One of the most complex parts about job applications is knowing what skills the industry prioritizes. So, the development of which skills for energy jobs should be a priority for USA candidates?
Like many other industries, the energy industry has a specific list of in-demand skills required by energy jobs in the USA.
Transferable skills like project management and teamwork, engineering, and specialized knowledge can all be positive marks for a career in energy.
While job requirements will change depending on the energy source, this rapidly growing industry could be a perfect fit for you if you have the appropriate skills.
How Many Jobs Are Available in the Energy Sector?
The energy sector and the demand for green and renewable energy sources are growing.
According to the 2024 U.S. Energy and Employment Jobs Report (USEER), using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and private surveys, jobs defined as clean energy grew twice as fast as the predicted rate for a strong market.
Over 149,000 jobs were added in the energy sector in 2023, and of those, 29% were for workers under the age of 30.
Wind and solar energy employment rates grew above average, with wind growing by 4.6% and solar growing by 5.8%. Solar in particular, was classified as more diverse and more heavily unionized than other energy sectors in the report.
“Clean energy is experiencing the largest growth in the energy sector, which is increasing the demand for skilled workers.“
Unionization rates in energy were twice as high as those in the private sector, and clean energy, in particular, had a greater average than the traditional energy sector.
Sectors with the Highest Demand in the USA
The sectors currently experiencing the highest demand for energy workers are:
- Fossil fuels
- Renewable energy (solar and wind)
- Nuclear energy
- Energy efficiency and storage
Currently, clean energy and energy created by renewable sources are experiencing the largest growth in the energy sector, which is increasing the demand for skilled workers.
Renewable energy now accounts for 9% of all the energy used in the U.S., but the U.S. still uses fossil fuels. Petroleum and natural gas combined accounted for 74% of all energy consumed in 2023.
Top In-Demand Skills for Energy Jobs in the USA
The in-demand skills for energy jobs in the U.S. can be divided into foundation skills and relevant experience. Foundation skills can be used in almost any energy source, while relevant experience relates to working in a specific field.
Technical Engineering
While not every energy job is engineering, it makes up a large portion of the sector.
- Electrical engineering: Designing and maintaining energy systems. There is a push for energy systems specific to renewable energy.
- Mechanical engineering: Involves the mechanical or moving components that make up energy production, such as engines, turbines, and burners.
- Civil and structural engineering: This branch of engineering is specific to load-bearing structures. This knowledge is used for small systems like fixing solar panels efficiently and large-scale projects like solar farms and power plants.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Knowledge
Tech-related roles will benefit from a strong STEM background but this knowledge may not be as applicable to some energy jobs. The energy sector encompasses a wide range of jobs that may favor one aspect over another, such as science for data collection or math for construction.
Data Analysis and Energy Management
The ability to collect and analyze data relating to energy efficiency is an in-demand skill for energy jobs. This could improve the efficiency of the energy source or technology, adjusting energy output during peak or low times.
- Energy audits: Assess and help find strategies to optimize energy use in commercial and industrial settings. Auditing may be used to award certification to a business or penalize it for not performing to regulatory standards.
- Energy data analysis: This work is done in tandem with energy audits. It requires proficiency in analyzing energy consumption data to find efficiency strategies.
- Demand response systems: This energy management skill requires an understanding of systems capable of adjusting energy use based on demand.
Energy management may also include skills relating to battery and energy storage.
Project Management and Leadership
Leadership and project management are skills that transfer to many jobs, especially in growing industries like energy. These skills may come from university courses, certifications, or on-the-job training.
Although many roles include project management in their job descriptions, project managers define the project’s scope, create timelines and budgets, and collaborate with various stakeholders, contractors, and engineers.
“Hiring for renewable energy projects is increasing twice as fast as traditional energy jobs.“
Project management can be performed on large projects, such as solar farms, wind turbine installations, or single energy-efficient buildings.
Regardless of the size of the project, good project management ensures that the project is on time, on budget, and completed correctly using all the skills and knowledge of the team working on it.
Another skill set that is transferable to several projects and roles is leading a group effectively. Leadership and team management include problem-solving under pressure and working with a variety of people and teams to complete projects.
Effective leadership can ensure everyone is on task, resources are allocated appropriately, and timelines are respected.
Large projects require teams from different parts of the industry, such as technicians, engineers, construction workers, and environmental experts. Leaders and team managers act as liaisons for their teams to make discussions and decision-making more effective.
Knowledge of Relevant Regulations and Compliance
The energy sector is subject to many regulations and compliance requirements that must be followed by everyone involved.
Skills in this category typically fall into compliance and risk management, which are highly in demand for new job seekers.
Energy jobs in the USA that require management skills typically expect employees to know all the codes applicable to their industry to avoid overstepping or accidentally ignoring regulations.
Projects are often subject to strict environmental, health, and safety regulations that change based on local, state, and federal laws. They may require working with an environmental expert or government official at any point during the project timeline.
Renewable Energy Experience
Hiring for renewable energy projects is increasing twice as fast as traditional energy jobs.
While traditional fossil fuels still hold a large portion of the market, more and more governments are encouraging the use of renewable resources with regulations and incentives, leading to more jobs in the sector.
People who can demonstrate knowledge and experience in renewable technologies like solar, wind, nuclear, and hydroelectric are essential for jobs that require designing, installing, and maintaining energy systems.
Solar energy: Engineers and technicians specializing in solar energy require knowledge of all solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which capture sunlight and convert it to electricity.
This knowledge may include proficiency in solar design software such as PVsyst or for technicians arranging and mounting solar arrays. It also includes maintenance of solar systems and battery storage.
Wind Energy: Wind energy requires experience in mechanical and electrical systems for wind turbines, including physical setup on wind farms and their installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting when necessary.
Wind energy engineers may require skills for maximizing energy production and integrating wind energy into the local electrical grid.
“While many renewable energy jobs require sector-specific skills, many transferable skills for energy jobs in USA are highly in-demand.“
Nuclear energy: This low-carbon source requires workers who understand nuclear reactor design, operation, and safety. Experience with reactors and preventing malfunctions is an important part of this high-science and physics field.
Experience with nuclear waste management is also an in-demand skill, this includes the science behind nuclear decay, long-term storage options, and the correct procedures for waste containment.
Water/Hydroelectric energy: These jobs require significant mechanical and technical expertise, specifically in dams and turbines and water flow management. Environmental regulations also make up a large portion of this energy sector.
While many renewable energy jobs require skills specific to the sector, many transferable skills for energy jobs in USA are also highly in-demand.
Up and Coming Skills for Future Energy Jobs
Predicting the skills needed for future jobs can help with educational planning and course selection. These skills have begun to be implemented in energy sectors now or are on the rise and may be implemented in the future.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation in Energy
Being familiar with AI and automation could be beneficial in the future. AI technologies are beginning to be used to manage energy grids, reduce energy during low periods, and predict maintenance needs.
Sustainability and Green Building
Workers with knowledge of sustainable building materials, green building regulations, and energy-efficient construction techniques will be desirable for employment in the future.
More governments are offering commercial projects tax benefits for those that meet or exceed regulatory requirements.
Cybersecurity
With AI and automation becoming important to the energy industry’s future, cyber threats will also become part of energy jobs.
Professionals with cybersecurity skills will be important as safeguards for energy grids, power plants, and other infrastructure become necessary.
Conclusion
The energy industry is a growing and thriving part of the American economy, and the increase in available job opportunities proves that. Knowing the skills for energy jobs in USA can set you apart from other job seekers.
Regardless of what job role you’re looking for, your resume can benefit from transferable skills that benefit several sectors, such as project management, data analysis, and energy optimization.
Then, choose where to specialize; with time, you could have a successful and rewarding career in the energy sector.
