Fuel Cell Technology Workers

Employers

In 2023, approximately 19,604 people were employed in the U.S. hydrogen/fuel cell vehicle industry, according to the U.S. Energy and Employment Report 2024 from the U.S. Department of Energy. Employers of fuel cell technology workers include automotive manufacturers with hydrogen vehicle programs, companies that manufacture fuel cells and related technology, merchant hydrogen producers, colleges and universities that conduct fuel cell and hydrogen research, and government agencies that conduct research in the field (most significantly, the U.S. Department of Energy and its National Laboratories, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's National Fuel Cell Technology Evaluation Center.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that given the early stages of development, opportunities in fuel cell technology are "limited to a relatively small number of companies, research institutions, and similar entities. Most of these jobs require engineering and science backgrounds related to product and technology development." Visit the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association's Web site (https://www.fchea.org/members) for a list of member companies that develop, manufacture, or utilize fuel cells. Research these companies to find out which are the most innovative leaders in the industry.

In 2024, Zippia indicated that California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Utah were the top states for employment in the fuel-cell engineering field.

Starting Out

Fuel cell technology workers can find jobs through their college’s career service offices, through contacts made via internships and other educational opportunities, and by applying to private companies and government agencies that develop and/or manufacture fuel cell technology.