The energy sector is one of the essential sectors around today. In fact, it drives almost every other sector. Can you imagine a world without energy? With all the technology surrounding us, that seems impossible. So if you are asking, ‘is energy a good career path’ you are not alone.’ Many youths also see the opportunity in this industry and are seriously considering pursuing a career in it.
The energy industry is presently growing in demand and also in the types of energy available to everyone – both commercial and residential sectors. Because of that, companies in this industry are constantly demanding highly skilled workers who have ample training in the field.
Interestingly, most of the job positions available in the industry are open to even those without a college degree. With on-the-job and job-specific training, you can make an attractive income in the energy sector while still helping to make the work a better place. Not sure if energy is a good career path for you? You should keep reading this piece.
Is Energy A Good Career Path?
The short answer is yes! But we don’t think that’s the correct way you should make a career decision. Instead, you should carefully consider your skills and preferences when choosing a career path. People choose a certain career for different reasons. While some only go in for the fat paycheck and other monetary benefits, some are simply looking for a job where they can make the most impact.
So before you jump on the energy wagon, taking our words for it, you should consider what you really want. But in broader terms, the energy industry is, in various ways, a really good industry for anyone to consider a career path. From having diverse career opportunities to enjoying an interesting work culture and making a difference, the industry is one that is worth recommending for new job seekers.
But let’s hone in more on these, taking a closer look at why you should consider picking a career path in the energy industry. Consider that as moving a step further in answering the question, ‘is energy a good career path?’
Reasons Energy Is a Good Career Path
#1: There are various career paths available in the industry
This is an interesting thing about the energy sector. It is loaded with diverse career paths from which you can choose one that best suits you. From the oil and gas industry to renewable energy like wind, solar, and geothermal, there are just too many opportunities available in the sector.
Because of these numerous career paths in the industry, there are lots of job opportunities there for anyone looking to go into the industry. New small-scale and large-scale industries are shooting up every day in the sector to provide even more job opportunities for people.
#2: There is a growing need for sustainable solutions
More than ever, the demand for sustainable energy solutions has been on the increase. And of the reasons for this is the wide range of resources that now makes it super easy for us to use renewable, healthy sources of energy. Now, there is more demand for wind, solar, water, and other forms of energy than it used to be in the past few decades.
Because of this, there has also been an increase in demand for people who have the skills to support the field. This demand doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon, and that’s one reason anyone can seek a career path in the energy sector.
#3: Demand is international
That’s the new trend; many youths are now seeking career paths that will allow them to work outside the shores of their countries. If this sounds like you, too, then you are welcome to choose a career path in the energy industry. Most companies and cities have a high level of demand for people who have the skills irrespective of where you come from.
Working in the energy sector opens you up to the opportunity to travel across the world and work anywhere you like. By this, you will also have the chance to work and meet with people of various cultural and professional backgrounds.
#4: Pay is attractive
Regardless of the area of the industry, you are picking a career from, you can be sure of earning handsomely at the end of the month. In the later section of this post, we will be talking about some high-paying jobs in the energy sector and how much a worker from each field can earn. That means if you are asking the question, ‘is energy a good career path’ because of the pay, you will be glad you are considering the right industry.
#5: Dynamic work culture
It is no longer news that work culture is changing all over the world and across a wide range of industries. There are recently more discussions about diversity and inclusion. Although the energy sector is not perfect yet in terms of this, it is still far better than other industries when it comes to embracing this change. So, if you are considering picking a career in this sector, then you are bound to enjoy a dynamic work culture than you can get in any other industry.
#6: You get the chance to make a difference
Seeking a career to plug into is most times more than just a fat paycheck; it is sometimes about job satisfaction. If you are the type that has been yearning for a chance to contribute ti making the world a better place, then you should consider picking a career in the energy sector.
On a daily basis, energy reserves across the globe dwindle because of the increase in population globally. Therefore the energy sector is constantly looking for skilled and innovative persons who can make the future more secure for the coming generation. The fight against global warming and climate change is still on. So, if you have been looking for a way to make a significant change in this line, then the energy sector is a perfect place for you to pick up a career.
What Are the Best Paying Jobs In the Energy Sector?
Still answering the question, ‘is energy a good career path?’ Let’s take a look at some of the high-paying jobs in the sector. We will be highlighting what it looks like with each job and a brief description of them.
Drilling supervisor
A drilling supervisor is much needed in the oil and gas sector. Such an individual is in charge of overseeing the operations of oil in drill operations. Without their involvement, things may not go as expected in that sector. The requirements to be a drilling supervisor are not as strict. In fact, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree. Just that you must have a basic degree in mechanical engineering. As a drilling supervisor, you can earn an average of $148,500 annually.
Wind farm site manager
This is another high-paying job in the energy sector. It pays an average of $105,000, and it’s quite a promising job, especially for someone looking to make a major impact in making the world a better place. With the rapid switch to renewable sources of energy, more and more manpower is needed to keep the industry running. So a manager is also needed to oversee these people. A wind farm manager is in charge of overseeing workings in the farm, ensuring everything and everyone is performing to expectation.
Green construction manager
The job of a green construction manager is to plan construction projects and coordinate projects in a green firm to ensure everything is done as planned without any difficulties. This may include constructing green office buildings from scratch or renovating one. It is also a perfect job for some looking to make a meaningful impact in the fight against global warming. Managerial skills and work experience are of high value here – more than educational qualifications. As a green construction manager, you can earn an average of $91,500 annually.
Geoscientists
These people are in high demand in the geothermal energy sector and are paid up to $91,000 annually with a bachelor’s degree as a requirement.
Civil engineers
Civil engineers are paid around $86,000 per year to oversee energy plants’ buildings. The only requirement for this job is a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. And a prior experience with working on mega construction is an added value.
Solar project developers
As more and more companies worldwide are taking on solar projects, the demand for solar project developers keeps increasing. There is usually a lot of planning that goes into planning a solar project because a lot of permits are needed, and grid connections are also very complicated. A solar project manager will need to contact many professionals in the course of exhibiting a project, including lawyers, financial analysts, and engineers. These professionals earn up to $84,000 in annual income.
Solar power plant operator
They are usually in charge of operating and managing solar energy installations once they are installed. They work with each other to ensure the smooth running of an installed power plant. Pay here is around $83,000 per year.
Industry engineer
This is also a job opening in the renewable energy field. Industry engineers need qualifications in industrial engineering and additional experience in the oil and gas industry to perform their duties. They are paid an average of $77,000 per year.
Other high paying jobs in the energy sector include
- Financial analysts for renewable energy companies earning up to $85,000 annually.
- Renewable energy consultant; earns $82,000 per annum
- Solar energy software developer; $73,000 per annum
- Solar energy technician; $72,000 per year
Environmental engineering technician; $50,500 annually
