What are the highest-paying jobs in energy?
The energy industry is broad, encompassing functional areas in production, sales, and distribution. It also includes an array of subsectors, such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable sources. The industry's scope accommodates a variety of professions, backgrounds, and skill sets.
Jobs in the energy industry are known to pay quite well, with average wages around 34% higher than the median pay across all industries, per the Department of Energy. If you want to pursue an energy career, you may want to know which jobs are available and how much you stand to earn. To that end, consider this list of eight of the highest-paying jobs in energy, with salary information and the primary duties associated with each one.
8 of the highest-paying jobs in the energy industry
The breadth of the energy industry means higher odds of finding a role that suits your interests and skill set. Check out the following eight jobs and discover your next profession.
Power plant operator
Average salary: $78,500 per year
A power plant operator controls the machinery that generates electric power — an essential role regardless of fuel type. They chiefly oversee the instruments that manage the flow of electricity from the plant to consumer endpoints. Through their efforts, the energy industry can meet the daily power demands of homes and businesses.
Employers commonly require applicants to have at least a high school diploma. Mechanical skills, problem-solving skills, and strong attention to detail are some of the key job competencies.
Renewable energy consultant
Average salary: $79,000 per year
Renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source in the country, and renewable energy consultants are in high demand. Working primarily with commercial businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, renewable energy consultants assess their clients' energy consumption and advise them about switching to an alternative source such as wind or solar. They also oversee renewable system installations to minimize environmental impacts and meet their clients' budgetary demands.
To qualify for a renewable energy consultant position, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in renewable management or a related discipline. Professional credentials, such as the Renewable Energy Professional certification by the Association of Energy Engineers, may also improve your candidacy.
"The energy industry is broad, encompassing functional areas in production, sales, and distribution. It also includes an array of subsectors, such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable sources. The industry's scope accommodates a variety of professions, backgrounds, and skill sets."
Geoscientist
Average salary: $86,000 per year
Geoscientists study the earth's physical characteristics, including its composition and associated processes. This is important to the energy industry because energy resources either originate from the earth or are harnessed at its surface. With geoscientists' knowledge and expertise, we can effectively map the planet and develop power sources while mitigating our environmental impact.
Becoming a geoscientist involves at least a bachelor's degree in geoscience or a related discipline. Depending on the employer or position, you may also need a master's or doctoral degree to qualify.
Environmental engineer
Average salary: $101,500 per year
Environmental engineers use their knowledge of engineering and science to solve environmental problems. In the energy industry, they play a critical role in ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Their duties may include inspecting power facilities, writing reports on their findings, providing technical and design support on energy projects, and advising energy organizations on environmental improvement measures.
A bachelor's degree is usually sufficient for most entry-level environmental engineering jobs. Advanced positions are likely to require at least a master's degree. State licensure is necessary, and a Professional Engineering license is typically required for high-level roles. Board certification, which validates expertise in one or more areas of specialization, can improve your odds of career advancement.
Solar engineer
Average salary: $114,000 per year
Solar engineers design and execute both small- and large-scale solar energy projects. Their clients range from private homeowners to enterprise-level organizations. They plan projects with their clients using consultations, site evaluations, and financial assessments and then oversee the projects from start to finish. After completion, they often help manage the maintenance of the newly installed solar energy system.
The minimum education requirement to become a solar engineer is a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as mechanical or electrical engineering. Employers in the energy industry may also require candidates to have a Professional Engineering license.
Electrical engineer
Average salary: $114,000 per year
Electrical engineers are vital players in the wind energy subsector. They design, develop, and oversee the manufacture of key electrical components in wind turbines, including motors, wiring, lighting, generators, and electricity transmission systems. Other key responsibilities include analyzing electrical systems, supervising system installations and tests, developing maintenance procedures, inspecting equipment, and collaborating with project managers on wind energy projects.
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field is a requirement for entry. Professional Engineering licensure is also necessary for high-level positions that involve leadership and independence. Aside from engineering expertise, the job requires excellent math skills, strong communication skills, and a keen eye for detail.
Nuclear engineer
Average salary: $124,500 per year
Nuclear engineers are specialists in nuclear energy. They're responsible for designing and developing nuclear equipment and systems as well as associated processes. In the energy industry, much of their work relates to designing nuclear power plants and overseeing activities that ensure adherence to safety standards. They also test and evaluate various methods of handling nuclear material and components and devise optimal standard operating procedures.
As with the other engineering roles we've discussed so far, a bachelor's degree is required for entry into the profession. State licensure is also a requirement, and a Professional Engineering license allows you to take on advanced-level responsibilities.
Petroleum engineer
Average salary: $143,000 per year
Petroleum engineers are indispensable in the realm of oil and gas production, as they design and develop subterranean petroleum extraction methods. In addition, they help optimize processes by assessing oil-well performance and devising new, more cost-effective approaches to extraction. Petroleum engineering is a broad discipline, with specialization in areas such as:
- Completions engineering: procedures related to the completion of oil wells
- Drilling engineering: best practices for drilling oil or gas wells
- Production engineering: activities associated with oil and gas production after drilling is completed
- Reservoir engineering: the practice of assessing recoverable oil and gas volume from underground deposits
A bachelor's degree in engineering is the minimum requirement to become a petroleum engineer. After a few years of entry-level experience, you'd do well to pursue your Professional Engineering license to maximize your earning potential.
Tips for finding a high-paying job in energy
Here are some tips to help you break into the energy industry:
- Focus on a functional area. Specializing your skill set allows you to strategically navigate your education and career path. Ideally, the functional area you choose should relate to your interests or strengths.
- Gain experience where you can. Seek out internships, if possible. Otherwise, find the most suitable entry-level positions so you can develop the practical experience you need to thrive in your field.
- Earn credentials. Licenses and certifications demonstrate not only your expertise but also your dedication to your profession, which is likely to impress employers.
- Network. Join a professional organization and attend industry events. Meeting key players in the energy industry can guide you toward new, higher-paying opportunities.
There's a lot of competition for high-paying jobs in the energy industry, so you should do what you can to get a step above the competition. One way to do that is to stay abreast of the best opportunities. Set up email alerts on CareerBuilder so you don't miss out on new job listings that meet your criteria.
More tips about working in the energy industry
The energy industry is always looking for skilled trade workers, too. In fact, several energy trades are among the most in-demand professions.
With the ongoing threat of global warming, environmentalism is an important topic in the energy industry. Stand out to employers by pursuing environmental credentials.
