Energy
. Powering America
Hiring

America's energy future is built byTechnicians

Wind, solar, the grid, and power generation all run on skilled technicians. See where the work is, what it pays, and the fastest path in through Unmudl.

Where the work is
States highlighted for energy on the Technician Map. Click a state to explore details.
Active state On the Technician Map
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The Hidden Workforce

America's energy future depends on technicians

The U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratory system spans 17 national labs across the country, conducting breakthrough work in nuclear security, advanced energy, grid modernization, advanced manufacturing, fusion, cybersecurity, and scientific discovery. But these labs do not run on scientists alone. Behind every breakthrough is a large, often invisible workforce of technicians who build, install, maintain, calibrate, secure, and operate the systems that turn research into real-world deployment.

Science
Multipurpose Science LabsPNNL · ORNL · Argonne · Berkeley Lab (LBNL) · Brookhaven (BNL)
Single Program Science LabsSLAC · PPPL · Jefferson Lab · Fermilab
Technology
Energy Technologies LabsNREL · Ames Laboratory · NETL
Multipurpose Security LabsLawrence Livermore (LLNL) · Los Alamos (LANL) · Sandia · Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Multipurpose Environmental LabSavannah River (SRNL)

Technician roles powering DOE labs

Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication

  • CNC machinists
  • Welders
  • Additive manufacturing technicians
  • Precision fabrication specialists
  • Prototype assembly technicians

Electronics & Instrumentation

  • Electronics technicians
  • Controls technicians
  • Calibration specialists
  • Metrology technicians
  • Sensor and RF technicians

Nuclear Operations

  • Nuclear maintenance technicians
  • Radiation control technicians
  • Reactor technicians
  • Decommissioning specialists

Energy Systems

  • Grid technicians
  • Battery technicians
  • Solar technicians
  • Wind technicians
  • Hydrogen systems technicians

Cyber & Digital Infrastructure

  • Cybersecurity technicians
  • Network technicians
  • Systems infrastructure technicians
  • Data center technicians

Facilities & Field Operations

  • HVAC technicians
  • Electricians
  • Mechanical maintenance technicians
  • Water systems technicians
65k–70k
Total workers across America's national labs
13k–24k
Estimated technicians and skilled operators among them

From fusion labs and nuclear facilities to grid modernization and advanced manufacturing centers, technician demand is embedded across the national lab ecosystem. They are the workforce that enables nuclear modernization, grid resilience, semiconductor expansion, advanced manufacturing, clean energy deployment, and national security infrastructure. Without them, innovation stays in the lab. Innovation invents. Technicians deploy.

$50k–$110k
Typical wage range across energy technician roles
~$58,230
Average U.S. technician wage across roles
Fastest
Wind turbine service techs are among the fastest-growing U.S. jobs
No degree
Most roles start with a certificate or apprenticeship
In one line

An energy technician installs, operates, and maintains the systems that generate and deliver power, including wind turbines, solar arrays, power plants, EV charging infrastructure, and the grid. It's hands-on work that typically pays $50,000–$110,000 and usually takes 6–18 months of training to enter.

Last reviewed June 2026 · National Technician Role Library
  • Typical pay$50k–$110k / yr
  • Time to start6–18 months
  • EducationNo 4-yr degree
  • Active states26 (see map)
The Industry

The people who keep the lights on

From wind farms and solar fields to power plants and the grid, energy technicians install and maintain the systems that generate and move power across the country.

Hands-on, well-paid work

Service turbines, solar systems, and generation equipment that power millions of homes.

Among the fastest-growing

Wind turbine service technician is one of the fastest-growing occupations tracked by BLS.

No four-year degree required

Most roles start with a certificate, short course, or apprenticeship.

States active for energy

ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaIowaIllinoisKansasLouisianaMichiganNorth DakotaNew MexicoNevadaOklahomaPennsylvaniaWest VirginiaWyomingAlabamaIdahoKentuckyNorth CarolinaNew JerseyNew YorkOregonSouth CarolinaTexasWashington
Roles in this industry

Energy technician
careers

The roles energy employers hire for most, from the National Technician Role Library. Open any role for the full spec: pay, O*NET code, skills, training, and live jobs.

Your next step

Train for it.
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Common Questions

Energy careers,
explained

Quick, plain-language answers to the questions people ask before getting started

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