Post by: Jennifer Schultz, ECO Canada
As part of ECO Canada’s research on Environmental Sub-Sectors, we looked at Careers in the Energy Sector, their top opportunities, characteristics and the scope of energy management in Canada. Though it’s changing, the energy sector remains a good career path in Canada.
There are currently 148,000 professionals working in Canada’s energy sector in areas of energy management, energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy jobs in Canada.
Recent research shows the overall demand for energy professionals is strong in Canada, with 54% of energy employers having job vacancies in the past two years and 48% planning to hire additional staff.
In addition, starting salaries for energy professionals are significant, ranging from $50,000 to $80,000+/yr.
Starting and Average Top Salaries for Energy Professionals
If you’re looking for careers in renewable energy this is what you can expect the salary for renewable energy jobs to be.
| Energy Professional Job Title | Starting Annual Salary | Average Top Salary |
| Renewable Project Manager | $70,667 | $101,476 |
| Renewable Energy Engineer | $80,833 | $150,455 |
| Energy Manager | $60,680 | $97,760 |
| Green Building Project Manager | $69,167 | $108,750 |
| Green Building Designer | $50,667 | $87,556 |
| Energy Efficiency Program Manager/Project Manager | $65,714 | $90,143 |
| Energy Policy Analyst | $74,818 | $125,091 |
| Business Development/Marketing Manager | $78,696 | $132,339 |
Looking for more information into what energy jobs pay? Take a look at our 2020 Compensation Guide which covers the salaries and compensation of jobs across the environmental sector and its industries.
Learn more about jobs in renewable energy with our career profiles for Energy Auditors, Emerging Energy Researchers, Petroleum Engineers, Wind Energy Developers and more.
Top Employment Areas for Renewable Energy Careers in Canada
Most energy professionals work as Corporate Energy Professionals, Design Professionals and Implementers.
Search for renewable energy jobs on the ECO Canada job board.
Employability Requirements
Education
The majority (75%) of energy professionals hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree and 7% of these hold an advanced degree such as a Master’s or Ph.D.
Experience
Over 60% of energy professionals have four or more years of experience. Only 5% have less than one year of experience.
Skills
Energy professionals need both technical and business skills. Top technical skills required include:
- Developing sustainable development indicators, plans or strategies;
- Liaising and partnering with stakeholders;
- Developing, coordinating and implementing energy efficiency programs; and
- Conducting environmental assessments.
They also require business skills such as:
- Communicating effectively, especially in writing;
- Managing a financial budget or capital;
- Leading others; and
- Building a business case for implementing new technologies.
Want a job in the Energy Sector? Learn how the Essential Skills For Job Seekers course can help you get there with tips and tools for job searching in the environmental sector.
