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During this time of global crisis, the world needs more and more energy. We need it regularly in our daily lives for vehicles, lights, computers, appliances, and for so much more. With the rising need for energy, there is a need for professionals in this field too.
People in this career field can understand the importance of energy. They excel in taking raw resources and turning them into a source of energy. Energy jobs are highly paid jobs plus the growth rate of the industry is also high.
The growth rate of various jobs in any sector is reflected in the Job Outlook set by the US Bureau of Labor.
To work in the energy sector, you do not need to have a specific academic background. People working in energy come from many different backgrounds. These include software engineers, chemists, managers, and whatnot!
What is the Energy Sector?
The energy sector is a known category of industries that work to produce and supply energy. This also consists of the companies which explore and develop oil as well as, gas drilling and refining.
The energy sector also consists of integrated power utilities and renewable energy.
The energy sector involves the related companies in a network that work together directly or indirectly. These companies work towards producing and distributing energy in order to power the economy.
Energy has two main categories which are renewable and non-renewable energy. Moving forward, the energy prices and the earning of energy employees are dependent on the supply and demand of energy globally.
10 Best Paying Jobs in Energy
1. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems manager is a well-paid spot in the energy segment. Those who have years of experience in the field can expect increased salaries. The second name for it is IT manager.
Firstly, these IT managers plan and organize the resources. They then put in place computer-based tasks in an organization. They set the automation goals of a company and arrange the computer system to try to achieve those goals.
Moreover, they also study what type of upgrades the computers need and when they need them. They have to install and maintain the hardware of computers. Also, they have to perform many other related tasks like securing electronic data.
This job is vital for an expanding company. An expanding firm has to deal with many challenges regarding digital information and cybersecurity. If as a company, you do not have an IT manager, you will have to outsource it to fulfill your needs.
The job requires communication, leadership, organizing, and decision-making skills. People having a background in engineering, computers, and software programming, will be best suited for an IT job. This role ensures that information systems are running smoothly and efficiently.
The median salary of an Information System Manager in the US is $159010 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor. And Job Outlook is 16 percent.
2. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers analyze the geology of oil prospecting sites. They then develop methods for oil and gas extraction from deposits below the surface of the Earth. Fossil fuel still has demand in many countries. Thus, there is always a need for petroleum engineers.
The job of a petroleum engineer is mostly field work. They have to travel a lot to inspect different sites. Their job is to design the equipment for extraction and make plans on how to carry out the drilling process to recover natural resources.
Additionally, they carry out testing, surveys, and analyses to test the production processes.
These engineers need to possess creative and analytical skills to be employed as petroleum engineers.
They get high salaries because the success of an oil well depends upon their work.
The median pay of a Petroleum Engineer is $130,850 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor. And Job Outlook is 8 percent.
3. Aerospace Engineer
Are you familiar with Aerospace engineering? It’s a fascinating field that involves designing planes, spaceships, satellites, and missiles that push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Their importance in the energy industry is so that they design wind energy plants. The professionals in this field get paid well.
These engineers are great in manufacturing, analyzing, designing, and Research & Development. They need a security clearance if they work with the federal government and craft products for the military.
One of their responsibilities is to create and then also test the prototypes of their products. In this way, they make sure that the final product will work as expected. So, their work saves a lot of inconvenience for their employer. They are also required to meet and maintain quality standards along with meeting deadlines.
Aerospace engineers need specific computer software design tools to assist them in their work. Their work includes the layout and design of wind plants. They also estimate wind energy capture. They work closely with meteorologists to work out the best mix of turbines at wind farms.
The median salary of an Aerospace Engineer is $122,270 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor. And Job Outlook is 6 percent.
4. Wind Farm Site Manager
Another high-paying job is being a wind farm site manager. This manager needs medium-level training. This position requires years of experience in the renewable energy sector, mechanics, or electrics. The employer makes this manager work at a wind plant before offering him a permanent position.
A wind farm site manager performs the operation and maintenance of the plant. A part of the job is to track networks that will generate and distribute power.
They have to be capable enough to fix the damage in case of any onsite mishap. They have to make sure that all the protocols are being followed and all the operations are taking place smoothly.
The site manager has to have good communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. For more information you can go to https://www.glassdoor.com
5. Geoscientist
A geoscientist is a person expert in knowledge about the earth’s structure. They are important for the energy sector as a renewable energy consultant. They research how some energy-related practices impact the stability of the ground.
One of their responsibilities includes investigating the energy resources on land as well as at sea.
This type of job is both, indoors as well as outdoors. There are no fixed work timings because geoscientists have to travel around the world a lot so the working hours are very irregular.
If you wish to become a geoscientist, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in subjects related to Geoscience. And employers look for excellent analytical and research skills. A keen eye for observing the details is an added benefit.
Geoscientist observes how drilling affects ground stability.
The median pay of geoscientists in the US is $83680 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor. And Job Outlook is 5 percent.
6. Power Plant Operator
The future of the energy sector is renewable energy but nuclear power also plays an important part. Nuclear energy is dangerous. However, there is a decline in nuclear accidents which is promising. There has been a drop in mishaps as the operators carry out operations with the essential safety features in place.
Nuclear power operators may draw more salaries than others because of more safety protocols. Additionally, they have specialized skills to handle hazardous processes.
A power plant operator’s responsibility is to control the power-generating equipment. A part of their job is to read charts and meters in order to gauge voltage and the flow of electricity. They also maintain control boards and machinery.
The best part about this job is that you do not need to be highly qualified and you can earn a handsome amount of money. However, if you have a bachelor’s degree in Construction Plant Operation then you will have an edge over others.
There is also a period of training involved as the employers have to ensure that you have the right skills for the job.
The average pay of a power plant manager is $104,634 per year according to Glassdoor.
7. Project Manager
A project manager is a person who supervises the whole project in most areas of the energy sector. There is a high demand for project managers and the demand is growing day by day. Most major companies need qualified managers who can ensure that projects get completed on time. And these managers also see to it that the project meets the designed standards.
As a project manager in energy, you may have to keep track of many solar and wind projects. You will have to make sure that all these projects get launched as scheduled.
And you can do it if you do proper coordination and have the correct time management matrix.
Furthermore, a project manager is also responsible for designing projects within a budget. Other tasks cover scheduling, assigning work to the team members, and reporting the progress to higher management.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, being a project manager will be very easy for you. Also, if you have any experience in the related field, it will be a plus point!
The median pay of a project management specialist is $94,500 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor. And Job Outlook is 7 percent.
8. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers help companies lower their negative impact on the environment. They find ways for companies to reduce the use of harmful and toxic chemicals and pollutants.
In this respect, nowadays, their role is vital in all industries. They help companies comply with prevailing environmental standards.
In this role, an environmental scientist will be responsible to conduct fire research and work in laboratories. This is to ensure that the energy which is produced is not causing any damage to the environment.
If you aspire to become an environmental engineer, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in engineering is a must. It’s a challenging yet rewarding career that requires a solid educational foundation and a passion for protecting the planet. Are you up for the challenge?
Moreover, you will need strong interpersonal skills to interact with other professionals. Additionally, you will have to plan to mitigate environmental risks.
The median pay of an environmental engineer is $96,820 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor. And Job Outlook is 4 percent.
9. Materials Engineer
A material engineer carries out a number of functions that improve the products. They take part in almost everything. From basic computer elements to making massive infrastructure materials.
They have a very good understanding of metals, ceramics, plastics, and other materials. Material engineers come up with new and innovative materials for vehicles that make them lightweight. The lesser weight makes vehicles fuel efficient.
Moreover, the ways a material engineer is useful in the energy sector are limitless. If you want to pursue a career as a Materials engineer, you need to have a science-related degree. Such as chemistry, computer programming, and other related subjects.
The median pay of a material engineer is $98,300 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor. And Job Outlook is 6 percent.
10. Solar Power Plant Operator
People tend to think that solar renewable energy installations operate automatically. However, that is not entirely true.
Many large-scale solar projects require operators that oversee the operation. If any solar panel needs replacement or repair, the operator must report it to the management..
To become a solar power plant operator, you must possess a mechanical or engineering degree.
The average pay of this position is $46843 per year, as informed by Glassdoor.
Have you worked in any of the above jobs lately? Be sure to let me know about your experience.
