Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Energy engineers design and evaluate systems to reduce energy consumption and costs in buildings during construction or renovation. They work on electrical systems, HVAC equipment, lighting, and other energy-related infrastructure. Most are employed by engineering firms, construction companies, or as consultants helping organizations improve building efficiency.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against energy engineers, except wind and solar and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Energy engineers analyze building designs and energy systems, often using specialized software to model energy use and identify savings opportunities. They conduct site visits to assess current conditions, meet with architects and contractors to integrate recommendations, and prepare technical reports. Much work involves calculations, reviewing blueprints, and testing system performance to ensure designs meet efficiency goals and building codes.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy solving technical problems systematically and want to understand how things work, fitting the investigative interest. You're practical and detail-oriented, preferring concrete facts over abstract theories, which aligns with the realistic interest. You thrive working through complex building systems and data analysis.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Healthcare Engineer Energy · Veterans Health Administration · Portland, Oregon · $63366–$140905
- Healthcare Engineer- Energy · Veterans Health Administration · Portland, Oregon · $63366–$140905
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $119,430 | $162,070 | $180,190 | 2,190 |
| Alabama | $116,040 | $152,550 | $183,040 | 3,460 |
| District of Columbia | $101,990 | $151,920 | $185,220 | 3,560 |
| Virginia | $116,920 | $148,160 | $181,660 | 5,060 |
| Alaska | $123,120 | $142,390 | $164,260 | 200 |
| Washington | $109,550 | $134,570 | $168,550 | 3,580 |
| Colorado | $105,050 | $132,590 | $164,800 | 2,540 |
| New Jersey | $93,670 | $132,450 | $170,460 | 4,540 |
| Massachusetts | $103,010 | $131,260 | $162,470 | 2,850 |
| Idaho | $100,430 | $130,970 | $153,570 | 560 |
| California | $98,520 | $130,850 | $169,830 | 28,610 |
| Maryland | $83,840 | $129,770 | $172,580 | 7,340 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- Certified Energy Procurement Professional (CEP) — Association of Energy Engineers
- Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner (REI-PE) — International Code Council
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM) — Association of Energy Engineers
- Certified Green Building Engineer (GBE) — Association of Energy Engineers
- Certified Planning Engineer (CPE) — American Academy of Project Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against energy engineers, except wind and solar and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2199.03 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.