Uncovering the Best‑Paying Jobs in Energy: A Guide for Ambitious Job‑Seekers

The world runs on energy - from the lights in our homes to the data centres powering AI. As governments push for greener power and companies invest in innovation, energy careers are booming and paychecks are rising. In 2023 alone, clean-energy companies added 142,000 jobs, growing at 4.2%, more than twice the overall U.S. job growth rate.

Even traditional oil & gas roles have seen salary increases; in 2025 half of professionals in those sectors reported a raise and only 5% saw pay cuts. If you’re ready to earn more and make a real impact, this guide breaks down the highest-paying roles, the skills you’ll need and how to get started.

Why Energy Jobs Matter Right Now

• Strong job growth: Overall energy employment rose by 250,000 positions in 2023, with 56% of new jobs coming from clean energy. Natural-gas roles grew 13.3%, while petroleum jobs fell 6%, signalling a shift toward gas and renewables.
• Rising pay: Salaries in oil, gas and petrochemicals have been climbing since 2021. By 2025, 50% of workers saw a pay increase and 71% expected another raise.
• Stability through unionization: Clean-energy unionization hit 12.4% in 2023, surpassing the broader energy industry. Stronger unions mean better benefits and job security.
• Diverse pathways: From hands-on technician roles to analytical trading positions, there’s an energy job for every background. Many roles offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships, so you don’t always need an advanced degree.

Top-Paying Energy Jobs and How to Get Them

🏦 Energy Trading Manager - A blend of finance and energy

Average salary: around $156k in the U.S. Energy trading managers buy and sell electricity, oil, gas and carbon credits. They watch global markets, develop trading strategies and make quick decisions—one well-timed trade can be worth millions.

How to break in:

• Start as an energy trader or analyst with a degree in finance, economics or engineering.
• Build sharp analytical skills and a strong understanding of energy markets; consider certifications in energy risk management.
• Develop emotional resilience—high stakes mean high stress.
  

🛢️ Petroleum Engineer - Designing the wells of tomorrow

Median salary: about $141k. Petroleum engineers design drilling equipment, plan extraction methods and oversee operations in oil and gas fields.

Getting started:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related engineering field.
• Gain hands-on experience through internships; courses in geology and thermodynamics help.
• A Professional Engineer (PE) license isn’t mandatory but boosts long-term prospects.
  

⚛️ Nuclear Engineer - Harnessing atomic power

Average salary: roughly $110k. Nuclear engineers design, build and maintain systems for power generation, medicine and research.

Path to entry:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or a related field; advanced degrees open more research roles.
• Develop strong blueprint-reading and problem-solving skills.
• Stay current with safety regulations and industry standards.
  

🧪 Chemical Engineer (Energy) - Turning molecules into fuel

Median salary: around $121k. Chemical engineers in energy design processes for refining oil, developing biofuels and ensuring fuels meet environmental regulations.

Career tips:

• Pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering; a PE license can improve advancement chances.
• Build expertise in process optimization, sustainability and safety protocols.
• Seek internships in refineries, biofuel startups or research labs.
  

⚙️ Power Plant Manager - The leadership role

Average salary: about $152k. Power plant managers oversee operations in facilities ranging from coal and gas to wind, solar and nuclear. They manage budgets, crews and regulatory compliance.

How to land the role:

• Start with a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering and work your way up from technician or operator roles.
• Develop leadership skills and a deep understanding of plant operations and safety protocols.
• Consider certifications in project or energy management for an edge.
  

🌍 Geoscientist - Mapping earth’s resources

Median salary: about $99k. Geoscientists study the earth’s structure to locate and assess oil, gas and mineral deposits. They also play a growing role in geothermal and carbon-capture projects.

Your roadmap:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in geoscience, geology or a related field; fieldwork is critical.
• Some states require a license—check local regulations.
• Develop strong mapping, data-analysis and report-writing skills.
  

⚡ Energy Storage Engineer - Innovating the battery revolution

Average salary: around $104k. Energy storage engineers design systems that store energy from solar, wind and other sources, helping balance supply and demand.

Keys to success:

• Study electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering or materials science.
• Pursue internships or research projects focused on batteries and grid storage.
• Stay updated on lithium-ion, solid-state and emerging storage technologies; consider attending workshops and conferences.
  

📈 Commercial Manager - Where engineering meets business

Average salary: about $100k. Commercial managers handle pricing, contracts and negotiations to keep energy projects profitable.

How to prepare:

• Pursue a degree in business, finance, economics or engineering.
• Gain experience in contract management or energy markets; certifications in project or contract management can help.
• Develop negotiation and financial-analysis skills.
  

🧱 Civil or Electrical Engineer - Building the grid of the future

Median salary: around $99k for civil engineers and $104k for environmental engineers; electrical engineers in petrochemicals can earn $186k in certain regions.

What they do: Design and manage the construction of power plants, transmission lines and renewable-energy projects. Ensure infrastructure meets safety and efficiency standards.

How to start:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in civil, electrical or environmental engineering.
• Seek internships in construction, utilities or renewable-energy projects; certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license improve prospects.
  

🌬️ Wind Turbine Technician - A fast-growing entry point

Median salary: about $62k with a projected 60% growth rate by 2033. Technicians install, inspect and repair wind turbines, often hundreds of feet in the air.

Getting in:

• Most roles require a technical certificate or associate degree in wind energy technology; many employers offer on-the-job training.
• Certifications in tower climbing, self-rescue and electrical safety can set you apart.
• Be comfortable with heights and willing to travel.
  

☀️ Solar Photovoltaic Installer - Bringing sunlight to the grid

Median salary: around $52k with an expected 48% growth rate. Installers set up and maintain solar panels on roofs or ground-mounted systems.

Launch tips:

• You’ll need at least a high-school diploma and some vocational courses in solar installation.
• Experience in construction or electrical work helps; some states require a license.
• Stay current on local building codes and safety protocols.
  

🌱 Environmental Scientist - Guiding a sustainable future

Median salary: about $80k with 7% projected growth. These specialists assess the environmental impact of energy projects, develop sustainability strategies and advise companies on clean-energy transitions.

Roadmap:

• Earn a degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry or a related field.
• Consider advanced degrees or certifications like the Renewable Energy Professional (REP) or LEED Green Associate.
• Build strong data-analysis skills and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Emerging Niches and Overlooked Opportunities

• Energy storage and battery innovation: With grid-scale storage demand rising, engineers who understand battery chemistry, power electronics and grid integration can command high salaries.
• Energy trading and risk management: Roles blend finance and engineering; cross-disciplinary candidates are scarce and highly valued.
• Geothermal and hydrogen projects: Skills in geology, drilling and chemical engineering transfer well.
• Digitalization in energy: Data analysts, AI specialists and software engineers are needed to optimize grids and trading. Upskilling in data science can open doors beyond traditional engineering.
• Entry-level pathways: Jobs like wind turbine technician and solar PV installer offer solid pay and fast growth without requiring a four-year degree. Apprenticeships and vocational programs are great entry points.

Practical Tips for Your Energy Job Search

1. Match your skills to the right role. If you love numbers and strategy, trading or commercial management may suit you. If you enjoy hands-on work outdoors, wind or solar technician roles might be ideal.
2. Build relevant credentials. Bachelor’s degrees remain the standard for engineering and science roles, but certifications (PE license, REP, project management) and trade school programs can boost your resume.
3. Gain experience early. Internships with energy companies, utilities or research labs provide exposure and often lead to full-time positions. Fieldwork and apprenticeships are particularly valuable for technician and geoscience roles.
4. Stay informed. Energy markets change fast. Follow industry news, subscribe to reports and attend webinars to understand policy shifts and emerging technologies.
5. Network thoughtfully. Join professional societies (e.g., Society of Petroleum Engineers, IEEE, American Nuclear Society) and attend conferences. Relationships often lead to interviews.
6. Emphasize transferable skills. Project management, data analysis, safety compliance and communication are valuable across all energy roles. Highlight them on your resume.

Conclusion: Energize Your Career

The energy sector is no longer just about oil rigs and power plants. It’s a dynamic ecosystem where engineers, analysts, scientists and tradespeople work together to keep the world powered - and they’re well-compensated for it. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of energy trading, the technical challenge of drilling a well or the hands-on work of installing wind turbines, there’s a path for you. With strong job growth, rising pay and roles that suit every background, now is the perfect time to pivot into energy.

That’s where Jobubu comes in. Jobubu is your job-search sidekick: it scans more than 20,000 job boards, applies on your behalf while you sleep and keeps track of every application - so you don’t have to. Ready to land one of the best-paying energy jobs without burning out? Start free and get 10x more interviews - without the stress.