Is working in the energy sector a wise choice? That’s a tricky question that should take into account many factors, including personal skills and interests, the best-paying energy jobs currently available, the market for oil and gas jobs, and options for “green” energy careers.
Are you interested in working in the energy industry and making a good living? Numerous positions in the energy sector pay highly competitive salaries to skilled workers. For instance, professionals who work as geoscientists or chemical engineers earn median annual salaries above $100,000.
We’ll examine the top 12 energy careers for you in this article. Please keep reading.
Energy Careers
You have a wide range of industry options, which makes choosing a degree exciting, fascinating, and (occasionally) overwhelming. Like all other industries, the energy sector has its advantages and disadvantages, but overall, you’ll find that this is one of the most lucrative and promising career paths you can pick.
This career not only offers excellent pay, but if you choose the right area you can enter the best paying jobs in energy and enjoy fantastic career growth.
It should be noted that you could also choose to work in a field that is not expected to grow much; jobs in the nuclear industry and other areas of the energy industry, for a variety of reasons, seem to be declining.
Is producing oil and gas a worthwhile career choice? Is the energy source of the future solar or wind (or both) power? Which energy careers are the best? Is a career in energy one to consider? How many jobs in the energy sector are there? When picking an online program, you should ask all of these questions.
Public opinion and political support are helping to increase the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which is resulting in some of the highest paying jobs in the energy industry.
However, the sectors of gas, coal, and petroleum all exhibit promise and have the potential to pay exceptionally well to the right candidates.
Does A Career In Energy Make Sense?
The energy industry is a promising career path for many workers. The energy sector offers faster-than-average job growth and lucrative financial rewards in many areas, particularly in clean energy or “net-zero-emission” jobs (Jobs in the renewable energy sector, which support the White House’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, accounted for about 40% of all energy jobs in 2021, or more than 3 million jobs.
The federal government is also pushing legislation, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which among other things focuses on promoting clean energy and increasing the number of unionized jobs.
Best Paying Jobs In Energy
Architectural Manager
Architectural engineers contribute to waste reduction by designing buildings that use less energy and resources, which is why it is becoming more and more important to create energy-efficient structures.
They oversee numerous tasks that may not involve energy (training staff, for instance), but they also make thorough plans, direct research, and assess technical accuracy, all of which can be directed toward lowering energy consumption.
Managers can anticipate median yearly salaries of $144,830, making it one of the highest paying jobs in the energy sector. The top 10% of earners in this field can do even better, with yearly salaries exceeding $208,000.
Like the majority of management positions, these fantastic careers in energy require at least five years of experience, but once you have that experience, you can enjoy them.
Petroleum Engineer
Is producing oil and gas a worthwhile career choice? This is undoubtedly one of the highest paying jobs in the energy sector, despite the diversity of opinions. You can work in a field that supports some of the most significant industrial applications and vehicles in the world while earning a fantastic salary.
The demand for jobs in renewable energy is growing, but petroleum engineers still have a lot of job opportunities, especially if they have a master’s degree.
The average pay for these oil and gas positions is $137,720, and the top 10% of earners can expect to make over $208,000 annually.
In this line of work, you will be in charge of developing new oil fields, designing oil extraction machinery, assessing production techniques, and coming up with fresh, safer, and more effective ways to meet global energy demands.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers solve problems involving a variety of commonplace products, including fuel, by using the fundamental concepts of chemistry, biology, math, and physics (among others).
Chemical engineers are frequently at the forefront of energy advancement, from large-scale manufacturing to testing new techniques. The careers can be classified as oil and gas jobs or they can apply to renewable energy.
One of the most desirable energy jobs, the top 10% in this profession make over $176,090 a year. This is still one of the most intriguing jobs available, despite the fact that it has its difficulties and involves numerous difficult issues.
Atmospheric Scientist
The wind energy industry needs a wide range of specialists, including atmospheric scientists, who can advise on the best locations and methods for harvesting wind energy.
One of the best green jobs is working as an atmospheric scientist because they have a good understanding of the weather and can make forecasts that benefit wind energy.
The top 10% of earners can anticipate salaries over $147,000 for these energy jobs, and both the pay and growth are excellent. As an atmospheric scientist, you have the opportunity to use your expertise in one of the best renewable energy careers.
Wind Farm Site Manager
Site managers are required for wind farms to oversee daily operations, guarantee workers adhere to safety procedures, and maintain facilities and equipment. Along with working with local governments and landowners, they also train their staff.
Employer-specific requirements for education and experience range from just a vocational certificate to a bachelor’s degree, depending on the position.
According to the Occupational Information Network, the median annual wage for wind energy operation managers in 2021 was $124,650. This position is expected to see a growth of 5–10% between 2020 and 2030.
Materials Engineer
Engineers who work with materials, such as metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites, test and produce them. On the job, they carry out tests for failure and analysis, measuring macro- and micro-hardness, tensile strength, leakage, and pressure. Additionally, they might perform durability inspections.
According to the BLS, these workers earned a median yearly salary of $98,300 in 2021, and from 2020 to 2030, the occupation is expected to grow by 8%.
Transportation equipment manufacturing, engineering services, and the production of computer and electronic products are the industries that employ the most materials engineers.
Nuclear Engineer
A median annual salary of $120,380 was earned by nuclear engineers in 2021 (BLS), a profession that necessitates employees to oversee nuclear facility operations and design nuclear equipment.
However, it is anticipated that the number of jobs in the nuclear energy sector will decrease by 8% between 2020 and 2030, in part because of the growth of renewable energy sources and the decreased price of natural gas.
Federal government organizations (18% of workers), firms that provide scientific research and development services (15%), and the manufacturing sector (10%) are the biggest employers of nuclear engineers.
Civil Engineer
In the United States, there were about 310,000 civil engineers working as of 2020, with engineering services employing about half of them (BLS). Additionally, civil engineers work for businesses that construct non-residential buildings, as well as for federal, state, and local government organizations.
The average yearly pay for this position is $88,050. Civil engineers frequently review drawings and technical specifications for civil construction projects, though duties vary by industry.
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from a program that has received ABET accreditation is the bare minimum requirement for civil engineers.
Solar Project Developer
To finish jobs on schedule, solar project developers work with vendors, laborers, local government organizations, investors, investors, landowners, and contractors. Employees must estimate the costs of materials, labor, and construction in order to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
Employers determine the level of education required for solar project developers; some call for a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management.
Additionally, businesses may hire solar project developers with relevant experience. A median annual salary of $72,010 was earned by solar project developers in 2021, according to the Occupational Information Network.
Power Plant Operator
For some employers, obtaining a high school diploma and undergoing on-the-job training may be sufficient for employment as a power plant operator, which pays a median annual salary of $94,790, per the BLS. But from 2020 to 2030, it’s expected that employment for this position will fall by 14%.
At power plants, power distributors and dispatchers, and nuclear power reactor operating sites, power plant operators inspect and adjust equipment. Operators, distributors, and dispatchers of power plants work for the utilities industry in about 71% of cases, while the government employs another 16% of them.
Geoscientist
Geoscientists gather and analyze samples both outdoors and in labs. They frequently have to find oil and gas deposits. They might coordinate field investigations, manage project budgets, and handle office work like data analysis and report writing. Employers frequently demand at least a bachelor’s degree.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for people in this occupation was $83,680 in 2021. The United States employed about 29,000 geoscientists. in 2021, and this field is projected to increase by 7% from 2020-2030.
Agricultural Engineer
You might not think that agriculture and energy are two distinct fields, but with the development of biofuels, one could easily claim that an agricultural engineer is a position in the energy sector.
Making more with less is the overarching objective of this profession. To achieve the best outcomes, this entails working with equipment, buildings, power sources, and environmental concerns.
Advanced training is frequently necessary for these energy jobs because they frequently involve the use of computer software, testing procedures, management techniques, and more.
Though business, public policy, and economics classes will also be beneficial, calculus, physics, and chemistry are the most common prerequisites for engineers.
Where Can I Get A Job In Renewable Energy?
Identify Your Areas Of Interest
The field of renewable energy offers a variety of career paths. Despite the fact that you can always change jobs later in your career, you might want to think about researching the field and going down the route that appeals to you the most.
You might be more thoughtful about your training, education, and volunteer endeavors if you can narrow down the numerous job options.
Go Over Your Resume And Adjust It
Your resume highlights your credentials for the job, including your training, work history, skill set, and accomplishments. You could be contacted for an interview after a hiring manager reviews your application materials.
The key pieces of information about you that are relevant to the position must be included in the resume you submit. To make sure you’re including all the information hiring managers are looking for, compare your resume to the job description.
Volunteer At Alternative Energy Groups
Before pursuing a career in the area of passion you have, volunteering enables you to make a difference in that field. One benefit of volunteering is the chance to network with professionals in the field who might be able to assist you in your job search. Your level of expertise in the area also rises.
Get A Bachelor’s Degree
Although many jobs in the renewable energy field do not require a bachelor’s degree, you may want to think about pursuing a degree in a closely related field if you want to work in a specialized field.
Consider degrees in chemistry, bioinformatics, chemical engineering, or environmental policy based on your interests. Your degree will help you stand out from other applicants for the same position.
Graduate certifications may help you learn even more about topics like sustainability, green energy, the environment, and power systems if you want to go one step further.
Enrol In An Apprenticeship Or Internship
Getting valuable work experience through an apprenticeship or internship is possible. You can develop your project management skills, network with professionals in the industry, and gain knowledge about your chosen renewable energy specialization.
If your work makes an impression on your employer, they might even inquire as to whether you’d like to work there full-time.
Stay Updated On Industry Trends
Even if you have a bachelor’s degree or have had some training, you might find more information if you keep looking into the field and keeping an eye out for advancements. You might feel more equipped to respond to specific interview questions, which can advance your career.
Take Specialist Training
Numerous positions in the renewable energy industry call for some on-the-job training, particularly if you want to move up to a more technical position. Look into courses and other training options that might give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen specialization.
You might be able to find opportunities that work with your schedule even if you are employed right now. You could also show the hiring manager that you’ve finished training; this will make you stand out from the competition.
Connect With Other Experts
Seek out opportunities to connect with experts in the area. This can be accomplished by attending networking events, reading and commenting on professional industry blogs, attending conferences, and going to seminars.
The people you meet might be able to mentor you, support you in pursuing your career goals, or put you in touch with people who can help you find entry-level employment.
Read More: What Jobs Can I Get With An MBA?
