Careers in the Green Economy

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

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 44,000 of the clean energy workforce in MN is the energy efficiency sector.

71%
Clean energy jobs from small businesses

Small businesses drive MN's clean energy sector.

5x
Faster growth than MN’s overall job growth

MN's clean energy jobs grew nearly five times faster than the overall economy at 4%.

200+
Career paths

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

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

Where You Could Work

FIND THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU

Woman watering plants

OUTDOORS

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

two men looking at a solar panel

BUSINESS

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

community members tabling

YOUR COMMUNITY

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

people gathering resources

GOVERNMENT

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

Professor lecturing

CLASSROOMS

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

Imani Mosher“This moment is unreal. There’s so much funding and so many important conversations happening around clean energy.”

Imani Mosher, West Central CERT Coordinator

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 in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field 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. Installers often receive on-the-job training lasting up to a year.

How to Get Started

Whether you're starting your career or starting over on a new path, we gathered resources from trusted sources to help you move forward. From career quizzes and training opportunities to resume guides and more, let us help you get started in a green career.