Is Energy a Good Career Path in 2023?

Choosing a career path is one of the most crucial decisions in life.

And it’s not always easy!

Because too many factors come into play when picking a career path. For instance, what’s your passion, what are you good at, and what income level are you targeting?

So, with so many career choices to pick from, is energy a good career path for you? And again, the answer varies depending on the angle you look at it.

Let’s dive in and see if the energy sector makes a good career path…

Is energy a good career path?

Energy: a good career path?

In short: Yes, energy is a good career path to pursue.

Energy is a dynamic sector offering numerous career opportunities and growth potential. It’s ideal for those with an interest in renewable sources, sustainability, and evolving technologies. Engineers, researchers, and technicians benefit from the expanding renewable energy market, while strong job security and competitive salaries further enhance its appeal as a career path.

According to the U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), energy jobs grew 4.0% from 2020, outpacing overall U.S. employment, which climbed 2.8% in the same time period. The energy sector added more than 300,000 jobs, increasing the total number of energy jobs from 7.5 million in 2020 to more than 7.8 million in 2021. (source)

However, as with any career path, you have to research the specific industry and job you’re interested in to ensure it’s a good fit for your skills and interests.

Why is energy a good career path?

The followings are the factors that make this an ideal career path:

Why is energy a good career path?

  1. Growing demand: With global energy consumption constantly rising, professionals in this field experience sustained demand for their skills and expertise.
  2. Renewable focus: As the world transitions toward clean and sustainable energy sources, those specializing in renewables contribute positively to the environment and society.
  3. Technological innovations: Emerging technologies such as solar, wind, and energy storage provide exciting and cutting-edge work for energy professionals.
  4. Job stability: With the world’s reliance on energy unlikely to decrease, job stability and long-term prospects are more secure in this field.
  5. Global impact: Playing a vital role in economies worldwide, energy professionals help shape policies and drive solutions to address pressing energy and climate challenges.

Now, we can’t just not talk about the cons of the job and move ahead. Let’s take a look…

Cons of energy jobs

While the career in energy can be rewarding, it also has its downsides.

  1. Market volatility: Energy prices can fluctuate dramatically due to factors like political events, natural disasters, and changing regulations, potentially affecting job stability and industry growth.
  2. Geographic limitations: Job opportunities in the energy sector might be concentrated in specific regions, requiring workers to relocate or limit their choices based on geographical constraints.
  3. Regulatory and policy changes: The ongoing shift towards renewable energy and greenhouse gas regulations can impact non-renewable sectors, leading to decreased opportunities and the potential for increased job competition.

Top skills required for the job

Here are some top skills that are commonly required for energy jobs:

  1. Technical knowledge in energy systems
  2. Data analysis and interpretation
  3. Problem-solving abilities
  4. Effective communication skills
  5. Environmental and safety compliance

You can also learn more about all the essential skills for energy.

Best paying jobs in energy sector

Like any other job out there, the satisfactory level might depend on the type of energy job you choose. Here are some of the best-paying jobs in energy you can consider:

Job Role Average Salary
Computer And Information Systems Manager $124,157 per year (*)
Petroleum Engineer $98,689 per year (*)
Electronics Maintenance Technician $71,275 per year (*)

Keep in mind that the salary range can vary widely depending on the location, the size of the company, the specific role and responsibilities. And also, these are high-paying jobs that usually require a significant amount of experience and expertise.

Average annual salary of energy jobs

The average annual salary for energy jobs varies greatly depending on the role and industry.

The energy industry offers a range of jobs with varying salaries. Some entry-level positions, such as technicians and operators, earn a median salary of $50,000 to $70,000 per year. More senior positions such as engineers, managers, and executives can earn upwards of $100,000 to $200,000 or more per year, depending on the specific job and company. — (source)

Companies like ExxonMobil Corporation, NextEra Energy, Enterprise Products Partners and many more have multiple positions with some awesome remuneration.

Explore other interesting career paths:

Final verdict

Whether or not energy is a good career path depends on your individual skills, interests, and goals. But as a broad field that encompasses many different industries and job opportunities, the path offers diverse options for those with Technical knowledge in energy systems and Data analysis and interpretation skills.

Additionally, it can provide job stability, career progression, and the potential for growth and advancement. However, always keep in mind that energy jobs can also have some cons like Market volatility, Geographic limitations, and Regulatory and policy changes as compared to other fields like Public Utilities, Capital Goods, and Consumer Services.

Ultimately, it is important to do your research and carefully consider your own strengths and interests before pushing a career in energy.


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