Are you looking for a high-paying job that also has a positive impact on our world? Then it’s time to familiarize yourself with the best renewable energy jobs out there.
With 3 million jobs in 2022, the clean energy industry is growing at an exponential rate (70% faster than other sectors).
Renewable energy companies are looking for more fresh-faced talent to sustain this high level of growth.
So without further ado, let’s look at the 12 best-paying renewable energy jobs!
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Table of Contents
Renewable Energy Jobs
We have listed the 12 highest-paid renewable energy jobs, from solar energy to geothermal power. They are:
- Solar Energy Installation Manager
- Solar Sales Rep & Assessor
- Wind Energy Engineer
- Solar Energy Systems Engineer
- Geothermal Production Manager
- Biofuels Production Manager
- Biomass Power Plant Manager
- Hydroelectric Production Manager
- Wind Energy Operations Manager
- Wind Energy Development Manager
- Biofuels Tech & Product DM
- Architectural & Engineering Manager
What Skills Do I Need To Work In Renewable Energy?
You’ll need managerial, engineering, and sales representative skills and experience to get the highest-paying renewable energy jobs.
Here are some of the most in-demand skills within the renewable energy sector:
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Persuasion
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active listening
- Management of Personnel and Financial Resources
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Systems Analysis
12 Best Paying Renewable Energy Jobs
You can expect to earn a salary of $72,000 to more than $150,000 per year with the 12 best-paying renewable energy jobs on our list.
1. Solar Energy Installation Manager — $72,010
The solar energy installation manager supervises the team installing residential and commercial solar systems (photovoltaic and solar thermal).
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Solar Energy Installation Manager?
To become a solar energy installation manager, you’ll need to study:
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s degree
What Is The Working Environment Like?
For the most part, you’ll be engaging with team members and clients while working outdoors to supervise projects. Your average work week could exceed 40 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Solar Energy Installation Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 70,700 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $72,010.
| Study | Engineer – Administration and Management |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | With a team in the outdoors |
| Future Prospects | 70,700 jobs (2022-2030) |
| Median Salary | $72,010 |
2. Solar Sales Representative And Assessor — $94,840
Solar sales representatives and assessors generate new leads for solar installations. They also determine a client’s needs and the estimated costs involved.
What Do I Need To Study To Become a Solar Sales Representative and Assessor?
To become a solar sales representative and assessor, you’ll need to study:
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
You’ll meet with multiple prospects daily and generate new clients for your company while coordinating installations with the technical team. Your typical working week is more than 40 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Solar Sales Representative and Assessor?
From 2022 to 2030, 31,700 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $94,840. You also earn a commission for every successful prospect.
| Study | Sales and Marketing – Customer and Personal Service |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Fieldwork – Earn Commission |
| Future Prospects | 31,700 (2022-2030) |
| Median Salary | $94,840 |
3. Wind Energy Engineer — $100,640
Wind energy engineers design wind farms from scratch. They are responsible for manufacturing and testing all the equipment while developing site specifications such as road access.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Wind Energy Engineer?
To become a wind energy engineer, you’ll need to study:
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
- Physics
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s Degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
This is primarily an office job, where interaction with others is limited. The average working week is more than 40 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Wind Energy Engineer?
From 2022 to 2030, 11,000 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $100,640.
| Study | Engineering and Technology – Physics/Mathematics |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Office/Computer work |
| Future Prospects | 11,000 (2022-2030) |
| Median Salary | $100,640 |
4. Solar Energy Systems Engineer — $100,640
Solar energy systems engineers design solar systems (photovoltaic and thermal) for new and existing buildings. They perform engineering analysis to conform to a site’s specifications.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Solar Energy Systems Engineer?
To become a solar energy systems engineer, you need to study:
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
- Physics
- Design
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s Degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
This is primarily an office job; you’ll interact with customers and work with team members face-to-face. Your average working week is 40 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Solar Energy Systems Engineer?
From 2022 to 2030, 11,000 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $ 100,640.
| Study | Engineering and Technology – Physics |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Office/computer work |
| Future Prospects | 11,000 (2022-2030) |
| Median Salary | $100,640 |
5. Geothermal Production Manager — $103,150
Geothermal production managers supervise geothermal production units. They are responsible for a geothermal production plant’s efficiency and safety levels.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Geothermal Production Manager?
To become a geothermal production manager, you need to study:
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Safety & Environment
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
You’ll work in an industrial facility. This job gives you a lot of freedom but involves a high level of responsibility as you’re in charge of the safety of others. In addition, your working weeks are long, more than 45 hours on average.
Future Work Prospects As A Geothermal Production Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 13,900 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $103,150.
| Study | Production and Processing/ Administration and Management |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Work in an industrial facility. Interaction with others. |
| Future Prospects | 13,900 (2022 – 2030) |
| Median Salary | $103,150 |
6. Biofuels Production Manager — $103,150
Biofuel production managers are in charge of a biofuel production facility. They supervise production and maintain and monitor the equipment.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Biofuels Production Manager?
To become a biofuels production manager, you need to study:
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
- Engineering and Technology
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
You’ll work in an industrial facility and must always wear safety equipment. As a manager, you’ll interact with others in face-to-face discussions. The level of responsibility is high as you’ll be in charge of everyone’s safety. In addition, expect to work more than 45 hours per week.
Future Work Prospects As A Biofuels Production Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 13,900 new job positions will be available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $103,150.
| Study | Administration and Management /Production and Processing/ Chemistry |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Work in an industrial facility. Responsible for the safety of others. |
| Future Prospects | 13,900 (2022 – 2030) |
| Median Salary | $103,150 |
7. Biomass Power Plant Manager — $103,150
Biomass power plant managers are responsible for a biomass power plant’s production and safety.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Biomass Power Plant Manager?
To become a biomass power plant manager, you need to study:
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical & Chemistry
- Engineering and Technology
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
You’ll work in a power plant, wearing safety equipment. In this job, the level of responsibility is high as you’ll be in charge of the facility’s safety levels. Expect long working weeks of more than 45 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Biomass Power Plant Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 13,900 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $103,150.
| Study | Production and Processing / Administration and Management / Chemistry |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Work in a power plant – Respect safety rules – More than 45 hours per week |
| Future Prospects | 13,900 (2022 – 2030) |
| Median Salary | $103,150 |
8. Hydroelectric Production Manager — $103,150
Hydroelectric production managers supervise a hydroelectric power plant facility. They are responsible for the proper equipment operation and the workers’ safety.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Hydroelectric Production Manager?
To become a hydroelectric production manager, you need to study:
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
You’ll work in an industrial facility. This work gives you a lot of freedom of decision but also involves a high level of responsibility to ensure the safety of others. The typical working week is more than 45 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Hydroelectric Production Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 13,900 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $ 103,150.
| Study | Computers and Electronics /Administration and Management/ Public Safety and Security |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Work in a power plant – High level of responsibility – 45hours per week |
| Future Prospects | 13,900 (2022 – 2030) |
| Median Salary | $103,150 |
9. Wind Energy Operations Manager — $124,650
Wind energy operations managers are in charge of wind field operations. They manage human resources, lead maintenance activities, and plan the budget.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Wind Energy Operations Manager?
To become a wind energy operations manager, you need to study:
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Personnel and Human Resources
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
In this job, you’ll primarily work in an office. As a manager, you’ll interact with others on a regular basis. Your level of responsibility is high as you guarantee the safety of the operation. A typical work week is more than 45 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Wind Energy Operations Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 47,100 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $124,650.
| Study | Administration and Management/Engineering and Technology/Public Safety and Security |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Office work – High level of responsibility – 45hours per week |
| Future Prospects | 47,100 (2022 – 2030) |
| Median Salary | $124,650 |
10. Wind Energy Development Manager — $124,650
Wind energy development managers are in charge of developing new wind field operations. They plan the whole project, including environmental studies and legal permits.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Wind Energy Development Manager?
To become a wind energy development manager, you need to study:
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
- Economics and Accounting
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Bachelor’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
You’ll work in an office with a team. Field trips are limited; most of the time, you’ll be behind a computer.
The typical work week is more than 40 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Wind Energy Development Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 47,100 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $124,650.
| Study | Administration and Management/Engineering and Technology/Building and Construction |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Working Environment | Office teamwork |
| Future Prospects | 47,100 (2022 – 2030) |
| Median Salary | $124,650 |
11. Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology And Product Development Manager — $152,350
Biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development managers are in charge of research & development (R&D) programs to create new biofuels/biodiesels technologies with near-term commercial impact.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology And Product Development Manager?
To become a biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development manager, you need to study:
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Chemistry
- Engineering and technology
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Master’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
You’ll work in an R&D laboratory managing a team of researchers and technicians; most of the time, you’ll wear safety equipment. Your typical work week is more than 40 hours.
Future Work Prospects as a Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology And Product Development Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 14,700 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $152,350.
| Study | Production and Processing – Chemistry – Engineering and technology |
| Minimum Education | Master’s degree |
| Working Environment | Work in an R&D laboratory |
| Future Prospects | 14,00 (2022 – 2030) |
| Median Salary | $152,350 |
12. Architectural And Engineering Manager — $152,350
Architectural and engineer managers are the leaders of any large-scale renewable energy project. They plan, coordinate, and execute the building plans of the renewable energy facility.
What Do I Need To Study To Become A Architectural And Engineering Manager?
To become an architectural and engineer manager, you need to study:
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
- Physics
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
Minimum Education Level Required
The minimum education level required is a Master’s degree.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
You’ll mostly work in an office with a team of specialists. As a manager, you’ll have a lot of freedom to make decisions. However, the workload is very high. Expect working weeks of more than 45 hours.
Future Work Prospects As A Architectural And Engineering Manager?
From 2022 to 2030, 14,700 new job positions will become available.
Expected Median Salary
In 2022, the median salary is $152,350.
| Study | Engineering and Technology – Administration and Management-Building and Construction |
| Minimum Education | Master’s degree |
| Working Environment | Work in an office – more than 45 hours per week |
| Future Prospects | 14,00 (2022 – 2030) |
| Median Salary | $152,350 |
Final Thoughts
The energy industry is undergoing a significant transition from fossil fuel to carbon-free solutions. As such, it’s thirsty for new talent!
Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biofuels, and Biomass companies now offer thousands of high-paying jobs (+$100k). The highest-paid renewable energy jobs mix managerial, engineering, and commercial skills and often require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum education level.
Be on the lookout for opportunities as new jobs are being created as the industry moves forward.
