15 Highest Energy Salaries for 2024 | Recruitment Trends

The energy sector in 2024 is seeing a variety of transitions.

Government funding of clean energy projects, technological innovations, and geopolitical factors have all had impacts on the industry.

Despite some unfavorable outlooks influenced by political tensions, or uncertainties around LNG, energy salaries are still some of the most competitive in the job market. As we move further into 2024, the focus on renewable energy and innovative solutions will likely drive salary growth and create new opportunities for job seekers in this dynamic field.

1. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth's surface. They work on various aspects of the extraction process, including drilling, production, and reservoir management. Petroleum engineers analyze geological data, develop drilling plans, and oversee the drilling operations to ensure efficiency and safety. They also collaborate with geoscientists and other engineers to optimize production and minimize environmental impact.

Average Salary: $130,000 - $185,000 per year

2. Process Engineer

Process Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing industrial processes and systems. They analyze production methods, develop process flow diagrams, and ensure that processes operate efficiently and safely. In the energy sector, Process Engineers focus on improving energy production processes, reducing waste, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. Their work often involves collaboration with other engineers and stakeholders to ensure that projects meet safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Average Salary: $120,000 to $180,000 per year.

3. Commissioning & Start-Up Manager

A Commissioning and Start-Up Manager is responsible for overseeing the commissioning and start-up phases of energy projects, ensuring that systems and equipment are installed, tested, and operational according to specifications. They play a crucial role in the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) sector by managing the processes that bring LNG facilities online, ensuring safety and efficiency during the transition from construction to operational status. With the United States leading global LNG production, this role can easily stack up at a contender for best LNG job in the next year.

Average Salary: $100,000 - $160,000 per year

4. Energy Project Manager

An Energy Project Manager is responsible for overseeing energy projects from inception to completion. Their duties typically include planning, executing, and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. They coordinate with various stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure that projects meet safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Average Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 per year

5. Power Plant Engineer

Power Plant Engineers are responsible for designing, operating, and maintaining power generation facilities. They ensure that power plants operate efficiently and safely, focusing on optimizing energy production and minimizing environmental impact. Their duties may include overseeing the installation of equipment, conducting performance tests, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Average Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 per year

6. Electrical Engineers

Electrical engineers in the energy sector are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment used in power generation, transmission, and distribution. They play a crucial role in ensuring that electrical systems operate efficiently and safely, often focusing on integrating renewable energy sources into existing grids.

In recent years, there has been a notable trend of electrical engineers moving from conventional energy sectors into renewable energy fields.

Average Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 per year

7. Geoscientist

Geoscientists study the Earth's composition and structure. In the energy sector, they play a crucial role in the exploration and extraction of natural resources.

Average salary: $90,000 - $150,000 per year

8. Project Controls Manager

Project Controls Managers are responsible for overseeing and managing the planning, scheduling, and budgeting of projects within the energy sector. They ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget while maintaining quality standards. Their role often involves risk management, performance monitoring, and reporting on project progress to stakeholders.

Average Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 per year

9. HSE Manager

HSE managers ensure the health and safety of workers in the energy sector. They also ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Average Salary: $80,000 - $140,000 per year

10. Facilities Engineer

A Facilities Engineer in the energy sector is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of energy facilities. They ensure that these facilities operate efficiently and safely, often focusing on optimizing processes and systems to enhance productivity. Their role may involve collaborating with other engineers, managing projects, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Average Salary: $80,000 - $130,000 per year

11. Energy Storage Specialist

Energy storage specialists work on technologies that store energy for later use. These technologies are crucial for the integration of renewable energy into the power grid.

Average Salary: $80,000 - $130,000 per year

12. Solar Design Engineer

A Solar Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing solar energy systems. They analyze site conditions, create system layouts, and ensure that the designs meet local regulations and standards. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers, project managers, and clients to optimize solar energy production and efficiency.

Average salary: $80,000 - $130,000 per year

13. Wind Farm Site Manager

Wind farm site managers oversee the operations of wind farms. They ensure the efficient and safe production of wind energy.

Average Salary: $85,000 - $120,000 per year

14. Renewable Energy Client Representative

Renewable Energy Client Representatives act as liaisons between clients and renewable energy companies. They are responsible for understanding client needs, providing information about renewable energy solutions, and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle. Their role may involve coordinating with technical teams, managing client expectations, and facilitating communication.

Average Salary: $70,000 - $120,000 per year

15. Data Analyst

Data analysts improve energy production and efficiency by breaking down numbers and providing insights into performance within a project or organization. They play a key role in the digital transformation of the energy industry.

Average Salary: $70,000 - $120,000 per year

There are many factors that influence energy salary ranges. Of these, 3 that stand out as the biggest players are experience & education, regional variations, and job permanence.

Experience and Education

Experience and education also play a crucial role in determining salaries. Professionals with extensive experience in the energy sector or with advanced degrees tend to earn more.

Valuable skills and technical knowledge are compensated well. Professionals with added expertise can take on more complex tasks and make significant contributions to their organizations.

Regional Variations and Demand

Salaries in the energy sector also vary by region. This is due to differences in the cost of living, the demand for energy, and the availability of natural resources.

For example, jobs in regions with a high demand for energy or with abundant natural resources often pay more. Similarly, jobs in cities with a high cost of living tend to offer higher salaries.

Job Permanence

Salaried energy jobs offer typically less pay that contract roles. This is mainly because of the issue of job permanence. Since contract roles are under time constraints, the compensation is significantly higher.

Renewables & oil and gas recruitment agency solutions play a crucial role in the energy sector. They connect professionals with some of the best job opportunities, possible through their wide network and experienced teams.

These agencies have a deep understanding of the industry and know how to navigate placements. They know the skills and qualifications that employers are looking for as well as what compensation candidates are expecting.

Connecting Professionals to Energy Opportunities

Energy recruitment agencies help professionals find high-paying jobs in the energy sector. They source and match candidates by their skills and qualifications, taking into account the requirements of specific roles.

These agencies also provide valuable advice and guidance. Recruiters work with professionals to help them understand the job market and identify the best opportunities.

Benefits of Contract Energy Jobs

Higher Pay:

One of the most significant advantages of contract energy jobs is the potential for higher pay. Due to the temporary nature of these roles, companies often offer competitive salaries to attract skilled professionals. This can be particularly appealing for those looking to maximize their earnings.
 

Ability to Jump from Project to Project:

Contract roles provide the flexibility to work on various projects across different companies. This not only allows professionals to gain diverse experiences but also helps them build a robust portfolio. The ability to switch projects can lead to a more dynamic and fulfilling career, as individuals can explore different aspects of the energy sector.

Better Benefit Options Through a Recruiter:

Many recruitment agencies specialize in contract roles and can negotiate better benefits on behalf of candidates. These benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks that are often not available in traditional salaried positions. Working with a recruiter can also provide access to exclusive job opportunities and industry insights.

The energy sector is constantly evolving. Technological innovations and sustainability considerations are shaping the future of the industry.

These trends create new job opportunities. They also influence the skills and qualifications that professionals need to succeed in the energy sector. What we're seeing for 2024 could drastically change in 2025.

The energy sector offers a wide range of high-paying jobs. These roles span across various fields, from engineering and project management to data analysis and environmental consulting. Recent years and fluctuations in the economy have influenced the job market in 2024 leaving the possibility for salary spikes.

Securing a lucrative position requires the right preparation. It's important to understand the skills and qualifications needed for these roles, as well as the trends shaping the industry.

Maximize your Earning Potential

The best way to elevate your earnings & career in energy, is to build relevant education and experience. This could involve earning an advanced degree in a related field, or putting more trainings and certifications on your resume. (We've got a guide on how to use AI to optimize your resume, by the way)

Networking can also be beneficial. Joining professional associations and attending industry events can help you connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities.

Finally, working with a recruitment agency and exploring contract options could fast-track your earning power, so do your research to weigh your options.