Energy Engineers
O*NET title: Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
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.
Also called: Alternative Energy Engineer, Building Engineer, Certified Green Building Engineer, Commissioning Engineer, Energy Conservation Engineer, Energy Efficiency Engineer
Median pay
$122,930
Pay for the broader BLS group “Engineers, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$66,810 – $189,950
People employed
154,070
Whole BLS group
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Energy Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Engineers, All Other”.
What energy engineers do
- 01Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.
- 02Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.
- 03Monitor and analyze energy consumption.
- 04Prepare energy-related project reports or related documentation.
- 05Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.
- 06Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from energy engineers
- Energy Auditors87% · group pay
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers81% · group pay
- Water Resource Specialists80% · group pay
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians79% · —
- Materials Scientists78% · —
Change into energy engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Energy Auditors85% · $74,690
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers81% · $171,270
- Water Resource Specialists80% · $167,220
- Materials Scientists78% · $117,790
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians77% · $64,950
Majors that lead here
- Engineering, General
- Applied Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Laser and Optical Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
- Engineering Science
- Ocean Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.