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Energy jobs are among the highest-paying and fastest-growing jobs in the world today. It’s difficult to envision a world without energy (chemical, solar, mechanical, and so on).
Because we require these energies to live, there is a great demand for their use. In this post, we’ll learn about the energy industry in general, the best energy careers, and the top 20 high-paying energy jobs.
Is a career in the energy sector worth it?
Yes, it is. A world without energy is an impossible thought. Due to technological advances, it is essential in almost every aspect of our modern lives.
The possibilities for innovation in the energy industry are virtually endless. Energy is a well-established, well-paid idea and, most of all, a professional subject that is always growing and evolving.
Energy engineers, therefore, are the noble professionals in charge of discovering new sources of energy, harnessing them, and transforming them into the magic that powers your iPhone through your home’s electrical outlets.
Working in the energy sector, like most engineering areas, also entails a wide range of tasks with a focus on two key goals: discovering innovative ways to produce clean and efficient energy and lowering power use.
The energy sector must be a problem solver and expert in process optimization. Energy is, however, a highly specialized technical profession that often necessitates the completion of a university degree.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. Some educational institutions, on the other hand, provide energy programs that allow students to develop in the sector without having graduate degrees.
What careers are in energy?
There are, however, a lot of career opportunities in the energy sector. Some of them are:
- Architects: They design and plan buildings’ structures.
- Chemical Equipment Operators: They operate those implements that control chemical reactions during production.
- Chemical plants and systems operators: They run plants and machines used for the whole chemical process.
- Civil engineers: They design and plan large construction projects using engineering.
- Construction and building inspectors: They inspect buildings and construction to make sure the engineers follow the plan.
- Construction managers: They oversee the construction process.
- Control and valve repairers and installers: They repair construction pieces of equipment.
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers of Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Repair and Install Electronic Devices.
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians: Design and repair electronic devices. Work under the engineers
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians: repair and inspect wind turbines
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers: install solar PV systems on roofs or mount them on the ground.
The careers mentioned above, however, are just a few of the numerous opportunities we have. The energy sector also has a lot of opportunities to explore.
Do renewable energy jobs pay well?
With the rise in fuel and gas prices, renewable energy is gradually replacing fossil fuels as our primary source of energy.
Do jobs in the renewable energy sector pay well? They do, of course. With government projects and individual support, the business is booming. Engineers can earn up to $70,000 per year.
Installers of wind turbines can earn a lot of money, depending on their experience. There is employment security in renewable energy because the business is only going to grow.
Renewable energy is huge right now and should be considered greatly when choosing one’s career.
How much can one earn with a career in the energy field?
How much you earn, however, depends on your career in the energy sector. As it was mentioned above, an engineer can earn close to $70,000. Electrical engineers earn $76,092 (AUD) a year, according to Payscale.
They can also make $52,634 per year and $124,266 per year, depending on their specialty and experience.
An average architect’s salary is $62,992 (AUD) per year. It, however, ranges from $48,694 per year to $93,728 per year. Their salary depends on experience.
According to Payscale, environmental officers make $68,397 (AUD) a year. Pay can also be between $48,377 and $90,817 per year.
Salaries earned in the energy field vary from career to career, but they can be huge. Expect a reasonable increase, as the industry is still growing.
20 Highest-Paying Jobs in energy
Are you wondering what the highest-paid jobs are in energy? Don’t worry. We’ve got you. Here’s a look at the top 20 highest-paying energy jobs.
1. Civil Engineer
Although it is not the only option, some civil engineers specialize in renewable energy and green building. Civil engineers assist with project planning, design, and supervision, as well as ensuring that projects are completed on time.
A bachelor’s degree is, however, required to work as a civil engineer. You can earn roughly $87,060 each year once you get it. Some people, however, receive more than $144,560.
2. Solar PV Installer
If you are looking for great entry-level environmental jobs and are also ready to do the heavy lifting, becoming a solar PV installer might be your best option.
These professionals install solar panels and other devices in buildings to convert sunlight into usable electricity.
Unlike most of the jobs on this list, this one does not require a college degree. Instead, in-service training or vocational training can usually be sufficient. You will also make around $44,890 per year.
3. Solar Energy Technicians
Solar energy technicians supervise the maintenance of the solar systems. After installing a solar energy system, solar energy technicians often take care of the maintenance of these systems.
This is also one of the highest-paying energy jobs around the world. Solar energy technicians typically work on-site to troubleshoot problems with solar energy systems and perform routine maintenance on those systems.
As solar energy grows in popularity, the tasks of solar energy technicians continue to become more in demand. Their average salary is, however, $52,559.
4. Financial Analyst
As a financial analyst, you can work for renewable energy companies and also be responsible for the finance department, track energy spending, pay employees, and address future financial issues.
Their skills as financial analysts can help the company develop the right energy product in the right area, make more informed expansion decisions, and also ensure that everything is being done to maximize profits.
Energy company financial analysis, therefore, is one of the highest-paying jobs in energy, with an average salary of $85,439.
5. Wind Farm Site Manager
You are responsible for overseeing the wind energy collection and a wind farm site as a wind farm site manager or engineer.
You are also responsible for overseeing the personnel assigned to these wind farm sites, as excellent leadership skills are therefore required for this position.
Wind farm managers or engineers must ensure that electrical energy is generated from wind power while maintaining the safety and integrity of the wind farm equipment.
With a typical salary of $110,630, it’s also one of the highest-paying jobs in the energy industry.
6. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineering is one of the highest-paying careers in the energy business, with an average income of $137,720, and these engineers are needed now more than ever.
These engineers assist the oil and gas business in locating and utilizing oil resources by developing, creating, and constructing more effective methods of extracting, refining, or discovering new oil and gas resources.
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in petroleum to work in this field, and you can work in an office or on-site monitoring oil production and processing.
7. Environmental Technician
As one of the highest paying jobs in the energy sector, the environmental technician plays an important role in the energy sector by developing modern methods of combating pollution and keeping the environment much safer. And enforce the rules and regulations that businesses and the public must comply with to protect the environment.
As an environmental engineering technician, you can design ways or even environmentally friendly machines to reduce or eliminate the damage that power generation can sometimes do.
To be in this career, you, however, need a bachelor’s degree. The average salary is $50,620.
8. Architect Engineer / Manager
With an average salary of $144,830 per year, an architectural engineer or manager is one of the highest-paying jobs in the energy sector.
The job of these professionals is to design and build energy-efficient buildings that use less energy and fewer resources, thereby reducing waste.
Their tasks also include detailed planning, research management, and technical precision, all of which are aimed at reducing energy consumption. A bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering can lead you to this profession.
9. Power plant operator
Energy is collected, generated, and distributed to users through power plants. These systems require experienced operators to ensure efficient operation.
Operators of power plants are responsible for the operation and maintenance of electricity generation and distribution systems.
You can work in the renewable (solar, geothermal, etc.) or non-renewable (oil, gas, hydro) energy sectors, as well as alternative (nuclear) energy sectors. They earn around $85,950 every year
10. Project manager
Project management is not a specific profession in the energy industry. With so many projects in the industry, however, a project manager is a critical asset.
You will be responsible for planning and executing energy projects such as building plants, installing distribution systems, etc.
Project management is one of the highest-paying jobs in the renewable energy space, with an average salary of $66,000 per year. However, the top earners in the industry make more than $100,000 a year.
11. Geoscientist
A geoscientist is responsible for studying the physical properties of the earth.
Since many energy sources require extraction from the ground, geoscientists are among the most sought-after experts in the energy industry.
Geoscientists are vital in the discovery and production of oil and gas. You can also work in the field of renewable energies, for example, in geothermal exploration.
The geoscientist is one of the highest-paying jobs in the energy industry in terms of salary. You can expect to make anywhere from $50,000 to $110,000, or even more, depending on your experience.
12. Renewable Energy Consultant
Advising clients on how to choose the best renewable system for their homes or businesses is one of the highest-paying jobs in the energy industry.
As a consultant for renewable energies, I specialize in current renewable energies. With an average yearly compensation of $66,015, you have one of the highest-paying jobs in the industry as a renewable energy consultant.
To get started in this sector, a bachelor’s degree, therefore, should suffice.
13. Environmental technicians
In the energy sector, environmental specialists play a critical role in creating novel strategies to reduce pollution.
They not only help design and implement numerous regulations to ensure that energy businesses do not place undue pressure or harm on their environment, but they also help offset the damage that power generation can occasionally cause. A bachelor’s degree is normally required for this position.
Environmental engineers are important natural safeguards that aid in the safe and efficient operation of the energy sector. The average salary is $50,620
14. Site Assessor
A site assessor is incredibly important to the energy business, which is why it is one of the highest-paying energy professions. Site assessors have the task of conducting on-site visits to potential sites for power generation.
They use their unique skills to determine whether a particular site is suitable for an energy company to invest its resources in.
Site evaluators typically require certification or a bachelor’s degree for this type of career. The average salary is $69,778
15. Chemist
The average salary for this job is $70,195. The oil and gas industry is a great employer for chemists, whose skills help develop and manufacture specialty fuels and lubricants.
However, alternative and renewable energies require the same skills to develop new biofuels. From an educational perspective, applicants will probably also need a master’s degree in chemistry for a career entry position.
16. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
The median salary is $54,370. With the number of wind turbine installations increasing, it’s no surprise that renewable energy companies are expecting nearly 100% growth for service technicians.
This job requires skilled workers with experience in construction, welding, and electrical installation to install new wind farms and maintain existing ones.
17. Sales Representatives
This job pays an average of $53,804 per year. Most people are surprised by how technical a sales position in the renewable energy industry is.
Most organizations value not only sales abilities but also the ability to inspect current equipment, thoroughly analyze customer requirements, and act as a liaison between customers, installers, and utilities.
This position requires proven sales skills in highly technical teams.
18. Environmental Protection & Science Technician
The average salary for this job is $46,170. These jobs include both field and laboratory assignments to ensure that renewable and energy-generating equipment does not cause unintended environmental damage.
It would also be involved in monitoring all forms of pollution to assess the effects on the health of workers and the general population. This is probably one of the most fulfilling renewable energy jobs you can have.
A degree in environmental engineering is the most common minimum requirement for training.
19. Power plant operators
Power plant operators are responsible for the systems for generating and distributing electricity. Depending on the source of power generation, these could be renewable energy jobs, although they are not all.
With a little extra training, it is possible to earn around $85,950 a year as a power plant operator. It can even exceed $117,130 over time, making it one of the highest-paying energy jobs that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree.
20. Land Acquisition Specialist
If you are aiming for a non-scientific environmental career, a position as a land acquisition specialist may be right for you.
These professionals design and implement plans for wind energy sites, obtain development-related building permits, and facilitate the purchase or lease of land.
A bachelor’s degree is also required to go in this direction. This typically makes a land acquisition specialist about $63,715 a year.
Conclusion
Is energy a good career path? That’s, however, 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.
