The world’s most powerful driving factor is energy. It’s an industry that has been around for thousands of years and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. But is the energy industry a good career path for you?
If you’re looking for a stable and high-paying job that offers many opportunities, then there’s no better field than energy engineering.
However, before you make the final decision, keep reading to learn more about the energy industry. That will help you know if it’s the right industry or not.
Let’s begin.
What is the Energy Industry?
The energy industry is the supply and use of all types of energy. This includes oil, gas, coal, electricity, and other forms of renewable energy, such as solar or wind power.
The sector also covers renewable fuels such as ethanol or biodiesel, which can be blended with conventional fuels at the point of sale.
The global demand for these resources is increasing rapidly as economies grow and urbanize. As a result, there will be an ongoing need to develop new sources of supply that are secure, sustainable, and affordable to meet growing demands.
It’ll also minimize environmental impacts through cleaner technologies such as carbon capture storage (CSS).
Is Energy Industry a Good Career Path?
Yes. Energy is crucial in nearly every area of our lives, making the idea of a world without it completely inconceivable. Moreover, the energy industry is one of the most stable, lucrative, and, most importantly, dynamic fields.
In 2021, employment increased by about 2% across all industries but by 4% in the energy industry. Renewable energy has been a significant factor in this expansion.
Also, 60% of the country’s energy will come from renewables by 2035. And the expansion of wind and solar power will account for two-thirds of it.
Energy engineers are the unsung heroes entrusted with the mission of:
- discovering and developing renewable energy sources,
- converting them into the electricity that runs your iPhone and
- bringing them to the masses through the power grid.
Energy Engineering has Numerous Branches.
Working in energy is like working in any other branch of engineering. It involves a wide variety of tasks. But the primary goal is to develop cleaner and more efficient energy production methods and decrease current usage.
So if you choose this job, you’ll need strong skills in problem-solving and the ability to optimize processes. The energy industry is highly specialized and requires advanced education.
However, some schools provide energy-related degree programs that prepare students for careers in the energy industry even without the necessary advanced degree.
What are the Different Sectors of Energy?
The energy industry is diverse and complex, with many different careers and job opportunities.
The basic steps in the production of electricity are:
- power generation
- power transmission
- power distribution
- energy efficiency and conservation (including renewable energy and nuclear)
Some sub-industries support these steps, such as oil and natural gas extraction, coal mining, and hydroelectric power generation.
The Energy Industry Will Always be in Demand
Are energy engineers in demand? Yes.
Every day, new developments emerge that will shape the energy landscape of the future. As a result, jobs for energy engineers are on the rise, which is excellent news.
At every energy production and consumption stage, energy engineers are indispensable. They can get hands-on experience in various energy-related fields, from working directly on an oil rig to the grid.
In 2021, the clean energy industry created 4.3 million jobs. That’s more than a third of the entire global labor force. Moreover, it’s expected that this will continue to increase.
Global Warming is Still Creating Jobs in the Energy Sector
Global warming has continued and now ranks among the world’s most pressing problems. And its impacts are becoming increasingly visible and potentially destructive.
Because of that, numerous countries have increased their clean energy protocols and poured resources into renewable sources, including geothermal, solar, and wind power. So that means more jobs for energy engineers.
In addition to a rise in demand for energy engineers, the cost of renewable power sources has been reduced. And that has caused a rise in the use of those technologies.
So the energy industry will always be in demand. And the industry will continue to find ways to store and generate renewable energy and improve the efficiency of already available systems.
How Much Do Energy Industry Engineers Make?
So how much do energy industry engineers make? That will depend on the type of job. Let’s go through some of them:
- Nuclear Energy
Most of a nuclear engineer’s time is spent researching to develop new tools and technologies. In addition, they are in charge of creating processes and verifying equipment to make money from nuclear power.
The typical salary for this group is $87,000 per year.
- Information System Manager
An information system manager works with both hardware and software. They are connected to the application of technology in the energy industry. Uploading software, managing, developing, maintaining security, updating databases, etc., are only some of their core responsibilities.
The average annual income for this position is $146,000, so it’s worth looking into.
- Survey Technician
Survey technicians check the power plant’s devices to ensure they function properly. Cartographers go to different locations worldwide to measure features, compile geographical data, and draw maps.
There is a ceiling of $46,000 per year for a survey technician’s salary.
- Industrial Engineer
Having an industrial engineer on staff is required for any significant energy project. They devise systems and put processes into action to efficiently produce goods, cut down on waste, and accomplish set goals.
Industrial engineers need in-depth expertise with the tools and equipment found in nuclear power facilities. Master’s degree holders will be given preference, while those with a bachelor’s degree will still be eligible for advancement.
Typically, their annual salary is $88,950.
- Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and constructing power-generating machinery like gas turbines, engines, electric generators, etc.
Robotics and air conditioning are only two examples of machinery that rely heavily on electricity. And they can produce components for these systems as well.
A mechanical engineer working in the U.S. energy field can expect to earn a median annual income of $74,780.
Final Thoughts
There’s lots of room to grow in your career as an energy engineer. You’ll be at the forefront of energy technology, and you can use that to your advantage. As an energy engineer, you’re not just responsible for the design and implementation of projects.
You also have input on how they are run and managed. You can move up through various levels in the field as well.
You can work with different people, from technicians to engineers to internal and external managers. And it’ll likely see varied responsibilities as your career becomes more senior.
This flexibility is great because if you want to move from one sector to another, it’s easy enough to do so.