Top 25 Best Paying Jobs in Energy [2023]

Converting fuels, wind, water, and sunlight to electricity is a truly monumental effort in human history.

The world also requires experts who can flourish in professions in energy. It requires people who understand the fundamental concepts of energy; how to take a raw resource and convert it into the movement of a car, heat for a dwelling, or power for a school.

This has generated a great potential for employees to transition to services in renewable energy industries.

In this article, we will elaborate on the 25 best paying jobs in energy, their duties, requirements, and average income. This will help you make the right decision as to which field or sector you would like to venture into.

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25 Best Paying Jobs in Energy 2022

With much said, I think it’s high time we look into the top 20 best paying jobs in energy. Below is a curated list of the best paying jobs in energy

1. Construction Engineer

While not the only choice, some civil engineers specialize in renewable energy and green building.

Civil engineers in these positions assist with project planning, design, and supervision, as well as ensuring project completion.

A bachelor’s degree is required to work as a civil engineer. Once you have it, you can earn approximately $87,060 each year. However, some people receive more than $144,560. Looking at that whopping sum, Construction engineering sits number 1 as one of the best paying jobs in energy.

2. Installer of Solar PV systems

Another one of the best paying jobs in energy is the installation of solar PV systems. If you’re seeking amazing entry-level environmental employment and are willing to put in the effort, being a solar PV installer could be the ideal alternative.

These individuals install solar panels and other technologies in structures to turn sunlight into useful electricity.

Unlike the majority of the positions on this list, this one does not necessitate a college degree; instead, in-service or vocational training is usually sufficient. You will earn approximately $ 44,890 per year.

3. Consultant in Renewable Energy

One of the best paying jobs in the energy industry is advising clients on the best renewable system for their home or business. As a renewable energy specialist, you will specialize in current renewable energies.

With an annual income of $66,015, you have one of the best paying jobs in the energy industry as a renewable energy consultant. A bachelor’s degree should be enough to get started in this industry.

4. Financial Consultant

Speaking of the best paying jobs in energy, as a financial analyst, you can work for renewable energy companies and be in charge of the finance department, which includes tracking energy spending, paying personnel, and dealing with future financial concerns.

Their financial analyst abilities can assist the company in developing the right energy product in the right location, making better-informed expansion decisions, and ensuring that everything is done to maximize revenues.

Financial analysts in the energy industry are among the best paying jobs in energy, with an average pay of $85,439.

5. Site Manager for a Wind Farm

Still on the best paying jobs in energy, you can work as a site manager for a wind farm. As a wind farm site manager or engineer, you are in charge of overseeing wind energy gathering and a wind farm site.

You are also in charge of the staff allocated to these wind farm sites, thus exceptional leadership abilities are essential for this post.

Wind farm managers or engineers must ensure that wind energy is used to create electricity while also ensuring the safety and integrity of the wind farm equipment.

It is one of the best paying jobs in energy industry, with an average income of $110,630.

6. Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering is one of the highest paying careers in the energy business, with an average income of $137,720, and these professionals are in greater demand than ever.

These engineers assist the oil and gas business in the discovery and utilization of oil resources, which includes planning, building, and constructing more effective methods of extracting, refining, or discovering new oil and gas resources.

To work in this field, you must have a petroleum degree and can opt to work in an office or on-site directing oil production and refining.

7. Technician for the Environment

The Environmental Technician, one of the highest-paying positions in the energy business, plays an essential part in the energy sector by inventing contemporary techniques for combatting pollution and making the environment safer. And enforce the laws and regulations that enterprises and the general public are required to follow in order to protect the environment.

As an environmental engineering technician, you can create methods or even ecologically friendly devices to lessen or eliminate the damage caused by electricity generation.

A bachelor’s degree is required for this career. The average annual pay is $50,620.

8. Architectural Engineer Or Manager

An architectural engineer or manager is one of the best paying jobs in energy with annual compensation of $144,830 on average.

These specialists’ goal is to design and construct energy-efficient buildings that consume less energy and fewer resources, hence decreasing waste.

Their responsibilities also include thorough planning, research management, and technical precision, all with the goal of lowering energy usage. A bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering can help you get into this field.

9. Power Plant Operator

Power plants collect, create, and deliver energy to customers. These systems require experienced operators to ensure proper operation.

The power plant operating field is regarded as one of the best paying jobs in energy. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of power generation and distribution systems.

One appealing aspect of this profession is the ability to work in renewable (solar, geothermal, etc.), non-renewable (oil, gas, hydro), or alternative (nuclear) energy industries.

They make about $85,950 per year.

10. Project Manager

In the energy industry, project management is not a distinct profession. However, with so many initiatives in the sector, a project manager is a valuable tool.

You will be in charge of designing and carrying out energy projects such as building plants and implementing distribution systems.

With an annual compensation of $66,000, project management is one of the highest-paying occupations in the renewable energy industry. The top earners in the industry, on the other hand, make more than $100,000 each year.

11. Geoscientist

A geoscientist is someone who studies the earth’s physical properties.

Geoscientists are among the most sought-after experts in the energy industry because many energy sources involve extraction from the ground.

Geoscientists play an important role in the finding and production of oil and gas. You could potentially work in the sector of renewable energy, such as geothermal exploration.

In terms of remuneration, geoscientist is one of the highest-paying positions in the energy industry. Depending on your experience, you might expect to earn anywhere from $50,000 to $110,000, or perhaps more.

12. Technicians in Solar Energy

Solar energy specialists oversee the upkeep of solar systems.

Solar energy specialists frequently maintain solar energy systems after they have been installed.

This is one of the best-paying energy jobs on the planet. Solar energy specialists often work on-site to fix problems and perform routine maintenance on solar energy equipment.

As solar energy becomes more popular, the jobs of solar energy technicians become more in demand. Their average annual wage is $52,559.

13. Environmental specialists

Environmental specialists are critical in the energy sector for discovering novel methods of pollutant removal. They also help to design and enforce numerous policies to guarantee that energy firms do not place undue strain or harm on their environment.

A bachelor’s degree is normally required for this job. Environmental engineers play an essential role in protecting our environment and ensuring that the energy industry operates safely and efficiently. The average annual pay is $50,620.

14. Site Inspector

A site assessor is exceedingly crucial to the energy industry, which is why it is one of the best paying jobs in energy. They utilize their specialized knowledge to decide if a given location is ideal for an energy firm to invest its resources in.

For this type of job, site evaluators often need certification or a bachelor’s degree. The average annual pay is $69,778.

15. Chemist

This job pays an average of $70,195 per year and is thus deemed one of the best paying jobs in energy. The oil and gas business is a terrific place to work for chemists whose talents aid in the development and manufacturing of speciality fuels and lubricants.

In terms of education, applicants for a career entry post will most likely need a master’s degree in chemistry.

16. Atmospheric Scientist

One of the best paying jobs in energy is the atmospheric scientist. A meteorologist is only one type of atmospheric scientist, but they all deal with climate, weather, and pollution. Average salary: $99,740

17. Sales Representatives

This job pays an average of $53,804. Most people are surprised by how technical a sales career in the renewable energy market is.

Most organizations want candidates who can examine existing equipment, fully understand customer requirements, and act as a liaison between consumers, installers, and utilities.

This position requires proven sales skills in highly technical teams.

18. Technician in Environmental Protection and Science

This job pays an average of $46,170 per year. These positions require both field and laboratory work to guarantee that renewable and energy-generating equipment does not cause unintentional environmental damage.

It would also be responsible for monitoring all forms of pollution in order to assess their impact on workers and general population health. This is most likely one of the most rewarding renewable energy careers available.

19. Developer of Solar Energy Software

A Solar Energy software developer is in charge of large-scale solar energy generation; specific software is necessary to maintain and run the operators. And software professionals are in high demand for this purpose, making it one of the best paying jobs in energy.

Software developers with prior expertise in developing industrial systems can excel in this position.

20. Materials Engineer

The average income for a materials engineer is $95,640 thus deemed one of the best paying jobs in energy. A materials engineer is in charge of selecting, developing, and evaluating materials used in goods.

A materials engineer in the energy industry might concentrate on developing new solar cells or lighter-weight materials for wind turbines. They also collaborate with producers to ensure that products are dependable and meet safety requirements.

21. Geoscientist

Geoscientists are experts who research the physical characteristics of the planet and are often engaged by energy-producing enterprises to aid in the safe and efficient extraction of petroleum resources from the earth.

22. Scientific researcher

With an average salary of $77, 000, a scientific researcher in the renewable energy sector is one of the best paying jobs in energy today.

23. Solar project developer

The average salary of a solar project developer is $76,000.

24. Cable Puller

The average salary of a cable puller is $75,000.

25. Solar Technician

The average salary of a solar technician is $72,000.

FAQs on Best Paying Jobs in Energy

You probably have a lot of questions now that you’ve learnt about the best paying jobs in energy.

What credentials are required to work in renewable energy?

Technically complicated or academically sophisticated positions, such as engineering or science, may necessitate specific degrees or certifications. Although university degrees in renewable energy are available, master’s degrees, apprenticeships, or extra certifications are sufficient

Is renewable energy a viable career path?

Yes, renewable energy is a viable job option. Green energy initiatives are being supported by an increasing number of governments and organizations, creating a significant need for qualified people in this industry.

What is the best degree for renewable energy?

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry is an excellent choice if you want to work in renewable energy. Consider pursuing a degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioinformatics, or forensic science. This degree is typically completed in four years.

Conclusion on the Best Paying Jobs in Energy

Whether you wish to pursue another sector or a different career path, you cannot afford to overlook renewable energy or the energy business as a whole.

In comparison to other categories, its salary is tremendous. Consider being able to pay off your student loan in a matter of months and still leaving comfortably.

Make the proper choice from our list of the Top 20 Best Paying Jobs in Energy today.