year degree plus field training | Associate's degree |
| 29 | Separating Machine Operator | $51,610 | -5.7% | Months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 30 | Quarry Rock Splitter | $48,740 | +5.8% | A few weeks on the job | No formal educational credential |
| 31 | Meter Reader | $48,150 | -10.5% | A few weeks on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 32 | Extraction Helper | $47,730 | +1.7% | Weeks to months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 33 | Roustabout | $46,960 | +3.6% | 1–3 months | No formal educational credential |
Getting hired in energy and utilities
Mechanical aptitude, math skills and a clean drug test matter most. Utility and plant employers often test applicants with aptitude exams such as the EEI POSS, so practice before you apply.
What affects pay in this field
- Plant type and employer (nuclear, utility and refinery roles often pay the most)
- Operator qualifications and licenses earned on the job
- Shift differentials, overtime and on-call pay
- Remote and rotational oilfield schedules with per diem
Find your fit
Take the Energy & Utilities career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.
Energy & Utilities careers FAQ
What is the highest-paying energy and utilities career on this list?
Petroleum Engineer has the highest median pay among our energy and utilities profiles at $144,910 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Which energy and utilities career is fastest to start?
Meter Reader typically takes about A few weeks on the job of training.
Which energy and utilities career is growing fastest?
Substation Technician, with projected growth of +9.7% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).
How do I choose the right energy and utilities career?
Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Energy & Utilities career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.