We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Energy Jobs, so you can learn and earn more.
You may be surprised to know that an energy job does not necessarily entail working in a power plant. These days, an energy job comes in many shapes and sizes.Â
We scoured the internet to bring you the top careers in the energy sector. Let’s begin with the highest-paying jobs for energy majors.Â
Here is a video summary based on this article
Table of Contents
#10. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $23,000 per year
- High Range: $67,000 per year
- Median Pay: $42,341 per year
What do they do?
Solar PV installers work to install and maintain solar panel systems on roofs or other elevated structures. They use various tools to complete their work, including drills, saws, and testing devices.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
While some employers don’t require specific degrees for this job, most prefer that you have an associate’s degree in a related field. Additionally, you should have:
- Good communication skills.
- Interpersonal abilities.
- Physical stamina.
- Physical strength.
- Mechanical strength.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Solar photovoltaic installers work for solar energy firms, renewable energy companies, and non-governmental organizations.Â
Many companies hire solar technicians in the United States. These include SolarCity, Vivint Solar, Sunrun Inc., and more.
What’s the best way to get this job?
One of the best ways to get into this field is by getting an apprenticeship or doing an internship while you’re in school. Also, look for opportunities at companies that hire Solar PV Installers as they’re growing their workforce. You can often start as an assistant instead of jumping right into the installation process.
Should you become a solar PV installer?
#9. Nuclear Technicians
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $36,000 per year
- High Range: $98,000 per year
- Median Pay: $62,612 per year
What do they do?
Nuclear technicians work in nuclear power plants, where they monitor the plant’s safety and make sure that it operates as efficiently as possible.
Nuclear technicians also perform routine maintenance on equipment, ensure that the facility is stocked with supplies, and train new employees.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Nuclear technicians need a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. But can also get an associate degree from community colleges or technical schools. A background in physics or chemistry is helpful but not required.
You need a license from your state’s health department to work in nuclear plants.
Nuclear technicians must be able to read and interpret blueprints. They must also have excellent problem-solving skills and be able to work independently.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most nuclear technicians work in power production and distribution firms.
Others may find employment in medical laboratories or research facilities working with radioactive materials.
What’s the best way to get this job?
An excellent way to get into this field is through internships with companies that hire nuclear technicians.
Should you become a nuclear technician?
#8. Wind Turbine Service TechnicianÂ
 How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $18,000 per year
- High Range: $266,000 per year
- Median Range: $66,398 per year
What do they do?
Wind turbine service technicians work on wind turbines to keep them running smoothly. Their roles can include checking the electrical connections to cleaning the blades.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers require an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. However, a bachelor’s degree may be enough for some positions.
You’ll also need to have excellent attention to detail since there’s not much room for error working on these large machines.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Wind turbine service technicians are needed all over the country, but most jobs are in states with a lot of wind power, like Texas, Iowa, and California.
These technicians work at wind farms and other facilities with wind turbines to maintain and repair them. They work for renewable energy companies.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
If you want to become a wind turbine service technician, start by looking for entry-level positions at local companies. Some of these firms offer training programs for new hires. Once you’ve built up your skills and experience working on turbines, begin job hunting. Apply for more senior roles with larger firms or consultancies specializing in providing support services.
What’s it like to be a wind service technician?
#7. Solar Power Plant Operator
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $21,000 per year
- High Range: $216,000 per year
- Median Pay: $67,618 per year
What do they do?
Solar power plant operators work at solar power plants to monitor the flow of electricity. They use computer programs to monitor the equipment and adjust to keep things running smoothly.Â
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A high school diploma and a few years of experience working in other power plants may be enough for this field.
Some employers require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field related to science or sustainability.
You should also have:
- Good communication skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Excellent technical knowledge of how power plants work.Â
- Ability to work on a team.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Power plant operators may find work in solar power plants or manufacturing firms.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The best way to begin your career as a solar power plant operator is to network with people who work in the industry. You can also search online job boards for current openings. Then apply when you find one you’re qualified for.
Should you become a solar power plant operator?
#6. Wind Farm Site Manager
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $28,000 per year
- High Range: $183,000 per year
- Median Pay: $67,670 per year
What do they do?
A wind farm site manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a wind farm. They ensure that the staff has all the tools to perform their duties. These professionals also manage relationships with contractors and vendors to ensure that the farm runs smoothly.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
There are no specific degrees required for this job. However, most employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree or higher in business administration or management. It’s also beneficial if you have experience working in construction or engineering.
You should have good management experience and work well under pressure while maintaining high-quality standards throughout your job responsibilities.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Wind farm site managers are employed by renewable energy companies that build and operate wind farms.Â
What’s the best way to get this job?
While networking with people already working in the field, ensure your resume is up-to-date and well-written.
You may also need some previous experience working with wind turbines before being hired for this position.Â
What’s it like to be a wind farm site manager?
#5. Solar Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Zippia
- Low Range: $56,000 per year
- High Range: $93,000 per year
- Median Pay: $72,000 per year
What do they do?
Solar engineers are responsible for designing and building solar power plants and other renewable energy plants. They use their engineering, chemical, mathematical and scientific skills to develop various energy sources. The roles of solar engineers may include:
- Performing site surveys.
- Supervising construction.
- Inspecting systems after completion.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably electrical or mechanical).
You should also have experience working with solar panels and related systems. The BLS also reports that most employees in this field will require some on-the-job training before working independently.
Strong analytical and excellent communication skills will come in handy for you in this field.Â
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Solar engineers may work for nonprofits, manufacturing industries, solar installation firms, or government agencies.
What’s the best way to get this job?
Outside of your formal education, experience working with renewable energy systems is essential if you want to get hired as a solar engineer. Try to find internships at companies in this field or volunteer for nonprofits that build renewable energy systems for developing countries.
What’s it like to be a solar engineer?
#4. Renewable Energy Consultant
 How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $50,000 per year
- High Range: $58,958 per year
- Median Pay: $75,000 per year
What do they do?
A renewable energy consultant is an expert in the field of renewable energy. They work with companies that want to move towards using renewable energy sources to create electricity and heat.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences: engineering or physics.
You’ll need strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities to succeed as a renewable energy consultant.Â
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
With the popularity of green energy, experts in wind energy are in demand. Renewable energy companies are hiring for this job. These firms include tech companies, car manufacturers, and even cities.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The best way to qualify for this job is by enrolling for the right degree program before finding out what companies are hiring for these positions. You don’t have to start as a consultant, you can opt for entry-level positions. Then work your way to the top.
Should you become a renewable energy consultant?
#3. Solar Project Developer
 How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $27,000 per year
- High Range: $142,500 per year
- Median Pay: $83,980 per year
What do they do?
Solar project developers manage the installation of solar-powered systems on residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They may also be responsible for researching funding opportunities and incentives.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a solar project developer, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Some companies may require you to have an advanced degree to get hired.Â
The requirements and skills needed to become a solar project developer may vary depending on what type of work you’re doing and who you’re working with. In general, you’ll need to have experience in finance, or business administration and knowledge of solar technology.Â
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Firms in the renewable energy industry can employ solar project developers. These professionals usually work with state governments and municipalities to help them meet their goals for renewable energy production.Â
What’s the best way to get this job?
One of the fastest ways to get this job is by getting experience working on renewable energy projects while you’re still in school. You can also volunteer with organizations like Solar Energy International (SEI) or the Solar Foundation. These organizations offer internships and other opportunities for young professionals interested in working on solar projects.
What’s it like to be a solar project developer?
#2. Petroleum Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $65,000 per year
- High Range: $176,000 per year
- Median Pay: $100,860 per year
What do they do?
A petroleum engineer is a type of engineer who specializes in the development, production, and extraction of petroleum products. These engineering professionals design and improve equipment and processes, especially those used in drilling operations.
They also coordinate with other engineers, geologists, and managers to ensure the safe development of petroleum-related equipment and processes.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The minimum education requirement for a petroleum engineer is generally a bachelor’s degree from an accredited engineering program. Some employers may require additional specialized training or master’s degrees in petroleum engineering.Â
Besides solid math and science skills, you should have:
- Strong analytical skills.
- Computer proficiency
- Strong communication skills.
- Leadership ability.
- Management experience.
- Critical thinking.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Petroleum engineers work in various locations in the oil and gas industry.Â
They may find work in mining firms, government agencies, oil rigs, and elsewhere where their skills are needed to manage or extract petroleum products.Â
What’s the best way to get this job?
If you want to become a petroleum engineer, you should start by doing well in school and taking classes to help you get into college. You can find ways to get more experience through an internship once you begin your college studies.
What’s it like to be a petroleum engineer?
#1. Solar Project Manager
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $45,000 per year
- High Range: $266,000 per year
- Median Pay: $104,984 per year
What do they do?
Project management is the highest-paying job in the renewable energy sector.
Solar project managers work with solar companies to plan and execute large-scale projects. They manage the work of teams of designers, engineers, and other professionals. These managers also coordinate with local government agencies to ensure compliance with all regulations.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a solar project manager, you should have a bachelor’s degree in business or engineering from an accredited program. You should also have at least five years of experience in solar installation and management.
Solar project managers must have excellent communication skills and must be able to work well with people from all different backgrounds. They should also be detail-oriented and organized to manage their time effectively.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Solar project managers typically work in the construction industry on large-scale solar projects. They are often employed by a large company specializing in solar energy or a utility company that provides power to consumers. Some may work independently as consultants who offer their services to smaller companies or homeowners.
What’s the best way to get this job?
There are many different ways to get this job. You can start at the bottom as an intern or apprentice. Then work your way up over time. The second option involves getting an advanced degree in business administration or engineering from an accredited university.
What’s it like to be a solar project manager?
Conclusion
While there are many careers with various levels and opportunities for advancement, the energy sector is focused on the very top tier.Â
Even if you aren’t interested in university to get your degree, consider getting a certification from an accredited school specializing in energy jobs. The career options are endless with this path, and your options will be endless.
