Renewable Energy Salaries: How Much Can You Earn in the Industry?

Renewable Energy salaries are growing at a significantly faster rate than those in the oil and gas sectors [1]. With increased pressure to adopt Renewable Energy Technologies worldwide, combined with the decreasing costs of Renewable resources, it is no surprise that the industry is expanding rapidly. Governments around the world are rapidly increasing funding for Renewable Energy projects, as seen with the UK Government’s recent £285 million Renewable Energy support scheme [2]. Naturally, the number of jobs in the sector is sky-rocketing, and trained personnel are needed to fill the gaps.

If you are looking to transition to the industry, or advance your career, it is not easy to search through the endless career opportunities. So, the REI has narrowed down some of the fastest-growing and in-demand jobs in the sector. We have included the salary range for each one, so you can get an idea of the potential earnings of each role.

Please note that income figures are intended as a guide only, and may be more or less than these figures for any specific role.

Renewable Energy Project Manager 

Salary range:

GBP: 45,000 – 80,000 │ EUR: 53,000 – 94,000 │USD: 60,000 – 105,000

Renewable Energy Project Managers are responsible for all project development activities within the business. Their role begins with identifying new business development opportunities to meet business goals and encourage growth. Project Managers accomplish this by forming strategies and liaising with key stakeholders to agree upon a budget and timeframe. Then, they will manage every aspect of the Renewable Energy Project, from supervising contractors and engineers to managing finance and final delivery. 

Examples of Renewable Energy projects include the creation of offshore wind farms, building solar farms or helping large companies implement renewable electricity solutions. If you are well-organised, enjoy working with a variety of people, and have a keen interest in all things Renewable Energy, a career in Project Management may be for you.

Get a head start: Renewable Energy Project Managers will benefit from experience and training in Project Management. This training allows them to understand how to plan a project from inception through to delivery.

Renewable Energy Engineer

Salary range:

GBP: 38,000 – 60,000 │EUR: 45,000 – 70,000 │USD: 50,000 – 80,000

Renewable Energy Engineering involves mechanical, electrical and environmental projects. Engineers are in charge of the research and development of new green technologies for their company, as well as equipment, machinery and production processes. They oversee the implementation and maintenance of these technologies, which revolve around the production of energy from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, or marine power. 

Engineers design Solar Photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, and hydropower systems. They design the systems that carry the electricity from the wind farms, dams or solar fields to the power plant. They come up with new methods to transform corn into ethanol, sun into hot water, and landfill gas into green fuel.

For those who choose an engineering career, endless green energy applications and specialties exist, making engineering a top job for a broad range of people with various talents and interests. It is a highly adaptable career path.

Get a head start: Renewable Energy Engineers will benefit from understanding Renewable and Green energy technologies.

Renewable Energy Consultant

Salary range:

GBP: 32,000 – 60,000 │ EUR: 38,000 – 70,000 │USD: 43,000 – 80,000

Renewable Energy Consultants conduct technical reviews, audits and surveys and advise clients on key Renewable Energy sources. These can include wind, solar, marine, wave, tidal, hydro and biofuel. They maintain effective relationships with technical support teams, sales staff and management teams. Their goal is to ensure smooth communication, integrate work activities and ensure the successful delivery of installations for customers. They also advise on sustainable solutions within the built environment and infrastructure sectors.

Get a head start: Renewable Energy Consultants can benefit from understanding Energy Efficiency in Buildings, as well as having a broad knowledge of Renewable Energy technologies. This would enable them to analyse and assess various domestic and commercial Renewable Energy needs.

Renewable Energy Sales Agent

Salary range:

GBP: 28,000 – 56,000 │EUR: 33,000 – 65,000 │USD: 37,000 – 75,000

Renewable Energy Sales Agents are involved in selling Renewable Energy products like solar thermal systems, heat pumps, underfloor heating, industrial or domestic cooling systems and solar photovoltaics. These individuals must be very personable, with good sales skills and thorough knowledge in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency products they are selling.

Get a head start: Renewable Energy Sales Agents can benefit from training in a range of technologies, particularly those involving solar. They would also benefit from Renewable Energy Solutions training.

Renewable Energy Contracts Manager

Salary range:

GBP: 40,000 – 65,000 │EUR: 47,000 – 76,000 │USD: 53,000 – 87,000

Contract Managers in the Renewable Energy industry oversee large-scale projects undertaken by their companies. They are responsible for coordinating every aspect of their projects from reviewing and approving contract terms to coordinating deadlines, approving budgets and more. Contract managers work to ensure any issues that arise during the project are dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible.

The job has multiple facets, from meeting clients to preparing tenders and commercial bids, to ensuring projects meet technical and legislative standards. A Contract Manager will typically begin their career as a contract specialist. Once they have gained more experience, they will move up the ladder to a more senior management role.

Get a head start: Renewable Energy Contract Managers would benefit from Management and Finance training. However, individuals from many backgrounds can become contract managers with extensive relative experience. A solid understanding of Renewable Energy Technologies in general will always be helpful.

Tips for Getting a Job in Renewable Energy

1. Update Your Online Profiles

Your online profile, particularly LinkedIn, needs to demonstrate your latest achievements, both in work and education for your Renewables career. This can include displaying your Accredited Master in Renewable Energy Award, your Galileo Master Certificate (GMC) or any other relevant training you may have. Ensure your most recent job history and responsibilities are clearly shown.

2. Make the Most of Images

Pictures and logos are a great way to draw attention to a specific part of your application or profile. If you want to draw attention to your GMC, for example, upload your logo to catch the eye of prospective employers. Do this by displaying the logo on your LinkedIn profile, or on your CV or resume. It’s a great way to make your application stand out from the crowd and to ensure your achievement is seen by as many people as possible.

3. Network in as Many Ways as You Can

Attending conferences, training programmes and seminars is a great way to meet new people in similar fields to you and an important way of hearing about new opportunities in the sector and advancing your Renewables career. As well as helping to develop your knowledge of the industry, these opportunities offer you the chance to interact with experts in the sector as well as a number of prospective colleagues and employers that may not be accessible otherwise.

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[1] BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business

[2] Gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/government/news/biggest-ever-renewable-energy-support-scheme-opens

Green Careers http://www.greencareers.biz/faq/what-is-a-renewable-energy-consultant/

Glassdoor https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/uk-renewable-energy-salary

Payscale https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Renewable_Energy_Consultant/Salary

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/renewable-energy-finance-jobs/