Workforce & Training

Consider a Career in the Clean Energy Industry

MN Clean Energy Job Numbers

minnesota

59,708 people work in clean energy jobs in Minnesota.

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The clean transportation sector grew the fastest, by 10.6% in 2022.

business office

Clean energy companies employed 3.4% more Minnesotans in 2022, a growth that is 50% faster than the state's overall economy.

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Fastest Growing Careers

Sun

Solar Installer

Average pay for a solar installer was $23.06/hour & $47,970/year in 2022 (US BLS)

wind illustration

Wind Technician

Average pay for a wind technician was $28.79/hour & $59,880/year in 2022 (US BLS)

energy meter

HVAC mechanic

Average pay for an HVAC mechanic was $27.63/hour & $57,460/year in 2022 (US BLS)

"This is a very viable career to get into. It's not going to fall through anytime soon. It's a big market, and I'd like to see more diversity in the market as well."

-Leon “Tron” Mallett, Crew Leader with IPS Solar

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Energy Efficiency Careers

electrician

Electricians & Lighting

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

 

engineer drawing

Energy Engineers

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.

 

architect

Architects

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

 

 

Solar Energy Careers

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors

Contact new or existing customers to determine their solar equipment needs, suggest systems or equipment, or estimate costs.

Clean Energy Economy MN Career Spotlights

Learn more about Faces of Clean Energy.

Training

For many of the careers we've highlighted — like electricians, HVAC technicians, construction, engineers, and architects — it's easy to find training near you.

"We can’t get enough students in for the job prospects out there. Chances are, they will climb the ladder and get to a top pay scale in a short amount of time."

-Gary Olsen, Wind Instructor with Minnesota West Community & Technical College

Program Credits Training Provider Locations
Clean Energy Technician, Certificate 20 Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Cloquet
Energy Technical Specialist, Associate in Applied Science 60 Century College White Bear Lake
Advanced Photovoltaic Energy Systems, Certificate 30 Century College White Bear Lake
Solar Assessor, Certificate 16 Century College White Bear Lake
Solar Sales and Marketing, Certificate 16 Century College White Bear Lake
Construction Technology, AAS 60 Minnesota State College Southeast Winona
Construction Technology, DIP 37 Minnesota State College Southeast Winona
Solar PV Technician, Certificate 25 Minnesota West Community and Technical College Canby & Jackson
Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science 60 Minnesota West Community and Technical College Canby
Wind Energy Mechanic, Diploma 34 Minnesota West Community and Technical College Canby
Windsmith, Certificate 16 Minnesota West Community and Technical College Canby & Online
Energy Technical Specialist, Associate in Applied Science 60 Minnesota West Community and Technical College Canby, Granite Falls & Online
Biodiesel Technology, Certificate 18 Minnesota West Community and Technical College Granite Falls & Online
Ethanol Technology, Certificate 18 Minnesota West Community and Technical College Granite Falls & Online
Energy Technical Specialist, Associate in Applied Science 60 St. Cloud Technical & Community College St. Cloud
Energy Technical Specialist, Associate in Applied Science 60 South Central College North Mankato
Solar Training Academy NA Midwest Renewable Energy Association Minneapolis & Online
Electrical Apprenticeship NA Minneapolis Electrical JATC St. Michael

The Power of Minnesota | Clean Energy Jobs

Learn more about The Power of Minnesota.

Now you know that energy efficiency and renewable energy are among the fastest growing parts of Minnesota's economy, you can use our MN Clean Energy Job Board to:

  1. Take the next step in your career.
  2. Post current job openings.

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