What is an Energy Engineer?
Occupation Description Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.
A Day in the Life of an Energy Engineer
- Manage the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects to ensure acceptability of budgets and time lines, conformance to federal and state laws, or adherence to approved specifications.
- Consult with construction or renovation clients or other engineers on topics such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Green Buildings.
- Inspect or monitor energy systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or daylighting systems to determine energy use or potential energy savings.
- Review or negotiate energy purchase agreements.
- Monitor and analyze energy consumption.
- Advise clients or colleagues on topics such as climate control systems, energy modeling, data logging, sustainable design, or energy auditing.
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Qualities of an Energy Engineer
These are the skills Energy Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Energy Engineer
- Energy Engineer
- Environmental Solutions Engineer
- HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer)
- Energy Infrastructure Engineer
- Measurement And Verification Engineer
Energy Engineer Employment Estimates
There were about 132,500 jobs for Energy Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Energy Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Energy Engineer per year.

The states with the most job growth for Energy Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Energy Engineers Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Energy Engineers ranges between about $50,750 and $155,650 a year.

Energy Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Energy Engineers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $115,710 |
Alaska | $114,040 |
Arizona | $94,450 |
Arkansas | $71,510 |
California | $107,700 |
Colorado | $111,610 |
Connecticut | $100,230 |
District of Columbia | $132,530 |
Florida | $82,970 |
Georgia | $93,580 |
Hawaii | $96,940 |
Idaho | $110,270 |
Illinois | $87,220 |
Indiana | $73,340 |
Iowa | $78,230 |
Kansas | $82,060 |
Kentucky | $79,690 |
Louisiana | $90,580 |
Maine | $85,800 |
Maryland | $118,420 |
Massachusetts | $109,220 |
Michigan | $90,420 |
Minnesota | $101,620 |
Mississippi | $79,630 |
Missouri | $86,850 |
Montana | $79,590 |
Nebraska | $82,760 |
Nevada | $94,950 |
New Hampshire | $99,070 |
New Jersey | $114,990 |
New Mexico | $114,790 |
New York | $95,270 |
North Carolina | $83,900 |
North Dakota | $83,270 |
Ohio | $93,370 |
Oklahoma | $83,080 |
Oregon | $90,720 |
Pennsylvania | $96,550 |
Rhode Island | $95,790 |
South Carolina | $100,750 |
South Dakota | $84,320 |
Tennessee | $82,030 |
Texas | $113,370 |
Utah | $89,810 |
Vermont | $81,960 |
Virginia | $118,390 |
Washington | $104,890 |
West Virginia | $91,420 |
Wisconsin | $86,600 |
Wyoming | $97,040 |
What Tools & Technology do Energy Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Energy Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor
- Cool Roof Calculator
- DesignBuilder Software DesignBuilder
- EffTec EffTrack
- Architectural Energy Corporation ENFORMA Building Diagnostics
- EnergyPlus
- Facility Energy Decision Systems FEDS
- Federal Renewable Energy Screening Assistant FRESA
- Fielding Data Labs OptoMizer
- InterEnergy Software Building Energy Analyzer PRO
- Itron Enterprise Energy Management EEM Suite
Becoming an Energy Engineer
What kind of Energy Engineer requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Energy Engineers Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Energy Engineer may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Energy Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Rémi Kaupp via Multi-license with GFDL and Creative Commons CC-BY-SA
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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