Renewable Energy Engineer Salary, Degree ROI & Career Outlook
Renewable Energy Engineer earns a $98,000 median salary, starts around $62,000, can reach $145,000, and has 20% projected job growth. Compare education requirements, salary upside, skills, employers, and degree ROI signals.
Reviewed May 21, 2026. DegreeCalc calculators are educational planning tools; verify final tuition, aid, transcript, loan, and employment decisions with official school, federal, servicer, or employer records.
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Quick answer
Renewable Energy Engineer pays a median salary of $98,000 in the United States, with entry roles around $62,000 and senior roles around $145,000. The role has 20% projected growth and typically requires Bachelor's in Engineering. Use the salary estimator and ROI snapshot below to judge whether the education path is worth the cost.
Career ROI snapshot
Renewable Energy Engineer Pay, Growth & Education Fit
Renewable Energy Engineer has a $98,000 median salary, $62,000 entry-level salary, and $145,000 senior salary. Compared with other Engineering careers in this database, the median salary is below the category average by -3%, while projected growth is above the peer average by 13.5 percentage points.
Vs. category salary
-3%
peer avg $100,961
Growth spread
+13.5 pts
category avg 6.5%
Senior upside
+134%
senior vs entry pay
Monthly median
$8,167
before taxes and benefits
| Decision factor | Renewable Energy Engineer signal | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Education investment | Bachelor's in Engineering | Compare tuition, time to credential, and required internships against the entry-level salary. |
| Income runway | $62,000 entry to $145,000 senior | Use the salary range to estimate payback time and whether graduate school or certification is justified. |
| Demand risk | 20% projected growth, much faster than average outlook | Higher growth gives more room for career switching; slower growth makes specialization and networking more important. |
| Skill leverage | Solar Design, Wind Systems, Energy Storage, Grid Integration | Prioritize projects, certificates, or coursework that prove these skills before graduation. |
Salary Estimator
Salary Range
Key Skills
Recommended Certifications
- 1PE License
- 2NABCEP
Top Employers
Education Path
To pursue a career as a Renewable Energy Engineer, you will typically need: Bachelor's in Engineering.
With 20% projected job growth, this is one of the fastest-growing careers in the Engineering field. Investing in education now can yield significant returns.
Data Sources: Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024–2025 edition). Job growth projections are 10-year estimates (2023–2033). Last updated March 2026.
Methodology & Career Data Sources
How we calculate Renewable Energy Engineer salary and outlook data: Our salary estimates, growth projections, and career outlook combine multiple federal labor datasets. Salary figures reflect national medians; actual pay varies by employer, location, specialization, and experience level.
- Salary data sourced from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the authoritative federal survey of employment and wages across 800+ occupations.
- Job growth projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), covering 10-year projections (2023–2033 base period) for all major occupations.
- Salary progression model combines OEWS percentile data (P10, P25, P50, P75, P90) with career-stage adjustments based on BLS Employment Cost Index trends.
- Education requirements cross-referenced with College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) earnings data for graduates in this field.
- Certification value assessed using O*NET occupational database (US Dept of Labor), which catalogs skills, abilities, and knowledge requirements per occupation.
Authoritative US labor and career data sources:
- BLS OEWS — Occupational Employment and Wages — median salary by occupation
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — job growth and career outlook 2023–2033
- O*NET Online (US Dept of Labor) — skills, education, and knowledge requirements
- College Scorecard — earnings outcomes by field of study and institution
- BLS Employment Cost Index (ECI) — wage growth trends by industry sector
- DOL Registered Apprenticeships — alternative credentialing pathways
Career Disclaimer: Salary figures represent national medians from the most recent BLS OEWS survey. Actual compensation varies significantly by employer, metropolitan area, industry sector, and individual experience. Growth projections are estimates and subject to economic conditions. Use this data as one input alongside current job listings and informational interviews.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS OEWS & OOH data current as of 2024–2025 edition
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for a Renewable Energy Engineer?
The median salary for a Renewable Energy Engineer is $98,000 per year. Entry-level positions start around $62,000, while senior roles can earn up to $145,000.
What education do you need to become a Renewable Energy Engineer?
To become a Renewable Energy Engineer, you typically need a Bachelor's in Engineering. Relevant certifications include PE License, NABCEP.
What is the job outlook for Renewable Energy Engineer?
The job outlook for Renewable Energy Engineer is much faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 20% over the next decade.
What skills do you need to be a Renewable Energy Engineer?
Key skills for a Renewable Energy Engineer include Solar Design, Wind Systems, Energy Storage, Grid Integration. Continuous learning and professional development are also important.
Where do Renewable Energy Engineers work?
Renewable Energy Engineers typically work in office/field settings. Top employers include Tesla, NextEra, First Solar, Siemens.
Is Renewable Energy Engineer a good career in 2026?
Yes, Renewable Energy Engineer is an excellent career choice with 20% projected growth and a median salary of $98,000.