What Is The Highest Paying Job In Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy refers to sustainable energy derived from natural sources like sunlight, wind, tides, waves, and geothermal heat that are naturally replenished. These renewable resources provide cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which cause pollution. Renewable energy has seen massive growth and provides thousands of well-paying jobs.
Some of the highest paying jobs in renewable energy include roles like wind turbine technicians, solar photovoltaic installers, solar engineers, geothermal plant managers, and more. These jobs offer competitive salaries along with the ability to work in an exciting and rapidly expanding industry.
This article provides an overview of the top highest paying job in the renewable energy sector along with information on salary, responsibilities, and required education and training.
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a wind turbine technician in the United States is $49,018 per year. However, salaries can range from $38,000 for entry-level positions to over $70,000 for experienced technicians. These professionals work on wind farms and travel between multiple turbine sites to conduct repairs and maintenance. The job outlook for wind turbine technicians is strong as renewable energy continues to grow. Employment is projected to grow by 61% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures (BLS). The role involves assessing installation sites, installing racks and mounting structures, wiring the PV modules, and performing maintenance. Solar PV installers work outdoors and on rooftops regularly. The median annual wage for solar PV installers in the US was $48,890 in 2021 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The job outlook for solar PV installers is excellent. The Solar Energy Industries Association projects the solar workforce will quadruple from 250,000 jobs in 2020 to 1 million jobs in 2035 as solar energy capacity expands (SEIA). PV solar installer is expected to be one of the fastest growing jobs over the next decade with a projected 51% growth from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations according to BLS.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer
Solar energy systems engineers design and develop solar energy generation systems for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. They determine the energy needs of a site and design a system to meet those needs, taking into account factors like climate, solar resource, and budget. According to Jooble, the average salary for a solar energy systems engineer in the UK is around £35,000 per year.
The role involves conducting site assessments, computer modeling and simulations, designing system components, sizing equipment, and developing cost estimates and project schedules. Solar energy systems engineers need a strong background in engineering, solar energy technologies, project management, and finance. They collaborate with installation crews, vendors, clients, and permitting agencies throughout a project.
The job outlook for solar energy systems engineers is excellent due to the rapidly growing solar energy industry. Employment of solar engineers is projected to grow 52% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand is being driven by government incentives, falling costs, and the increased adoption of solar power.
Geothermal Production Manager
A Geothermal Production Manager oversees the operations of a geothermal power plant. This involves managing plant employees, monitoring and optimizing plant efficiency, coordinating maintenance, and ensuring compliance with regulations. According to CheckASalary, the average salary for a Geothermal Production Manager in the UK is £46,400.
The job outlook for Geothermal Production Managers is strong due to increasing interest in renewable energy sources. As more geothermal plants are constructed, there will be greater demand for experienced managers to oversee operations. The role requires technical expertise in geothermal energy production as well as strong leadership and project management skills.
Biomass Plant Engineer
Biomass plant engineers design, develop, and maintain facilities that convert biomass into useful energy products like electricity, heat, and fuel. They oversee the entire process from feedstock delivery to energy generation. Typical responsibilities include planning and optimizing plant operations, implementing new technologies, overseeing equipment maintenance and repairs, monitoring emissions, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
According to Salary Expert, the average biomass plant engineer salary in the United States is $105,331 per year. The hourly rate equivalency is approximately $51 per hour. Salary Expert notes that total compensation can range from $76,332 to $97,783 annually based on experience and location.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts steady 6% growth for environmental engineering positions like biomass plant engineers through 2026. Renewable energy jobs are expected to be in high demand as organizations work to meet emissions reduction targets and transition to cleaner energy sources.
Hydroelectric Plant Technician
A hydroelectric plant technician operates, maintains, and repairs equipment in hydroelectric power generation facilities. They monitor the plant’s turbines and other systems to ensure they are running properly. Hydroelectric plant technicians perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and complete repairs on turbines, generators, valves, and plant structures.
According to calsalaries.com, the average salary for a hydroelectric plant technician in California is $79,063 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for hydroelectric plant technicians nationwide at $74,600 in 2021.
Employment of hydroelectric plant technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be good because of the small number of people who enter this occupation each year.
Top Job and Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other industry sources, the highest paying job in renewable energy is Aerospace Engineer. Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Many focus on designing environmentally friendly aviation technology that relies on renewable energy sources like solar power or biofuels. The median annual wage for aerospace engineers as of 2020 was $118,610. However, experienced aerospace engineers working on cutting-edge renewable energy aircraft and propulsion systems can make $150,000 a year or more.
Other top renewable energy jobs like wind turbine technicians, solar photovoltaic installers, and geothermal engineers have median annual wages ranging from around $50,000 to $100,000. But aerospace engineering clearly offers the highest pay, as these highly skilled professionals create revolutionary designs that push the envelope of renewable energy aviation technology.
Education and Training
To work in the highest paying renewable energy jobs, you typically need a combination of education and on-the-job training. Many of these occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related scientific field. However, some top renewable energy jobs like wind turbine technicians or solar PV installers can be accessed through shorter term technical training programs and apprenticeships.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar photovoltaic installers generally need a high school diploma and training through an apprenticeship program, which combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction [1]. Wind turbine technicians also follow apprenticeship programs that range from 6 months to 2 years [2]. On-the-job training is essential for gaining competency in many renewable energy fields.
More advanced positions like solar engineer, geothermal plant manager, or biomass engineer require at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Some may also need a state engineering license. Specific training in renewable energy systems is also preferred.
In summary, the top renewable energy jobs require varying levels of education, from technical certifications to bachelor’s degrees and beyond. Hands-on training and apprenticeships are key for gaining the specialized skills needed to excel in these fields.
Conclusion
In recap, some of the highest paying renewable energy jobs currently are in solar and wind power. Solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine technicians can make over $50,000 annually installing and maintaining solar panels and wind turbines. Engineers are also in high demand, with solar energy systems engineers and geothermal engineers earning six-figure salaries to design renewable energy systems. Biomass plant engineers, hydroelectric plant technicians, and other specialized roles also offer lucrative salaries in the renewable energy industry.
With the continued growth of renewable energy, these careers provide excellent opportunities for good pay and job stability. Renewable energy jobs often require specialized training and education, like an associate’s degree or technical certificate. But the investment pays off with competitive wages and cutting-edge, meaningful work driving the future of energy. For those seeking both good pay and a way to make a difference in building a sustainable future, renewable energy offers a compelling career path.
