FILE – An employee of NY State Solar, a residential and commercial photovoltaic systems company. A new report has found that clean energy now provides more employment than the fossil fuel industry, reflecting the shift that efforts to tackle climate change are having on the global jobs market. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
The narrative of the clean energy sector is rapidly evolving as it continues to expand its footprint across the U.S. economy. While many professionals in the industry remain invested in sustainable careers, a new report reveals they are also weighing factors like job mobility and compensation in this maturing sector.
The 2025 Salary & Sentiments Report, created by root/edge in collaboration with Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), captures the current climate in the energy sector. This report, based on insights from over 500 professionals in solar, wind, storage, and sustainability, suggests the industry is in a phase of “recalibration,” characterized by uncertain policies, delayed projects, and increased demands for transparency.
High Optimism Amidst Increasing Mobility
Despite a challenging environment, the report shows that 67 percent of respondents maintain optimism about their long-term prospects in the renewables field, with just six percent feeling pessimistic. This positive sentiment persists even in the face of market obstacles like permitting issues and tax-credit uncertainties.
However, 39 percent of those surveyed have contemplated leaving the industry over the past year, often needing substantial salary increases to consider a job change. This reflects a sector where dedication is high, but patience may be waning.
These trends align with broader labor market dynamics within the energy transition. The latest U.S. Energy & Employment Report indicates that clean energy jobs form an increasing portion of the total energy employment landscape, yet companies face challenges in retaining skilled workers. The U.S. Department of Energy highlights that demand for a clean energy workforce is outpacing the supply of experienced individuals, particularly in roles related to grid modernization and project delivery.
Moderating Compensation Growth and Rising Expectations
The report finds that while median salaries in clean energy roles have stabilized, the rate of compensation growth is slowing. Despite this, 84 percent of respondents received bonuses, typically tied to personal or company achievements.
However, stability does not equate to contentment. Many professionals are now more discerning about career changes, emphasizing role clarity, development opportunities, and organizational reputation over mere salary increments.
Market analysis indicates that salary growth in the renewables sector is clustering in the low single digits by 2025, reflecting a shift from rapid expansion to a more mature phase. This slowdown in compensation growth increases reliance on non-monetary factors like transparency and long-term security, especially as project timelines extend and funding cycles become less predictable.
Challenges in Clean Energy Job Development
Professional development is a key concern highlighted by the report. Although both men and women share similar levels of career confidence, women are notably less likely to have formal development plans.
This disparity extends beyond individual careers. The International Renewable Energy Agency notes that globally, women occupy only about one-third of renewable energy roles, with slow progress evident at higher levels. Workforce assessments by the World Resources Institute echo these concerns, emphasizing that the sector’s growth depends on sustained investments in training and retention, especially for underrepresented groups. Without robust development paths, the sector risks losing mid-career professionals precisely when their expertise is needed most.
The Role of Transparency in Competitive Advantage
Transparency is a recurring theme in the report. Professionals increasingly demand clear information on salary benchmarks, promotion criteria, and long-term opportunities. Employers, meanwhile, require reliable data for hiring and workforce planning during cautious investment cycles. “Transparency isn’t a nice-to-have anymore, it’s essential,” states the report, reflecting the sentiments of both employees and employers.
This shift aligns with broader leadership trends, where regulatory compliance, workforce resilience, and operational stability are top priorities for executives. Other reports suggest that leaders are increasingly viewing workforce stability, data credibility, and risk management as central to their strategy.
Implications for the Energy Transition
These findings indicate a crucial turning point. Although capital and policy continue to dominate discussions about the energy transition, human capital is becoming a critical constraint. The challenges of slower project timelines and evolving regulatory frameworks mean that companies cannot rely solely on rapid growth to retain talent. Instead, retention, development, and trust will become vital strategies that directly affect project delivery timelines.
This issue intersects with larger investment trends. Capital investments alone do not ensure timely deployment without sufficient workforce capacity to execute projects. The Salary & Sentiments Report asserts that the sector is “full of committed, capable people,” but successfully navigating the future will require clearer indications of value, progression, and stability.
Original Story at www.forbes.com