Renewable Energy Generation
These careers are on the forefront of technology and energy innovation.
Renewable energy is the fastest-growing segment of the utilities industry. Renewable forms of energy come from the wind, sun, tides, the earth's heat, and some biomass products. Currently almost eight percent of Minnesota's electricity is generated by wind and this share is growing very quickly. While wind is the most visible form of renewable energy, energy is also being harvested from solar panels, geothermal heat, and some renewable fuels. The generation and distribution of power from new energy sources is still underway, but renewables provide an important source of power for traditional utilities.
Work in this field focuses on:
- developing new technologies to harvest renewable energy
- designing transmission and storage systems
- planning and preparing to install new technology
Project examples include:
- Repairing and maintaining wind turbines
- Designing solar panels or geothermal heat pumps
- Writing software for a smart-grid applications for renewable energy
Careers vary from entry-level technicians to experienced engineers.
Computer Software Engineers
Some computer software engineers design software that is used to enhance efficiency in computer systems or to operate and manage green products or devices, such as smart-grid technologies.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
Some engineering technicians help the environment by working on projects that improve energy efficiency or conserve natural resources.
Electrical Systems/Electrical Controls Engineers
Electrical systems/electrical controls engineers design, test, and maintain electrical equipment and systems.
Surveyors
Surveyors can benefit the environment in many ways. They may work on projects that map groundwater flow, plan for low-impact mining or construction sites, or plan for wind or solar power generation site layouts.
Wind Turbine Technicians
Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair wind turbines, which produce energy from a renewable source: the wind.
You might notice that some occupations you're looking for are not on this list. That's because the occupations not listed did not show any hiring demand in Minnesota in 2009-2011. Learn more about how careers were selected for this list.
| Job Title | Median Hourly Wage |
Typical Education Level Needed | Alternative Job Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers
First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers
|
$25.61 | Work experience (in related occupation) | Plant Manager, Shift Supervisor |
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
|
$36.30 | Bachelor's degree | HVAC Engineer, Wind Turbine Mechanical Engineer |
Industrial Engineering Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technicians
|
$23.17 | Associate degree | Quality Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Quality Control Engineering Technician |
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
|
Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | ||
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
|
$26.74 | Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
|
$26.48 | Associate degree | Design Technician, Equipment Engineering Technician |
Power Plant Operators
Power Plant Operators
|
$33.11 | Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | Biofuel Plant Operator, Boiler Operator, Auxiliary Operator |
Nuclear Engineers
Nuclear Engineers
|
Bachelor's degree | ||
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
|
$22.66 | Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | Industrial Electrician, Biofuel Maintenance Mechanic |
Electrical Engineers
Electrical Engineers
|
$40.12 | Bachelor's degree | Wind Turbine Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Energy Engineers |
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
|
$43.19 | Bachelor's degree | Integrated Circuit Design Engineer, Design Engineer |
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
|
$26.36 | Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | Maintenance Engineers |
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
|
$19.60 | Moderate-term on-the-job training (1-12 months) | Process Operator |
* This represents the wage from the broader occupation. Wage data for this job title are not available.
Indicates better job availability relative to other occupations in Minnesota over the last six months.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
