By Natalie Rodgers
In the midst of numerous efforts for conservation and sustainability, the clean energy sector has seen an astonishing uptick in the last several years. According to the Department of Energy, clean energy employment increased by 142,000 jobs in 2023 alone—growing at about twice the rate as other energy-related jobs. Because of the demand for clean energy projects, these jobs are not only plentiful but promise accessible training, stable pay and job security.
If you’re looking to contribute to a great cause while establishing a steady career, here are a few of the clean energy jobs that are leading the industry:
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Semiconductor processing technicians are responsible for the production of electronic semiconductors such as circuits and microchips. In the clean energy industry, these technicians specifically work to create solar cells—the device that conducts electricity in solar equipment. While much of the process of solar cell production is automated, semiconductor processors oversee and maintain the equipment and systems used in production.
A high school diploma is required before entering this field. Training is done on the job with some positions requiring additional certifications. Semiconductor processing technicians have an average annual salary of about $45,000 with a 13% growth outlook.
Solar Installers
Solar photovoltaic installers, otherwise known as PV installers, are responsible for assembling and maintaining solar energy devices like solar panels. This is a great job for people who enjoy a constantly changing job environment, working with their hands and are looking for a starting point to advance their career in the energy field. Many who start out as PV installers move on to careers as electricians, site assessment and project managers.
Solar installers must have a high school diploma to enter the field and receive their training on the job. The average annual salary for solar installers currently stands at over $48,000 per year with a whopping job outlook rate of 48%.
Materials Scientist
If you’re more interested in the research and development side of things, becoming a materials scientist may be for you. As a materials scientist, you would be responsible for studying the structural and chemical properties of solar powered products and finding ways to improve them. Many materials scientist focus on ways to create solar energy equipment that is cost effective, lightweight and easier to maintain while working alongside a team of other specialty scientists and engineers.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a related subject to enter the field, but many materials scientists earn their master’s and doctoral degrees to expand their expertise. The average salary for a materials scientist is over $87,000 per year with a growth rate of 8%.
Industrial Production Manager
For those of you who are already in the energy sector or are aspiring to management-level work, becoming an industrial production manager is a promising career that won’t be going away any time soon. In this position, you’re responsible for planning and coordinating all aspects of the factory floor. You’ll need a vast knowledge of the creation of solar equipment and an efficient plan to guide employees on how to best conduct the day’s work.
Industrial production managers usually need a bachelor’s degree in a business field such as management or business administration and five years of experience in the clean energy sector. Managers in this field make over $116,000 a year with a steady growth rate of 3%.
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