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.
SOC: 17-2199.03
Common Job Titles
Energy Efficiency Engineer
Energy Engineer
Industrial Energy Engineer
Test and Balance Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeAnalyze building energy performance data and utility consumption patterns using specialized software tools like eQUEST and EnergyPlus to identify efficiency improvement opportunities.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign energy-efficient HVAC, electrical, and lighting systems for new construction and remodeling projects, applying engineering principles and regulatory requirements.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate energy reduction programs and technology alternatives considering lifecycle costs, payback periods, and environmental impact to support decision-making.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop comprehensive energy audit reports and improvement recommendations documenting technical findings, cost-benefit analyses, and implementation strategies for stakeholders.
Advanced
KnowledgeCalculate energy savings estimates and return on investment using mathematical modeling and simulation tools to quantify project benefits.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate sustainable design practices and energy conservation measures when consulting with clients, architects, and construction teams throughout project lifecycles.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess building envelope performance and mechanical system efficiency through on-site inspections using blower doors, infrared cameras, and combustion analyzers.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret building codes, energy standards, and green building certification requirements to ensure project compliance with LEED, ASHRAE, and local regulatory frameworks.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate client objectives with technical feasibility and sustainability goals when negotiating project scope and balancing cost constraints with performance targets.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply thermodynamic principles and heat transfer calculations to optimize building system design and resolve complex energy performance challenges.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
150,750
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $62,840. 25th percentile: U.S. $85,750. 50th percentile: U.S. $117,750. 75th percentile: U.S. $152,670. 90th percentile: U.S. $183,510. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$62,840
10% of workers earn the following or more
$183,510
Workers on average earn
$121,720
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Engineering and Technology4.5/5
Mathematics4.0/5
Building and Construction3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Mechanical3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Word
Python
R
The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
360 Analytics eQUEST
AIRMaster+
Architectural Energy Corporation ENFORMA Building Diagnostics
