8 High-Paying Jobs in Energy

The energy sector has many positions spanning many areas, and generally, these roles pay quite well. In particular, green energy positions have become more popular and profitable in recent years with growing global interest in new, cleaner technologies. The job outlook also looks promising. The 2024 US Department of Energy report details the growth of clean energy jobs in every state, adding 149,000 jobs nationally [1]. Additionally, the Department of Energy anticipates continued growth as the country moves toward clean energy, a driving factor in increasing energy jobs throughout America.

Learn more about possible job opportunities to explore and how much you can earn in the energy sector.

What are energy jobs?

Energy jobs involve the energy sector, including generating energy, maintaining energy infrastructures, or maintaining or repairing operations that create energy for our communities. To enter this vast field, you might need to prepare for a specific position with technical or vocational schools or a college degree.

Explore eight of the highest-paying jobs in energy in the US below. 

* Annual base salary data excludes additional pay like commissions and benefits and is sourced from Glassdoor as of November 2024, with job outlook data sourced from BLS.gov.

1. Chemical engineer

Average annual salary: $94,720

Job outlook: 10 percent

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field; some employers may require relevant field experience

Chemical engineers use chemistry to solve issues involving drugs, food, and fuel. In the energy sector, you could conduct research as part of the fuel development process, create safety procedures when working with chemicals, or investigate problems that arise during the fuel-making process. As a chemical engineer in the energy sector, you could also develop plans to make sure fuel generated through the chemical process is environmentally safe and meets government regulations.

If you want to work in chemical engineering, you will need a bachelor’s degree in the subject or a related field. You could also consider a post-secondary degree, though it’s not required. While licensing isn’t necessary, a Professional Engineering (PE) license may help you succeed later in your career.

2. Environmental scientist and specialist

Average annual salary: $72,647

Job outlook: 7 percent

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a science-related field; professional experience, an advanced degree, and certifications helpful

With the growth of renewable energy accelerating globally, the need for knowledgeable professionals to help companies and organizations understand their options for augmenting their existing energy sources or switching entirely to alternative energy sources, such as solar or wind, is also likely to grow. In this role, you would perform building and site assessments, analyze data, create energy usage reports, and assess renewable energy options to provide recommendations to your clients. You will need solid industry knowledge and skills, such as data analysis. 

Additionally, as a consultant, your clients will rely on your expertise, which often requires having an advanced degree, certifications, and licenses, depending on your specialty. For example, you may opt for a Renewable Energy Professional (REP) accreditation from the Association of Energy Engineers, demonstrating your deep knowledge of renewable energy options, technologies, and alternatives. If you specialize in the operations and construction side of the industry, you might choose to get your LEED Green Associate certification from the US Green Building Council.

3. Petroleum engineer

Average annual salary: $130,259

Job outlook: 2 percent

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field

Petroleum engineers play a varied role in the oil and gas industry. You could work in the field, developing ways to extract those materials from the ground. You may work in an office and travel to sites where oil drilling occurs, such as an oil well or oil field. Some of your responsibilities may include designing equipment that can extract oil and gas, developing drilling plans for a particular area, or confirming the correct installation and operation of specific oil extraction equipment.

Your potential job options can vary based on the specific fields you decide to pursue. For example, you could specialize as a drilling engineer or reservoir engineer.

Petroleum engineers usually need a bachelor’s degree in engineering. You can also take specific courses in geology or thermodynamics. You don’t need any licensing or certification, but getting a Professional Engineering (PE) license may be a good idea if you plan to advance in the field.

4. Environmental engineer

Average annual salary: $85,030

Job outlook: 7 percent

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree at a minimum; employers often prefer candidates with some experience 

In addition to working in what many consider an exciting field, environmental engineers use their passion and knowledge to help people and communities. Depending on your job, you may also have chances to travel for fieldwork and find employment worldwide while creating changes that can positively impact people around the globe.

In this role, you'll perform varied tasks, commonly addressing global environmental issues. You may also provide investigative support and data, design environmentally protective projects, perform quality-control checks, and oversee various projects at the forefront of renewable energy efforts.

Becoming an environmental engineer requires a bachelor's degree at a minimum. You might also opt for a dual bachelor's and master's degree program or gain professional experience before earning an advanced degree.

5. Wind turbine technician

Average annual salary: $63,166

Job outlook: 60 percent

Requirements: Technical school and on-the-job training

Wind turbine technicians are responsible for the day-to-day operations of wind turbines to generate electricity. You may need to inspect wind turbine towers, perform routine maintenance on wind turbines, or troubleshoot and fix issues with the operation of turbines. Wind turbines could be more than 300 feet tall [2], so installing and repairing turbines could be challenging for someone afraid of heights.

Wind turbine technicians can gain certification in wind energy technology through a vocational school or community college. You can also get an associate degree in the field. While you don’t need licensing or certification, it may help to obtain professional credentials in topics critical to the position, such as tower climbing, self-rescue, and electrical safety.

6. Solar photovoltaic (PV) installer

Average annual salary: $65,566

Job outlook: 48 percent

Requirements: A high school diploma; technical school or community college courses

Solar photovoltaic installers are responsible for installing solar panels as part of an electricity-generating system using solar power. You may work on various sites, such as roofs in residential areas or commercial buildings, or you could be out in the field assembling systems on a large piece of land. You’ll need to know how to configure different systems depending on a customer’s needs, activate and test the system, perform routine maintenance on panels, or install panels and support structures based on building codes.

You’ll need at least a high school diploma and some courses from a local college or vocational school in solar panel installation. It also can help to have experience in a construction-related field. Some states may require a license to install solar panels, so check with your state’s licensing authorities for details about its specific requirements.

7. Civil engineer

Average annual salary: $88,139

Job outlook: 6 percent

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, civil engineering technology, or a related field; a license in the field

Civil engineers are essential to constructing infrastructure projects such as electrical plants. You may have to budget construction costs, submit permit applications, research the best building materials for the project, and troubleshoot issues with construction plans. You can focus on a specific piece of the plant's buildout, working as a construction or structural engineer, among other options.

To become a civil engineer, you may need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a construction-related field. You’ll also benefit from a foundation in math, statistics, or engineering systems. You may also need a license or certification to be a civil engineer. For example, it may help you in your career to have a Professional Engineering (PE) license.

8. Geoscientist

Average annual salary: $94,448

Job outlook: 5 percent

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in geoscience or a related field; possible state-issued license 

Geoscientists study the physics of the earth, which can help obtain and maintain energy sources. You could be responsible for making maps and charts, writing scientific reports, or carrying out field studies to collect samples. A position as a geoscientist could be critical in the petroleum industry, which could have you looking for deposits to use for oil and gas extraction.

Geoscientists usually need a bachelor’s degree in geoscience or a related study area, such as physical science or natural resources. You may want to find a program that includes fieldwork, an integral part of working as a geoscientist. You may need a license, but the process depends on your location or state. Check with your local state board to determine if you need a license and the requirements to obtain one.

Get started in energy on Coursera.

The salaries and requirements of positions in the energy sector vary considerably, so it’s essential to understand the differences between these roles when deciding which job is right for you. 

Explore different skills you may need for a job in energy with a Professional Certificate or another career-minded program on Coursera. You can learn vital skills in a particular field or area of expertise to help you pick up a new position in the energy field. Consider completing the Renewable Energy Specialization from the University of Colorado Boulder, or learn more about sustainability with the Sustainable Cities Specialization from Johns Hopkins University on Coursera.