Top 22 Best-Paying Jobs In Energy in 2024

Energy is a fundamental component nowadays. Vehicles, lights, computers, appliances, healthcare equipment, technologies, and modern conveniences require energy.

Today’s world requires professionals who can excel in energy careers. It requires people who understand the fundamental principles of energy. They should know how to take a raw resource and convert it into the movement of a car, house heat, or school power.

Let’s look at the top 22 best-paying jobs in the energy sector. The salaries mentioned are annual and might vary according to the nature of the job, the organization’s rules, experience, and skill sets.

1. Wind Farm Site Manager

Average Salary: $107.029

Wind turbines need several management activities and must manage the large wind farms along with more employees and equipment.

To maximize staff and equipment productivity, site managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business and management and proven experience. These are typically the highest-paying jobs in the energy industry.

2. Geoscientist

Average Salary: $99,532

Many geoscientists work to explore and develop natural resources such as petroleum. Others are involved in projects to clean up and reclaim land, as well as environmental protection and preservation. Some focus on specific aspects of the Earth, such as its oceans.

The oil and gas industry requires many geophysicists to research and explore potential land and sea resources. However, the shift to renewables and significant drops in oil prices worldwide are gradually making such jobs obsolete.

Geothermal energy is a field that requires many of the same skills as any other. As a result, this is one of the most in-demand climate change jobs. Most job opportunities require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a geoscience discipline.

Do you want to know what a typical day for a geoscientist or geologist looks like? It’s not something easy. It’s a very tough job.

3. Civil Engineer

Average Salary: $86,640

Civil engineers are important, especially in construction, energy, or building departments. They are responsible for the materials used and any damages caused later. Their selection is made in 3-4 interview rounds, and their salaries are much better than other professions.

Large construction projects are planned, designed, and managed by civil engineers. It might include bridges, buildings, transportation links, and other major structures. They use computer modeling software and data from surveys, tests, and maps to create project blueprints.

Every electricity and energy company that plans to build a new power plant will need civil engineers.

A background in industrial construction projects is required, as is at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering. For existing civil engineers, it is a highly-paid job in energy.

4. Financial Analyst For Renewable Energy Companies

Average Salary: $85,660

Finance is a very delicate department as they have all the accounting data of any organization. They are responsible for all online and physical payments and are answerable daily to the management.

These analysts work with the Structured Finance team to support all aspects of developing and closing solar project investments. The analyst focuses on financial modeling to aid in designing new investment structures, evaluating new project opportunities, and collaborating with various banks/funds. Furthermore, the analyst collaborates with the policy and business development teams to evaluate new market opportunities.

Many aspects of the renewable energy industry still exist in their infancy. It includes calculating investment returns, increasing energy efficiency, conducting quantitative analysis of investment data, and marketing new services for a business in this industry, which relies heavily on financial analysts.

Successful job seekers must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance or accounting and a track record of employment in a related industry.

You can apply for this position if you want to work in this role. You need to send your resume to hundreds of renewable energy companies.

5. Solar Project Developer

Average Salary: $84,130

Solar Project Developers are responsible for all solar energy project developments as part of the clean energy economy. This includes building permits, interconnection rights, securing land rights, and property tax agreements. They work closely with engineering, finance, and commercial teams when a project successfully moves to the ‘pre-construction’ phase where they act as lead project sponsor for the project’s successful financing and construction. Successful developers stay current on emerging solar technologies, the energy market, and policy developments.

It is another category with significant growth potential as the number of small and large solar energy projects grows in the United States and globally. Every project requires meticulous planning to obtain the necessary permits and grid connections.

Solar project developers must also deal with engineers, financial analysts, and lawyers to ensure each project’s success.

6. Solar Power Plant Operator

Average Salary: $83,173

They operate power generation equipment that may use any fuel type, i.e., coal, nuclear power, or natural gas. They read meters, gauges, and charts to monitor voltage and electricity flows. They inspect equipment and indicators for malfunctioning signs and adjust controls to maintain and regulate power flow perfectly.

Many believe that once a solar renewable energy installation is operational, it operates on autopilot. However, this is not entirely correct.

Every larger solar project necessitates at least one, and often many, operators. This position will require some mechanical or electrical experience, and you must be willing to get your hands dirty.

7. Solar Project Manager

Average Salary: $83,134

A solar project manager maximizes efficiency by keeping track of goals, tasks, resources, schedules, costs, and contingencies while implementing detailed project plans. They are accountable for the work’s quality and for keeping a project on time and within budget.

Every solar installation necessitates hiring a project manager or construction manager, whose job is to plan schedules and budgets and align team members so they can work perfectly at the right time.

A graduate degree or higher in a business-related field is required for this position. You must also have prior experience managing industrial or construction projects.

8. Renewable Energy Consultant

Average Salary: $82,450

Renewable energy consultants advise clients on renewable energy sources. Examples include wind, solar, marine, wave, tidal, hydro, and bioenergy. They also guide long-term solutions in the built environment and infrastructure sectors.

It is one of the more specialized jobs, and current data indicate a significant increase in job growth. The job entails dealing directly with existing and new clients to educate them on effective energy solutions and potential upgrades.

Because the expertise is so distinct from all other energy sectors, jobs in this field frequently seek applicants with degrees in renewable energy management.

9. Scientific Researcher

Average Salary: $77,173

Research scientists are in charge of designing, carrying out, and analyzing data from controlled laboratory-based investigations, experiments, and trials. You could work for the government, environmental organizations, specialized research organizations, or universities.

These positions are available in private research firms and many universities, where many physicists and chemical engineers have the most to offer. The solar industry, in particular, has seen an increase in the demand for scientists, so the development of more efficient EV cells can be made possible.

A master’s degree in education is likely, but many companies also seek Ph.D. students to join their teams.

10. Industrial Engineer

Average Salary: $77,130

An industrial engineer creates and implements processes that allow for the efficient provision of services or the production of goods. An industrial engineer’s goal is to eliminate waste in manufacturing processes and ensure that systems use machines and workers best.

Renewable energy projects are becoming larger, with many reaching industrial scale.

It means that applicants with industrial engineering degrees and experience working in large oil and gas processing plants will have plenty of opportunities in the renewables sector.

11. Solar Energy Software Developer

Average Salary: $72,976

Software engineers create innovative digital tools for PV system design and monitoring, clean energy investment, finance, and sales, field training, project permitting, and service logistics.

Solar energy production relies on software mechanisms to continuously measure and fine-tune equipment operation.

Software engineers with core experience in industrial systems development often do particularly well in such careers, and the pay is also very competitive. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a computer science discipline, you could be in for a great career opportunity.

12. Solar Engineer

Average salary: $72,323

A solar engineer is in charge of providing innovative and comprehensive design engineering solutions for commercial and utility-scale solar photovoltaic projects. Solar engineers work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. Collaborate with Sales and Engineering to provide the best solution for each project.

Solar engineers’ job growth has remained strong as electric grid operators require more assistance to ensure that renewable energy sources are integrated efficiently.

Electrical and electronic engineering graduates are frequently at the top of the list, and several employers have a large backlog of projects requiring this skill set.

13. Solar Energy Technician

Average salary: $72,000

PV panels, which convert sunlight into energy, are installed by solar technicians. They might also collaborate with solar thermal panels, which convert the sun’s rays into usable heat. Solar PV installers may connect the panels to the electrical grid, depending on state laws.

Solar panels require extensive regular maintenance from large-scale solar power plants to private homes.

Applicants having work experience in HVAC, electrical appliances, central heating, and solar panel installation will have plenty of opportunities.

It’s also one of the highest-paying jobs that don’t necessarily necessitate a degree.

14. Chemist

Average salary: $70,195

A chemist performs qualitative and quantitative tests on chemical substances to develop new products or knowledge or ensure quality control. The Chemist will use a variety of tests and techniques to conduct experiments on organic and inorganic compounds.

Chemists with the skills contributing to developing and producing specialty fuels and lubricants have been in high demand in the oil and gas industry.

However, renewable and alternative energy sectors require the same skills to develop new biofuels.

Even for an entry-level position, applicants will most likely need a master’s degree in chemistry. The selection process involves all queries related to the chemical procedures and formulae.

15. Wind Turbine Service Technician

Average salary: $54,370

Examine the exterior and structural integrity of wind turbine towers. Ascend wind turbine towers to inspect or repair wind turbine equipment. Wind turbines require routine maintenance. Electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components and systems must be tested and troubleshot.

With the increasing number of wind turbine installations, it is no surprise that renewable energy companies anticipate a nearly 100% increase in the number of service technicians.

Skilled workers having a background in welding, construction, and electrical installations are needed to install new wind farms and service existing ones.

16. Sales Representative

Average salary: $53,804

Energy sales specialists generate fuel sales in their assigned territory using various methods such as target marketing, competitive analysis, and providing value-added energy products, services, and recommendations.

Most people are surprised by how technical a sales job in the renewable energy sector can be.

Most employers look for employees who can assess existing equipment, fully analyze customers’ needs, and act as liaisons between the customer, installer, and utility companies.

This position requires proven sales skills in highly technical equipment.

17. Environmental Engineering Technician

Average salary: $50,560

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians are typically responsible for the following tasks: Set up, test, operate, and modify environmental pollution prevention and cleanup equipment— maintained project documentation and computer program files.

As the energy industry continues to evolve, there is a high demand for environmental technicians who collaborate closely with engineers to assess the effects of new energy facilities.

Geothermal and hydro energy plants, such as dams, have created the most jobs in this sector.

18. Service Unit Operator

Average Salary: $47,860

Service unit operators troubleshoot and resolve drilling issues in oil and gas drilling as well as mining operations. They use equipment to increase the flow of oil from producing wells or to remove stuck pipes, tools, or other impediments from drilling wells and mining exploration operations.

While the oil and mining industries laid off many construction equipment operators, many of those workers could benefit from significant job growth in the renewable sector.

Experience in the oil and mining industries can be a big plus and an opportunity to use your skills in safer and more environmentally friendly services.

19. Environmental Science And Protection Technician

Average salary: $46,170

Environmental science and protection technicians in state and local governments inspect businesses and public places and investigate complaints about air quality, water quality, and food safety. They may be involved in environmental regulation enforcement.

These positions require field and laboratory work to ensure that renewable installations and energy-producing facilities do not cause unintended environmental damage.

They also monitor all forms of pollution to assess their impact on workers and the general population’s health. It is one of the most rewarding renewable energy jobs ever.

The most common minimum educational requirement is a degree in environmental engineering.

20. Solar PV Installer

Average salary: $42,680

PV installers typically perform the following tasks:

  • Configure Pv Systems Based On Customer Requirements And Site Conditions And Measure The Solar Pv Panel Support Structures.

More people are switching to renewable electricity in their homes, and solar panels are one of the most effective solutions.

Installing and integrating these panels with batteries in private and commercial buildings is highly technical. A background in HVAC and electrical installations are required, but specialized training is also required for an effective solar installation.

21. Solar Power Plant Construction Worker

Average salary: $41,940

One can take several paths to become a solar panel installer. You can achieve the necessary qualifications by completing a college course or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant qualifications, you could apply for a job directly with an employer.

Their job is to assess the locations to ensure that they are suitable for solar panels, to measure up areas for installation, and to make adjustments to building surfaces so that panels fit and are adequately supported. They also install and maintain solar panels on homes, commercial properties, and open land.

The great thing about solar power plants is that they are available in all sizes and shapes.

And there is no shortage of construction work, whether a large-scale operation with thousands of panels in a desert location or a small private plant for commercial or industrial buildings. Building, welding, and scaffolding skills are essential for these projects.

22. Site Assessor

Average salary: $40,000

Every renewable energy project must begin with a site evaluation. The same determine the suitability of various locations for solar or wind energy.

Taking local measurements over several weeks and months, assessing the types of mounting structures, and estimating the system’s cost are all part of the job.

People with construction or electrical backgrounds are frequently excellent candidates.

Conclusion

We have provided the top 22 best-paying jobs in the energy sector. These are the most common ones with estimated salary values. You might find variations in the list as it updates according to trends, hirings, and regions.

Leave a Comment