RENEWABLE BOOM
Renewables tripled in a decade
Colorado's renewable net generation grew explosively from 2010 to 2021. That means new solar and wind projects, grid upgrades, and technician jobs keep appearing across the state.
- Green JobsOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.
- Bright OutlookOccupation O*NET expects to grow rapidly, have many openings, or be new and emerging in the years ahead.Source: O*NET Bright Outlook
- Clean EnergyA role in renewable energy, energy efficiency, or the broader clean-energy economy.
Energy Career Pathways
Power Colorado's future through traditional and renewable energy. Growing demand for wind, solar, and grid modernization specialists.
Median Salary
$81,078
Statewide industry median
10-Year Growth
+13%
Statewide projection
Pathway Roles
13
Pathway roles
Required Education
Bachelor's
Electrical/Mechanical Engineering
Explore Colorado Energy
Colorado is building the energy future
Renewable and traditional energy careers are growing fast in Colorado, with hands-on roles for solar, wind, grid operations, and energy efficiency.
The big picture
Colorado's renewable generation has tripled since 2010, making it a major energy innovation hub.
Here, students and career changers can build careers in:
- Installing solar and wind systems
- Maintaining power grids and infrastructure
- Designing energy-efficient buildings
- Monitoring renewable generation
- Protecting electrical infrastructure
- Auditing and improving efficiency
ENERGY EMPLOYEES
99,587
Colorado's energy sector spans oil, gas, utilities, renewables, efficiency and research.
RENEWABLE GENERATION
35%
Renewables made up 35% of Colorado's net generation in 2021, up from a fraction in 2010.
ENERGY COMPANIES
6,856
From NREL research labs to solar installers to utilities, Colorado's energy ecosystem is diverse.
SOLAR INSTALLER MEDIAN
$51,230
Entry-level solar installation is one of the fastest-growing accessible energy careers in Colorado.
NATIONAL LABS
NREL is in your backyard
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory sits outside Denver, attracting researchers, engineers and students exploring next-generation energy systems, storage, and efficiency.
GRID & GRID TECH
Linework and grid operations pay well and move fast
From apprentice lineworker to substation technician to SCADA operations, grid work offers entry without a bachelor's degree and clear advancement paths.
HVAC & EFFICIENCY
Energy efficiency is a booming trade
Building-systems technicians, energy auditors, and HVAC specialists help Colorado meet climate and efficiency goals. Certificate programs are widely available.
OIL & GAS REMAINS
Colorado is still a top gas and oil producer
While renewables grow, natural gas and crude oil production remain significant. That means geoscience technicians, environmental scientists, and production roles stay in demand.
CAREER SWITCHER FIT
Electrical and construction skills transfer directly
If you have construction, electrical, manufacturing, or military technical experience, energy careers—especially solar, wind and grid work—have low retraining barriers.
Career paths · where you fit in
Career-changer skills already fit here.
Electrical basics, OSHA safety, math fundamentals, blueprint reading, and hands-on troubleshooting from construction, manufacturing, military or auto-tech backgrounds translate directly into solar, wind, linework and efficiency roles.
01/Build renewables fast
- Solar installer
- Wind technician
- Electrical apprentice
- Construction laborer
02/Run the grid
- Lineworker trainee
- Utility technician
- SCADA operator
- Substation technician
03/Improve energy use
- HVAC technician
- Energy auditor
- Building systems tech
- Efficiency specialist
04/Explore and research
- Environmental scientist
- Geoscience technician
- Energy engineer
- Lab technician
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