The best paying jobs in energy in 2023

Are you looking to jump-start your career in the energy sector?

Do you want to learn about some of the best paying jobs in energy for individuals with a range of professional experiences and educational backgrounds — including folks who don’t have a college degree?

Whether you have a masters in mechanical engineering or a valuable construction apprenticeship under your belt (or both!), you’ll be sure to find a career in energy that aligns with your unique skill set and that promises to pay you handsomely. Plus, this is an industry with some seriously promising growth trends. Last year, the energy sector added almost 300,000 jobs to its workforce, with clean energy jobs representing 38% of those new positions.

While certain energy jobs are projected to grow more than others — like solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine service technicians, with growth projections of 52% and 68% between 2020 and 2030 — the energy sector as a whole is hiring faster than the overall national economy. And it’s paying above-average wages, too, particularly for clean energy jobs. Brookings Institution research from 2019 shows that clean energy jobs can equal as much as an 8-19% increase in income, and not just for those with four-year degrees. According to Brookings, 45% of clean energy workers have a high school diploma only.

Feeling sold on energy as your next career move? Read on to find a list of the top seven highest-paying jobs in energy for 2023.

1. Role: Solar project manager

Average pay range: $89,000 - $148,000/year in total pay (which goes beyond salary to include things like cash bonuses and commission, if applicable), with top earners bringing in as much as $186,000/year per Glassdoor.

What do they do? Solar project managers are responsible for overseeing the holistic development of solar energy projects. Successful candidates for this job often have completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering and/or business from an accredited institution in addition to a minimum of five years’ experience in solar installation and management.

Responsibilities for this role can include negotiating contracts with vendors, monitoring project performance and completion within set schedules and budgets, coordinating with other construction professionals to ensure compliance with building codes, managing schedules, and ordering materials, as well as determining the client’s needs and designing custom solutions.

Find open solar project manager roles.

2. Role: Solar project developer

Average pay range: $64,000 - $106,000/year in total pay (which goes beyond salary to include things like cash bonuses and commission, if applicable), with top earners bringing in as much as $133,000/year per Glassdoor.

What do they do? Solar project developers are responsible for managing the installation of solar-powered systems on commercial, industrial, and residential properties. These project developers are the essential link between the engineering, procurement, and construction of solar energy systems. Candidates in this field are often required to have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or any related subject, with certain companies favoring individuals with more advanced degrees.

Responsibilities for solar project developers can include securing funding opportunities and incentives; obtaining land rights; building permits and property tax agreements; working with financing, engineering, and commercial teams during pre-construction phases; and maintaining a thorough knowledge of emerging solar technologies and relevant market and policy developers.

Find open solar project developer roles.

3. Role: Solar engineer

Average pay range: $68,000 - $110,000/year in total pay (which goes beyond salary to include things like cash bonuses and commission, if applicable), with top earners bringing in as much as $137,000/year per Glassdoor.

What do they do? Solar engineers are accountable for the design, installation, and maintenance of solar power systems. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering is preferred, along with some experience in working with solar panels and related systems.

Responsibilities for solar engineers include researching and selecting appropriate locations for new solar power facilities based on sunlight and land availability, designing solar power plants, performing on-site surveys, supervising construction, and inspecting solar power systems following completion. They also may be involved in the research and development of solar energy technology as well as the creation of computer models to simulate the effects of solar radiation on Earth’s climate over time. It’s a good job to pursue if you’re interested in planning your next step in engineering!

Find open solar engineer roles.

4. Role: Wind farm site manager

Average pay range: $76,000 - $129,000/year in total pay (which goes beyond salary to include things like cash bonuses and commission, if applicable), with top earners bringing in as much as $163,000/year per Glassdoor.

What do they do? Managers of wind farm sites oversee the day-to-day operations of wind farms from a planning, logistical, and execution perspective. A degree is not required for this position, though candidates with at least an associates degree in business management and/or administration may be favored.

Responsibilities for wind farm site managers include ensuring staff has all the necessary tools to perform their duties, managing relationships with contractors as well as vendors to ensure that the farm runs seamlessly, overseeing maintenance schedules and regulating unexpected maintenance needs, responding to changes in energy demands, and attending to system faults. Wind farm site managers may also be in charge of on-site personnel through facilitating on-site training, environmental safety and health training, and scheduling and service optimization.

Find open wind farm site manager roles.

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5. Role: Solar power plant operator

Average pay range: $52,000 - $80,000/year in total pay (which goes beyond salary to include things like cash bonuses and commission, if applicable), with top earners bringing in as much as $163,000/year per Glassdoor.

What do they do? Solar power plant operators are in charge of monitoring the flow of electricity at solar power plants. A degree is not necessary for this position; a high school diploma along with some experience working at other power plants is often enough for consideration.

Responsibilities include using computer programs to monitor the equipment that converts sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic panels or concentrated solar panel systems. Through monitoring this measuring equipment, solar power plant operators ensure the safety of operations, make sure production needs are met, address system problems, and repair faults.

Find open solar power plant operator roles.

6. Role: Solar photovoltaic installer

Average pay range: $43,000 - $69,000/year in total pay (which goes beyond salary to include things like cash bonuses and commission, if applicable), with top earners bringing in as much as $163,000/year per Glassdoor.

What do they do? Solar photovoltaic installers work to install and maintain solar panel systems on land and buildings. While many employers do not require a specific degree, an associates degree in a related field may be preferable for some.

Responsibilities specific to solar photovoltaic installers include assessing locations for suitability, connecting solar panels to electrical systems and performing maintenance checks. Through installing and servicing solar panels, they ensure the efficient conversion of solar power into renewable energy.

Find open solar photovoltaic installer roles.

7. Role: Nuclear technicians

Average pay range: $62,612 - $98,000/year

What do they do? Nuclear technicians monitor the overall safety of the plant and make sure that it operates as efficiently as possible. A bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering is preferable, but an associates degree with a background in chemistry and/or physics may be enough.

Responsibilities for nuclear technicians involve performing routine maintenance on equipment, ensuring the facility is stocked with necessary supplies, training new employees, monitoring radiation levels in nuclear power stations, installing new equipment and systems, running regular inspections and safety checks, working with staff on emergency procedures, removing materials from stations that have shut down, and decontaminating machinery.

Find open nuclear technician roles.

Energy is a growing, lucrative career field to enter. Explore open opportunities in the energy sector, across roles, today.