Yes, energy is an excellent career path. A job in energy offers several opportunities, such as working as an engineer or analyst. You can make up to $109,200 per year as an industrial engineer. Also, you may choose a career that fits your passion, skills, and interests.
To help you make the best choice, we’ve examined the energy career path and identified the seven best-paying jobs in the industry.
Our Take
Is the Energy Industry a Good Career Path?
Yes, energy is a good job career path. Individuals interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects and who desire to work in a sector that is very important to today’s society may find an energy career to be a suitable fit.
The energy sector includes several industries, such as oil and gas, electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
Thus, energy has several jobs always available within the energy company operations, including engineering, research & development, management, and operations.
Does the Energy Industry Pay Well?
Yes, the energy industry pays very well. Therefore, for experts with the right skills and experience, it may be a rewarding career.
Some professions in the energy industry, such as those requiring specific technical knowledge or advanced education, may be lucrative.
According to Indeed (a salary/job review website), the typical annual pay for a solar consultant in March 2023 is $122,454, while the median pay for a Field service technician is $51,370 per year.
How Much Does an Energy Engineering Salary Cost?
Energy workers are more likely to be unionized and earn a greater reward.
According to the United States Energy and Employment Report 2022 (USEER), energy employment pays 34% more than the national median pay.
The typical income, however, varies based on the type of energy work you do. According to ZipRecruiter, a Renewable Energy Engineer makes an average of $105,500 per year, whereas an Energy Advisor makes an average of $57,000 per year.
Pros and Cons of Energy Career Paths
An energy profession can lead you in a variety of directions, but certain common pros and cons might help you answer the question, “Is energy a good career path for me?”
Pros:
- Growth opportunities: Employees in the energy industry have several career advancement opportunities for promotion. For example, you may begin as a supervisor and work your way up to becoming an administrator.
- Low-Entry Jobs: Although certain positions in the energy sector demand special skills, you don’t need a particular degree or even a degree at all to get started.
- Positive impact: Working in the energy industry allows you to make a difference in the environment and society by creating and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
- High pay and benefits: Energy firms often provide high salaries and benefits, such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and bonuses or profit-sharing.
- Job security: In 2023 and beyond, the world will continue to need energy. To effectively access, use, and distribute that energy, skills, and highly educated professionals are required.
- Jobs Variety: Since there are several possible careers in the energy sector, job seekers have more possibilities at all levels of employment.
Cons:
- Workplace Risk: On-site work might be dangerous depending on your job in the energy industry. Construction and operations occupations, for instance, have more risky job conditions, especially when dealing with electricity and heavy machines.
What are the Job Prospects for Energy?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the employment of energy engineers will increase by 6% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the need for energy engineers will probably be driven by technological advancements and an increasing focus on sources of renewable energy.
The need for energy engineers may shift according to several factors, such as the status of the economy, technical development, and movements in the energy industry.
In general, a high need for energy engineers is expected in the years to come due to the growing demand for dependable and sustainable energy sources.
List of Careers in Energy and Power?
This is a list of careers in energy and power:
- Geoscientist
- Wind Farm Site Manager
- Green Construction Manager
- Civil Engineer
- Drilling Supervisor
- Financial Analyst For Renewable Energy Companies
- Solar Project Developer
- Solar PV Installer
- Renewable Energy Consultant
- Solar Project Manager
- Scientific Researcher
- Industrial Engineer
- Solar Power Plant Operator
- Solar Energy Software Developer
- Chemist
- Wind Turbine Service Technician
- Sales Representative
- Solar Engineer
- Environmental Engineering Technician
- Solar Energy Technician
- Service Unit Operator
- Environmental Science And Protection Technician
- Solar Power Plant Construction Worker
- Site Assessor
- Roofers
7 Best-Paying Jobs in Energy
There are several jobs available in the oil and gas industry, as well as the expanding alternative energy sector. You may decide to embark on any of the following high-paying jobs.
1]: Geoscientist
- Median Salary: $110,629 per year (Zippia)
- Prospect: 5% from 2021-2031
Geoscientists gather and analyze materials both outdoors and in labs. They are frequently charged with finding oil and gas deposits.
They may also be in charge of field investigations, project finances, and administrative activities such as data analysis and report writing. Most employers need at least a bachelor’s degree.
2]: Industrial Engineer
- Median Salary: $109,200 per year (Forbes)
- Prospect: 10% from 2021-2031
They must receive the education needed to improve organizational efficiency and cut expenses. Additionally, employees assist in managing safety programs and producing cost estimates for upcoming items. These experts need at least a bachelor’s degree.
3]: Civil Engineer
- Median Salary: $87,172 per year (Indeed)
- Prospect: 10% from 2021-2031
The tasks of a civil engineer vary depending on the company, but they usually involve analyzing plans and technical requirements for civil construction projects.
Furthermore, civil engineers are employed by federal, state, local, and private building construction firms.
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is the minimum requirement for civil engineers.
4]: Nuclear Engineer
- Median Salary: $250,015 per year (Salary)
- Prospect: 11% from 2021-2031
Nuclear engineers oversee nuclear facility operations and develop nuclear equipment.
Federal government organizations, scientific research and development services, and engineering services are the biggest employers of nuclear engineers.
5]: Materials Engineer
- Median Salary: $84,468 per year (Glassdoor)
- Prospect: 6% from 2021-2031
Materials engineers research and develop materials such as metals, ceramics, plastic, and composites.
They execute failure and analysis tests on the job, measuring macro and microhardness, tensile, leak, and pressure.
6]: Power Plant Operator
- Median Salary: $57,774 per year (Salary)
- Prospect: 15% from 2021-2031
Power plant operators operate, control, and maintain the machinery used to generate power.
To transfer electricity across generators and manage the output of many generators, power plant operators use control boards.
To become a power plant operator with some firms, you may need a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
7]: Wind Farm Site Manager
- Median Salary: $93,000 per year (ZipRecruiter)
- Prospect: 6% from 2021-2031
Wind farm site managers oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring that workers follow safety rules and equipment and facilities are maintained.
Employers have different educational and job experience requirements. Some jobs require a bachelor’s degree, while others require basic vocational training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is energy
Energy is the ability to do work
What is the difference between energy engineering and power engineering?
Energy engineering examines all forms of energy, including nuclear, fossil fuels, solar, wind, and other natural resources. Power Engineering, on the other hand, is highly specialized and examines the generation and transmission of power.
What is the qualification of energy engineering?
A degree in engineering or a scientific subject.
Bottom Line
The global energy sector will undergo some changes during the next decade. It is constantly expanding and providing several job possibilities.
There are various benefits to pursuing a career in the energy business. These benefits include the ability to travel, work overseas, and make a meaningful impact on the world.
Every major country invests heavily in solar, wind, and geothermal energy, making it an excellent career path.
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