Renewable Energy Jobs: A Career Playbook

Download first: Grab the free 90-day Clean Energy Career Checklist here. It shows the exact steps to land a role in solar or wind.

Quick answer — top 5 renewable energy jobs and typical U.S. pay:

Job	What you do	Typical pay range
Solar PV Installer	Install rooftop/ground solar	$40k–$60k
Wind Turbine Technician	Maintain turbines at height	$50k–$70k
Energy Analyst	Study usage; cut waste	$60k–$85k
Project Manager (Solar/Wind)	Plan builds, manage teams	$80k–$120k
Energy Engineer	Design systems, improve efficiency	$70k–$100k

Pay varies by location and experience. Check live postings in places like Orlando energy jobs, Orlando renewable energy jobs, and Iowa renewable energy jobs to see current ranges. You can also scan LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter.

Jump to job profiles: Solar Installer • Wind Turbine Technician • Energy Analyst

Why clean energy careers now?

Renewables are growing fast. According to the University of Pennsylvania’s overview of clean energy jobs, new investment is creating thousands of roles. The American Clean Power industry notes more than 100,000 new manufacturing jobs and hundreds of billions invested.

In the last decade, U.S. renewable use doubled; today about 20% of our electricity comes from hydro, wind, and solar and supports 300,000+ workers, per Get Into Energy.

Business ROI insight (from Marcus): Energy efficiency roles often reduce utility costs 10–30% in year one. Those savings fund more clean energy projects and stable jobs. Implementation tip: Start with an OSHA-10 course and one entry credential (like NABCEP Associate). It's a quick, low-cost way to unlock interviews.

What are the main types of green jobs?

Clean energy jobs span several areas:

• Solar (rooftop, utility-scale). See the role directory at Rejobs.org.
• Wind (onshore, offshore). Explore employer pages like Ørsted.
• Hydropower and bioenergy. Learn the sectors at Rejobs.org.
• Energy efficiency and green buildings (HVAC, building controls). Map roles via the EERE career maps.
• Grid modernization and energy storage. See utility and commercial paths at Constellation.
• Clean transportation (EV/RNG fueling). Read career pages at Clean Energy Fuels.

These match what the Penn LPS report calls core clean energy areas: renewables, efficiency, grid/storage, and clean transportation (source).

How to start your career (5-step playbook)

Step 1: Pick your path

Choose one entry lane based on your strengths:

• Hands-on: Solar Installer, Wind Turbine Technician.
• Analytical: Energy Analyst, Sustainability Analyst, Scheduler.
• People/process: Project Coordinator, Site Admin, Supply Chain.

Use the Rejobs.org categories and employer pages at Ørsted and Constellation to see real teams and roles.

Step 2: Build baseline skills fast

• Safety: OSHA-10 (construction) or basic first aid.
• Tech basics: Hand tools, multimeter, torque, lockout/tagout (for field roles); Excel and dashboards (for analyst roles).
• Industry terms: PV array, inverter, SCADA, balance of plant, energy storage.

Explore the DOE's career maps at EERE for role ladders and skills.

Step 3: Get a starter credential or apprenticeship

• Solar: NABCEP PV Associate (PV-Associate).
• Wind: GWO Basic Safety Training; climbing/rigging.
• Entry experience: Try an approved apprenticeship like RenewableWorks or internships listed by DOE.
• Green buildings: Use the Green Buildings Career Map via EERE.

Step 4: Get experience (even small)

• Apply for helper/trainee roles under "entry level clean energy jobs" and "renewable energy jobs without a degree" searches.
• Volunteer with a local solar nonprofit or school energy audit club.
• Shadow a technician for a day if offered by companies like Clean Energy Fuels.

Step 5: Apply with proof

• Attach a 1-page skills resume, OSHA-10, and one credential.
• Share a simple wins portfolio: a mini energy audit, a mock solar layout, or a safety SOP you wrote.

Optional: HowTo structured data for your portfolio page

Add this markup to a personal site to show your step-by-step project (copy/paste-ready):

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    {"@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Identify leaks", "text": "Check door/window seals."},
    {"@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prioritize fixes", "text": "List top 3 changes and savings."}
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Career path maps (from first job to next)

Solar path

• Solar Installer → Lead Installer → Site Supervisor → Project Manager → Operations Manager
• Key skills to level up: Electrical basics → Crew leadership → Scheduling → Budgeting → KPIs.

Wind path

• Wind Tech I → Wind Tech II → Lead Tech → Site Manager → Regional Manager
• Key skills to level up: Climb safety → Troubleshooting → Parts planning → Reporting → Multi-site ops.

Analyst path

• Energy Analyst → Senior Analyst → Project Scheduler → Project Manager → Program Manager
• Key skills to level up: Excel/BI → Forecasting → Critical path → Budget control → Portfolio strategy.

Explore how teams are structured at Constellation and Ørsted.

Job profile: Solar PV Installer

What you do: Build and wire panels, racks, and inverters. Work outdoors and on roofs.

Great for: Hands-on learners, electricians, roofers, and career changers.

Starter steps:

• OSHA-10 + NABCEP PV Associate.
• Practice with basic tools and reading simple electrical diagrams.
• Apply to apprenticeships like RenewableWorks and trainee roles on Indeed.

Growth: Lead installer or site supervisor in 12–24 months with consistent performance.

Job profile: Wind Turbine Technician

What you do: Climb turbines, perform maintenance, change components, and keep sites safe.

Great for: People comfortable with heights who want steady, in-demand work.

Starter steps:

• GWO Basic Safety Training; climbing and rescue.
• Basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting practice.
• Search for "wind energy careers" and apply in wind hubs like the Midwest on Indeed Iowa or via industry pages like Ørsted.

Growth: Senior tech → lead tech → site manager. Many roles list clear ladders.

Job profile: Energy Analyst

What you do: Analyze energy use, forecast demand, and spot savings or project risks.

Great for: People who enjoy data, dashboards, and clear recommendations.

Starter steps:

• Excel, basic SQL, and dashboarding (Power BI/Tableau).
• Complete a mini energy audit using the EERE maps for guidance (EERE).
• Explore commercial teams and roles at Constellation.

Growth: Senior analyst → scheduler → project/program manager.

Where the jobs are

• Job boards: Rejobs.org, ACP Clean Energy Job Board, DOE USAJOBS, Indeed, LinkedIn.
• Employers: Ørsted, Constellation, Clean Energy Fuels.
• By city/region: Orlando listings show scale (renewable and wider energy). Iowa has strong wind demand (Indeed, ZipRecruiter).

Salary and benefits snapshot

Salaries depend on location, experience, and shift work. Analyst and manager roles tend to pay more; field roles often add per diem and overtime. Many employers also offer strong benefits. For example, Clean Energy Fuels lists competitive pay, stock purchase plan, 401(k) match, paid time off, and wellness support.

90-day action plan (your first job in clean energy)

1. Days 1–7: Pick a path (solar, wind, analyst). Complete OSHA-10. Draft a one-page resume.
2. Days 8–21: Earn one entry credential (NABCEP PV Associate or GWO). Build a 3-bullet "wins" portfolio (e.g., a simple energy audit).
3. Days 22–45: Apply to 30 roles (10 solar, 10 wind, 10 analyst or efficiency). Use Rejobs, ACP Job Board, and DOE.
4. Days 46–75: Practice interviews. Book two informational calls with a tech or PM (find on LinkedIn job posts).
5. Days 76–90: Onsite tests and offers. If needed, add a second micro-credential (basic first aid or confined space).

Downloadable checklist (copy & paste)

- OSHA-10 card (yes/no)
- Entry credential (NABCEP PV Associate or GWO) (yes/no)
- Tools practice: multimeter, torque, ladders (yes/no)
- Portfolio: 3-bullet wins (yes/no)
- 30 applications sent (yes/no)
- 2 mock interviews done (yes/no)
- References ready (yes/no)

FAQs

Can I switch from another industry?

Yes. Electricians, mechanics, roofers, and veterans move in fast. Your safety record and tool skills transfer well.

Do I need a degree?

No for many entry roles. Apprenticeships and short credentials work. Analyst and engineering roles may prefer a degree.

Which jobs pay the most?

Project managers, senior analysts, and engineers often earn more. Field roles can add overtime and per diem.

Are there remote clean energy jobs?

Yes. Many analyst, trading, and corporate roles can be hybrid or remote at firms like Constellation and Ørsted.

Where can I see growth trends?

Read sector updates at American Clean Power and policy impacts via Penn LPS.

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Helpful resources

• EERE: Map a Career in Energy (career maps and tools)
• U.S. Department of Energy Careers (USAJOBS)
• ACP: Clean Energy Job Board (industry-wide listings)
• Rejobs.org (renewable job categories)
• Clean Energy Fuels Careers (RNG and fueling)
• Ørsted Careers (offshore wind leader)
• Constellation Careers (commercial and corporate roles)

Your next step (today)

Pick one path. Book your OSHA-10. Apply to five "entry level clean energy jobs" before Friday. Small steps stack up fast. With steady effort, you can join the clean energy workforce powering the future.