Renewable Energy Engineers

Renewable energy is defined as a clean and unlimited source of power or fuel. This energy is harnessed from different sources such as wind, sunlight (solar), water (hydro), organic matter (biomass), and the earth’s internal heat (geothermal). Unlike non-renewable energy sources like oil, natural gas, or coal, or nuclear energy, renewable energy is not based on extracting a limited resource. In 2023, renewable energy accounted for about 9 percent of U.S. energy consumption and 21.4 percent of electricity consumption, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Renewable energy engineers are problem-solvers who use the principles of mathematics and science to perform a variety of tasks in the renewable energy industry such as research and designing wind turbines, geothermal plants, and solar photovoltaic cells. Other engineers work in testing, production, maintenance, or management. Engineers work in a variety of fields. In fact, more than 25 engineering specialties are recognized by professional engineering societies. There are more than 1.8 million engineers employed in the United States.

Salary Range

Below $25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Much Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Curious

Problem-Solving

Technical

Career Ladder

Company Executive, or Professor, or Consultant

Engineering Manager

Engineer

Engineering Technician