Careers in the Energy & Green Energy Industry
Top Jobs in energy & green energy - Check out some of the fastest growing jobs*
Wind turbine technicians
- Job outlook: 61% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
- Average salary: $56,230 per year/$27.03 per hour (BLS)
- Education requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award
Solar photovoltaic installers
- Job outlook: 51% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
- Average salary: $44,890 per year/$21.58 per hour (BLS)
- Education requirement: High School or Eqivalent
Atmospheric scientists, including meterologists
- Job outlook: 5% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
- Average salary: $81,270 per year/$30.07 per hour (BLS)
- Education requirement: Bachelor’s Degree
hydrologists
- Job outlook: 6% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
- Average salary: $95.380 per year/$45.86 per hour (BLS)
- Education requirement: Bachelor’s Degree
*Job outlook, Average salary & Education requirements change periodically; check link for most recent.
energy & green energy occupations
careers within energy & green energy
The energy & green energy industry has a multitude of opportunities for you. Explore all the paths you can take in this industry or explore some of the top occupations by checking out the top jobs.
geoscientists
Geoscientists use a wide variety of tools, both simple and complex. During a typical day in the field, they may use a hammer and chisel to collect rock samples and then use ground-penetrating radar equipment to search for oil or minerals. In laboratories, they may use x rays and electron microscopes to determine the chemical and physical composition of rock samples. They may also use remote sensing equipment to collect data, as well as geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling software to analyze the data collected. Most geoscientists split their time between working indoors in offices and laboratories, and working outdoors. Doing research and investigations outdoors is commonly called fieldwork and can require irregular working hours and extensive travel to remote locations.
environmental engineers
Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. They also address global issues, such as unsafe drinking water, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Environmental engineers conduct hazardous-waste management studies in which they evaluate the significance of a hazard and advise on treating and containing it. They also design systems for municipal and industrial water supplies and industrial wastewater treatment, and research the environmental impact of proposed construction projects. Environmental engineers in government develop regulations to prevent mishaps. Some environmental engineers study ways to minimize the effects of acid rain, climate change, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion. They also collaborate with environmental scientists, urban and regional planners, hazardous-waste technicians, and other engineers, as well as with specialists such as experts in law and business, to address environmental problems and environmental sustainability.
Wind turbine service technicians
Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. Wind turbines are large mechanical devices that convert wind energy into electricity. The turbine is made up of three major components: a tower, three blades, and a nacelle, which is composed of an outer case, generator, gearbox, and brakes. Wind turbine service technicians install and repair the components of these structures. Although some windtechs are involved in building new wind turbines, most of their work is in maintaining them, particularly the nacelles, which contain the equipment that generates electricity. Maintenance schedules are largely determined by a turbine’s hours in operation, but can also vary by manufacturer. Turbines are monitored electronically from a central office, 24 hours a day. When a problem is detected, windtechs travel to the worksite and make the repairs. Typical maintenance includes inspecting components and lubricating parts. For turbines that operate year round, routine maintenance may occur one to three times a year. Windtechs use safety harnesses and a variety of hand and power tools to do their work. They also use computers to diagnose electrical malfunctions. Most turbine monitoring equipment is located in the nacelle, which can be accessed both onsite and off.
geological and petroleum technicians
Geological and petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources, such as oil and natural gas. Geological and petroleum technicians tend to specialize either in fieldwork and laboratory work, or in office work analyzing data. However, many technicians have duties that overlap into multiple areas. In the field, geological and petroleum technicians use sophisticated equipment, such as seismic instruments, to gather geological data. They also use tools to collect samples for scientific analysis. In laboratories, these technicians analyze the samples for evidence of hydrocarbons, useful metals, or precious gemstones. Geological and petroleum technicians use computers to analyze data from samples collected in the field and from previous research. The results of their analyses may explain a new site’s potential for further exploration and development or may focus on monitoring the current and future productivity of an existing site. Geological and petroleum technicians work on geological prospecting and surveying teams under the supervision of scientists and engineers, who evaluate the work for accuracy and make final decisions about current and potential production sites. Geologic and petroleum technicians might work with scientists and technicians in other fields as well. For example, geological and petroleum technicians might work with environmental scientists and technicians to monitor the environmental impact of drilling and other activities.
