Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

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.

Also called: Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Engineer, Industrial Energy Engineer, Test and Balance Engineer (TAB Engineer), Alternative Energy Engineer, Building Engineer, Certified Green Building Engineer, Commissioning Engineer, Energy Conservation Engineer, Energy Infrastructure Engineer, Energy Market Analyst, Energy Modeler, Energy Project Engineer, Energy Systems Engineer, Green Building Energy Engineer, Green Building Engineer, Heating Engineer, HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer), Hydroelectric Plant Power Generation Engineer, Optimization Engineer, Sustainability Engineer

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.
Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.
Monitor and analyze energy consumption.
Prepare energy-related project reports or related documentation.
Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.
Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.
Analyze, interpret, or create graphical representations of energy data, using engineering software.
Train personnel or clients on topics such as energy management.
Advise clients or colleagues on topics such as climate control systems, energy modeling, data logging, sustainable design, or energy auditing.
Perform energy modeling, measurement, verification, commissioning, or retro-commissioning.

Skills, machines and equipment

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Systems Analysis
Speaking
Mathematics
Science
Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (65.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

90,970–158,090 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 17-2199.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Build design, analysis, validation, and project experience; explore senior technical specialist, project lead, or engineering-management paths with the required qualifications.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (65.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar