Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
O*NET 17-2199.03 · SOC 17-2199
Energy Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $123k a year with +3.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 8,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Conduct energy audits to identify building efficiency improvements.
- →Design combined heat and power systems for industrial facilities.
- →Evaluate energy storage technologies for grid-scale applications.
- →Develop load forecasting models to optimize energy consumption.
- →Review utility rate structures to reduce facility energy costs.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Energy Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Energy Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Energy Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Energy Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar is projected to grow 3.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·28% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Energy Engineer make?
The median Energy Engineer earns $123k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Energy Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Energy Engineer at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 28% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Energy Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 8,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Energy Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Energy Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Energy Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Energy Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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