Explore Careers
Courtesy of Consumers Energy
The Energy Industry is Growing in Michigan
The energy industry is a robust and innovative industry, impacting the everyday lives of people across the state. There are opportunities at every level, from entry to senior for a person to find a job they are interested in and turn it into a career.
Whether you identify as a thinker or a tinkerer, a problem solver or a people person, there are jobs to explore that check all the boxes.
Multiple Sectors and Job Types
Get Into Electric Power
- Entry-level positions typically start at $55,000/year
- Serve your local community
- One of the most essential sectors in energy, with a growing workforce employing hundreds of thousands
- Invests billions per year for more clean and innovative energy infrastructures
- Average earning potential: $75,000
Types of Careers in Electric Power
- Electric Power
- Drone pilot
- Groundperson
- Project Manager
- Electrical Engineer
- Facilities and Design Engineer
- Field Supervisor
- Safety Specialist
Get Into Energy Efficiency
- Average earning potential varies by role, with top earners making around $149,000 per year
- Directly contribute to energy waste reduction
- On-the-job training
- Exponential job growth in this sector
Types of Careers in Energy Efficiency
- Energy Efficiency Specialist
- Energy Efficiency Program Support Manager
- Energy Efficiency Project Engineer
- Solar Photovoltaic Installer
- Energy Auditor
- Boiler Operator
- Business Energy Advisor
Get Into Renewable Energy
- Entry-level positions typically start at $58,000/year
- Wind and solar careers are some of the fastest-growing in the country
- Directly supports sustainability in our changing climate
- On-the-job training
Types of Careers in Renewable Energy
- Wind Technician
- Hydro Engineer
- Solar Project Developer
- Plant Manager
- Field Service Technician
- Solar Fleet Operations Manager
- Solar Labor Forman
Get Into Natural Gas
- Entry-level positions typically start at $52,000/year
- Excellent safety training
- Over 3.4 billion jobs nationwide in natural gas
- Work with earth’s cleanest and most versatile fossil fuel
- Acquire online certifications
Types of Careers in Natural Gas
- Pipe-fitter
- Gas Operator
- Gas Technical Trainer
- Natural Gas Scheduler
- Natural Gas Utility Laborer
- HVAC and Appliance Repair Technician
- Above Ground Technician
Get Into Business Careers in Energy
- Make a direct impact by helping businesses and homes reduce their energy consumption
- Suited for analytical thinkers and eco-conscious individuals passionate about energy efficiency
- Entry-level positions typically start at $48,000/year
Types of Careers in Business
- Cybersecurity
- Corporate Communications
- Digital Marketing Strategist
- Government and Community Relations Manager
- Customer Service
- Control Systems Analyst
- Accountant
There is no one path into the energy industry
No matter your strengths — whether you’re a creative problem-solver, a hands-on doer or a tech-savvy innovator — there’s a place for you in the growing energy sector. Explore the diverse career pathways that align with your personality and working style, and see how you can power the future with your unique skills.
Which Energy Career
is Right For You?
Are you ready to explore the energy path that is right for you? Take a short quiz to discover jobs that you might be interested in.
Explore
Find out about careers in the energy industry that offer the type of work environment, benefits and growth opportunities that help you start a career. Business and skilled trade positions alike have positions available at multiple skill and experience levels.
develop skills
Whether exploring as a high school student or searching for a program that will help you get started in your career, there are options that include certificate programs, technical college and university programs in both general business and specialized industry-related subjects.
EARN + LEARN
On-the-job learning experience with an “earn and learn” apprenticeship or line worker or gas operator boot camps are other ways to start your career in energy without having to enroll in a degree program after high school.
FIND AND APPLY
Whether you’re ready to explore training or apply for a job, take the next step to start your career.
Available JobsFAQs
- Power generation: jobs related to producing electricity from various sources, such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, solar and wind.
- Transmission and distribution: jobs related to building and maintaining the electrical grid that delivers power to homes and businesses.
- Energy efficiency and conservation: jobs related to reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient technologies and practices.
- Energy storage: jobs related to designing and building systems that store energy for later use, such as batteries and flywheels.
- Renewable energy: jobs related to the development and deployment of alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind and geothermal.
- Oil and gas: jobs related to the exploration, production and refining of fossil fuels.
- Research and development: jobs related to developing new technologies and improving existing ones in the energy field.
- Project management: jobs related to managing the construction and operation of energy-related projects.
- Sales and marketing: jobs related to promoting and selling energy-related products and services.
Michigan is home to a diverse energy industry with a mix of traditional and renewable energy sources, and various companies that operate in the energy sector. Some of Michigan’s biggest (and best!) employers in the energy field can be found on our member’s page.
Discover which educators are located in your state, their employer partners, the programs they offer and the websites where you can find more information by using the National Energy Education Network (NEEN) locator tool.
Generally, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes will serve you well for any of our technical careers, as they require an understanding of how and why things work.
After a two- or four-year college program, you have many paths to consider. The industry is always in need of engineers of all types. We need those who study environmental science, energy (of course), natural and sustainable resources, marine biology, supply chain management, cyber-security and infrastructure systems.
For those looking to start work right out of high school or after earning a GED, the industry offers entry-level positions that provide all-year training you will need to advance your career.
Check out schools and scholarships that offer energy-related programs here and learn how to start an energy career right after high school.
Check out schools and scholarships that offer energy-related programs here and learn how to start an energy career right after high school.
The energy industry is one of the largest and most capital-intensive industries in the world. It is heavily regulated, often requires long-term investments and has a significant environmental impact. The energy industry is constantly evolving requiring innovation and adaption.
The energy sector pays competitively because of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed in its workforce. In many instances, wages and salaries are well above national levels. For technical and skilled trade positions, the average median hourly wage for energy employees is $25.60 — 34% higher than the national median hourly wage of $19.14. Some segments of the energy industry pay as much as 53% above the median hourly wage.* In addition to strong offerings for employees in technical positions, industry companies provide rich employment packages to attract professionals who can lead and support the business of energy.
There are several ways to gain experience and break into the energy industry, including:
- Education: Pursuing a degree or certification in a relevant field, such as engineering, energy management or environmental science, can provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that are in high demand within the industry.
- Internships: Many energy companies offer internships or co-op programs, which can provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to network with professionals in the field.
- Networking: Building a network of professionals in the energy industry can be a valuable resource when looking for job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations and use social media to connect with people in the field.
- Entry-level positions: Look for entry-level positions in the energy field, these can be a great way to get your foot in the door and gain valuable experience.
Visit the Center for Energy Workforce Development website to learn more about:
- An apprenticeship.
- Technical positions that require pre-employment testing.
- Schools that offer an energy curriculum.
- Information on scholarships.
- A look into industry compensation.
- Insight into the industry’s commitment to the environment and social responsibility.
- Multitudes of information on industry careers and why so many people find their future — and their passion — in the energy sector.
You can also check out schools and scholarships that offer energy-related programs and learn how to start an energy career right after high school.