Architecture & Engineering
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Also called: Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Engineer, Industrial Energy Engineer, Test and Balance Engineer (TAB Engineer)
US median pay
$122,930
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
8,800
166,700 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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 and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Systems Analysis4.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving4.0/5
- Systems Evaluation3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.2/5
- Operations Analysis3.2/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Persuasion3.0/5
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology4.6/5
- Mathematics4.2/5
- Mechanical4.2/5
- Building and Construction4.1/5
- Design3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.