energy-career-path

Is Energy a Good Career Path?

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The energy sector is one of the most important sectors and has a significant impact on modern life. It’s solely responsible for making everything happen, from heating water to running machines. So, is energy a good career path? Yes, energy is surely a good career path.

With technological advancement and endless opportunities, the energy industry has opened many career options. This is an extensive field that can be inventive and beneficial for job seekers. As the demand for renewable energy is increasing, more career opportunities will come.

So, if you’re an environmentalist and planning to make a career in the energy sector, this post is for you. This sector is constantly expanding and there’re several advantages of working here. Moreover, the energy sector demands more highly skilled workers than other industries. Consequently, it’s now one of the highest-paid in the market.

Is Energy A Good Career Path?

Yes, energy is a good career path. The career opportunities and job roles are diverse in the energy sector. It’s because there’re multiple sources of energy production across the world, including wind turbines and solar panels as renewable energy sources.

As mentioned already, this sector has different job positions. People working here come from varieties of backgrounds. You can find software developers, machine operators, engineers, chemists, geologists and many more. Some work in the offices, while some have on-site work.

How Much do Energy Jobs Pay?

Those going to start a career generally are interested to know how much they’ll make from the chosen job. So, is jobs in an electric generation a good career path? Jobs in energy pay really well. Some of the best-paying jobs in electric generation can be found in renewable energy careers. Though traditional energy jobs also pay well. The average salary in energy falls between $80,000-$100,000 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Reasons Why Considering a Career in Energy

The energy sector is the fastest-growing sector offering several careers opportunities. According to the U.S. Energy and Employment Jobs (USEER) report, energy jobs grew by 4% in 2021 from 2020. The energy sector added over 300,000 jobs, increasing the number of energy jobs from 7.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2021. The biggest turning point was when clean energy jobs like solar, water and wind outnumbered fossil fuel jobs. It proves that the market is switching to clean and renewable energy sources.

Business energy providers play a crucial role in our modern world and help leverage business operations. In various energy sector you can find your way out to a career.

Let’s understand why considering a career in energy is a good decision.

1. Multiple Career Options

The career options in the energy sector are very diverse. It has so many sub-industries with multiple career opportunities. 

This diversity allows you to select from a wide variety of career paths. For example, you can work in the oil and gas production industry or become a technician in a solar plant. On the other hand, some make house calls to improve energy efficiency.

Further, employees in energy companies work in the lab, from home or in the field. In short, energy is widely used in various places, so employees from the energy sector can work at multiple sites too.

2. Get Opportunities Abroad

A large percentage of the younger generation prefers to move to different countries for work. If you’re also planning to go abroad and make a career overseas, the renewable energy sector is a great start. Luckily, there’re many choices of energy volunteer programs abroad that give you hands-on experience working with environmentalists.

This sector also provides opportunities to work in rural and remote locations. So, if you don’t want a simple desk job, the energy sector can be a great career path.

3. Technology is the Solution to Energy Crisis

Advanced technology has been an integral part of the energy sector for the last few years. Many energy-based companies are considering low-tech solutions for high-energy issues.

Moreover, the energy sector professions are not only about producing or selling gas, drilling walls or operating a power plant. It needs a combination of engineering, science, finance, marketing, IT, sales and many more. So, there’s a huge opportunity for a decent job role regardless of your educational background.

Different tech companies are investing in energy-based projects. For example, electric vehicles (EV), pumped-storage hydropower, smart grid and steam turbine are a few of the emerging technologies. That means there’s a high demand for skilled professionals in this field. 

4. Energy Industries are Embracing Diversity

The work culture has changed around the world and workplace diversity is a key component of a successful business. Researches also prove that employees from a diverse workforce can deliver innovative and creative solutions and it helps to increase their productivity. 

The energy sector’s industries have shown significant progress in this case. They believe in equality, regardless of gender, sexual preference, race and ability. 

Though they need to work on it more, still the improvement is notable. That’s why many freshers prefer to work in this sector.

Hence, if you want to work in a diverse and inclusive environment, you’ll be happy to know that the energy sector provides the same.

5. Energy Jobs Pay Good Money

The energy sector is one of the most promising and profitable career options you can rely on. This sector not only pays well but also if you choose the correct area, you can get the best-paying energy job and ensure career growth. Even according to statistics, energy jobs pay more than other sectors.

11 Best Paying Jobs in Energy

Renewable technologies as well as conventional energy have opened a sea of opportunities for job seekers. The best-paying jobs mostly include science and engineering positions. But by understanding market trends and improving skills, it’s not hard to find a suitable position in this sector. Here’re the top 11 jobs in energy in the below list.

1. Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers do the research work mostly to design systems and instruments. They are responsible for developing procedures and checking instruments and machines that’ll generate profit from nuclear energy. 

Their average annual salary is $87,000.

2. Surveying Technician

Surveying Technicians survey the instruments in the power plant to make sure they work properly. They visit sites to take measurements, collect geographic data and create maps of the earth’s surface. A survey technician can earn up to $46,000 per year.

3. Information System Manager

An Information System Manager deals with software and hardware. They are associated with technology usage in the energy sector. Their primary tasks are uploading software, designing, managing and monitoring information, maintaining security, improving databases, etc. If you’re interested in this job position, the median salary can be $146,000 per year.

4. Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and develop chemical manufacturing operations. They use the knowledge and principles of chemistry, physics, math and biology to find solutions related to fuels, chemicals and other issues. They often take responsibility for advancing technology for energy production. Experienced chemical engineers can make up to $176,090 each year.

5. Power Plant Operator

Power Plant Operators ensure the plant operation and safety protocols in the plant. They utilize control boards to distribute power within generators to generate electricity. They’re responsible for taking care of plant machines and repairing them. The annual salary for this job role is generally $47,000.

6. Industrial Engineer

If it’s a big energy project, an industrial engineer is required to oversee the work. They design systems and implement processes to effectively make products, reduce wastage and reach desired targets. Industrial Engineers must have profound knowledge in products and machinery used in power plants. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is needed, but master’s degree holders will get extra benefits. They get an average of $88,950 per year.

7. Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build electric-producing machines, such as gas turbines, electric generators, engines, etc. They can also create items for power-using machines like robotics and air-conditioning system. The national average salary is $74,780/year for an Energy – Mechanical Engineer.

8. Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers apply the principles of soil science, chemistry, biology and engineering to thrive solutions to environmental problems. They work to boost recycling, reduce waste disposal and control pollution to protect public health from environmental hazards. They also analyze data, design projects to protect the environment or do quality-control checks.

To become an Environmental Engineer, a bachelor’s degree in required in environmental engineering or a relevant field like chemical, civil or general engineering. The median annual wage for this post can be approx $69,000.

9. Electrician

The Electrician job is a very common one that you can find plenty of. Everybody calls for an electrician to their homes at some point. So, this position always has a high demand and you can certainly apply for it.

An electrician is responsible for installing and repairing cable wires in homes, offices, public places, factories, etc. They typically work with contractors, architects or clients. They diagnose and analyze functionality and other safety measurements. The average annual salary is $53,000.

10. Geoscientist

Geoscientists study the physical conditions of the earth, including its composition, process and structure. They collect these data and field samples to evaluate its past, present and future. 

If you have a bachelor’s degree in geoscience, physical science or a related field, you can apply for this job. The demand for experienced geoscientists is pretty high. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for geoscience careers will increase by 14% through 2026, twice as fast as the national average.

11. Solar Software Developer

Last but not the least, another highest-paying job in energy is Solar Software Developer. They design software systems that allow operators to monitor the electricity production process. They also design digital tools for clean energy investment, sales, service logistics and more. Their national average salary is generally $86,675/year in the US. 

Final Thoughts

Energy is a good career path if you’re curious about power generation. Renewable energy jobs have higher career growth, money-making opportunities and several benefits that’re worth trying. Since a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is needed, you can apply for an entry-level job in this sector.

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Written byMichael Durham
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