If you are looking for an opportunity in the clean energy sector, you are not alone. Clean energy, is the biggest job creator across America’s energy sector, employing nearly three times as many workers as those who work in fossil fuel extraction and generation. Because the demand for clean energy workers is high, the average job wage in clean energy is higher than the national median. Let’s take a deeper look at the average job wage in clean energy and some other benefits provided to those who work in the industry.
Current Job Trends in Clean Energy
Clean energy was a critical component of the economy in 2020, accounting for 2.2% of total U.S. employment. This is more than one in every 50 American workers. To put that in perspective, more Americans work in clean energy than those who work as middle and elementary school teachers, bankers, farmers or real estate agents.
Jobs in this sector are one of the most geographically diverse employment sectors in the entire economy, with workers in 99.9% of all U.S. counties. It doesn’t matter where you live, there is likely a clean energy opportunity nearby.
Average Job Wage in Clean Energy
Clean energy jobs paid 25% more than the national median wage in 2019 and were more likely to include health care and retirement benefits, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis of federal occupational wage and benefits data prepared for E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs), the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and the Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) by BW Research Partnership.
According to the report, workers in renewable energy, energy efficiency, grid modernization and storage, clean fuels and clean vehicles earned an average of $48,000 annually, equaling a median hourly wage of $23.89. The national median hourly wage in the U.S., in 2019, when this study was conducted, was $19.14, which is an annual salary of $38,000.
Overall, median wages in clean energy are significantly higher than median wages in sectors such as retail, services, recreation and accommodations, especially when it comes to entry-level wages. Solar energy workers earn $24.48 an hour, while wind and grid modernization jobs pay on average more than $25 an hour. Energy efficiency, the largest employer in the nation’s energy sector, supports a median hourly wage of $24.44, about 28% above the national median (Solar Power World).
In addition to a higher average wage, jobs in many clean energy sectors are more likely to be unionized, 9% unionization compared to 6% in the private sector. They also are more likely to come with health care and retirement benefits than the rest of the private sector.
Looking for a Job in Clean Energy
At Mackinnon & Partners we are founded on a wealth of Energy sector experience; we have a vision of becoming the premier provider of global recruitment solutions to the Renewable Energy & Technology sector.
With vast experience in energy recruitment, we have adapted to the complex, ever-changing modern marketplace by expanding into emerging renewables and technology recruitment, vendor management, and other workforce solutions around the globe. With a comprehensive understanding of each client’s needs, we deliver necessary staffing resources on time and on budget.
If you are looking for an opportunity in the clean energy sector or hoping to find the ideal candidates, Mackinnon & Partners can help. Contact us today.
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