Careers in the Green Economy

Jumpstart your green career! Let the Clean Energy Resource Teams help you find where you belong.

Diverse Jobs, Impactful Change, Endless Opportunities

The Clean Energy Resource Teams want to help you understand green career possibilities, where you could work, and how to get started. Whether you're exploring career opportunities for the first time or as a seasoned professional, we've got the scoop and the stories to help you find where you fit.

Career Story Feature: Angeline Quilt, Senior Energy Auditor

Angeline Quilt works as a home energy auditor — someone who assesses the energy efficiency of homes and buildings. In each assessment, the auditor visits homes to perform an inspection: examining heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, doors, and appliances. Then the auditor works with the residents to help improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs. 

 

Why Work in the Green Economy?

SPOTLIGHT ON CLEAN ENERGY

62k+

Clean energy workers in MN

Over 71% of those MN workers are in the energy efficiency sector, according to the Clean Jobs Midwest report.

5x

Faster growth

Clean energy jobs grew at a rate nearly five times faster than MN's overall economy.

200+

Career paths

Think beyond solar and environmental roles, green careers also include research, marketing, and so much more.

Where You Could Work

FIND THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU

Rickey Sipila

OUTDOORS

Many green professionals spend their time outside installing green infrastructure, working with the land, or reducing waste and processing recyclable materials.

Gwe by 8th Fire sign

BUSINESS

People involved with private businesses are developing, selling, installing, and maintaining clean energy products and green services.

Carolina holding poster

YOUR COMMUNITY

Community organizers, advocates, and outreach workers are assisting community members with access to resources and programs that support a healthy home and environment.

John standing by solar

GOVERNMENT

Planners, regulators, and elected officials are developing laws, policies, and guidelines that impact the green economy.   

Clement Loo by wind turbine

CLASSROOMS

Teachers, professors, and school leaders are busy preparing the next generation of green workers, consumers, and citizens. 

People smiling

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Have a green career story to share? Let us know so we can inspire others!
 

Jansen Gonzalez“To the young people interested in the clean energy sector, it's a great opportunity to help out communities and it offers plenty of potential for career growth.”

Jansen Gonzalez, Growing Up Healthy

Fastest Growing Careers in Clean Energy

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers, scientists, technicians, and installers are the fastest growing careers in the United States. 

wind turbine

Wind turbine service technicians

45% projected growth by 2032 | Median salary $61,770
Wind turbine service technicians maintain and repair wind turbines, generally outdoors and often at great heights. A postsecondary nondegree award and on-the-job training is typically needed.

Person looking at a laptop

Data Scientist

35% projected growth by 2032 | Median salary $108,020
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to pull meaningful insights from data. Data scientists need a bachelor’s degree to enter the role. Some employers require a master’s or doctoral degree.

Solar installers

Solar Installers

22% projected growth by 2032 | Median salary $48,800
Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. Installers need a high school diploma and some take courses at a technical school or community college. They often receive on-the-job training.

Gary Olsen“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

How to Get Started

Whether you're starting your career or starting over, these resources can help you move forward. 

Find your fit to get started: This short quiz from the Center for Energy Workforce and Development helps narrow the types of jobs that could be a match for your personality and preferences.

Career Development Resources

MN Green Workforce Connect

A MN guide to training programs and employers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors.

Climate Solutions 101

A series of video-based educational resources around climate challenged and available solutions from Project Drawdown. Explore the possibilities for your future role.

SDG Academy

Free, open access, educational resources from the leading experts on sustainable development.

Match your skills

Need another quiz? Select the level of your current skills and see what roles you match with this CareerForce assessment. 

Land the job

Explore CareerForce's Creative Job Search guide for tips on how to make the most out of networking, guidance on developing your best resume, how to prepare for interviews, and much more.