If you searched “how many jobs are available in energy,” the most useful answer is not a random live job-board count. It is the size of the workforce, which roles have turnover or growth, and where new applicants have a real way in.
8.4 million energy jobs—but that does not mean 8.4 million vacancies
The U.S. Department of Energy’s 2026 U.S. Energy & Employment Report estimates that the energy economy employed 8.4 million people in 2025, around 5% of U.S. employment. It also reports a net decline of about 86,000 energy jobs versus 2024. That is the workforce, not the number of current openings. Read the DOE 2026 report.
A useful way to compare specific occupations
| Occupation | 2025–2035 projected employment growth | Approx. openings per year | Why job seekers should care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installers | 37% | 4,200 | Fast growth percentage, but a relatively small occupation. |
| Wind turbine technicians | 30% | 1,500 | Travel, heights, and specialized training narrow the applicant pool. |
| Electricians | 9% | See BLS occupation profile | Apprenticeship pathway offers a structured entry route. |
| Electrical power-line installers/repairers | 10% | 10,900 | Utility and construction hiring may include replacement needs. |
| Industrial machinery mechanics / millwrights (group) | 14% | 51,900 | Manufacturing and equipment maintenance offer broad employer diversity. |
Growth figures and annual opening estimates are BLS projections, not live unfilled vacancies. Compare wind technicians, solar installers and industrial maintenance.
Where the jobs actually show up
- Utilities: electric distribution, customer operations, dispatch, engineering, field crews.
- Contractors: line construction, equipment installation, civil works and safety.
- Factories: motors, pumps, automation and machinery maintenance.
- Renewable developers: site work, service technicians, permits and project coordination.
- Oil and gas: operations, mechanics, environmental health and logistics.
Three searches better than “energy jobs”
Try “utility technician trainee” [state], “industrial maintenance apprentice” [city], and “energy project coordinator” hybrid [state]. Then visit the career page of the utility or contractor named in the result to confirm it is still open.
Start with your preferred work style: field work, technical repair, or office/operations. The energy pay guide explains salary and training tradeoffs; the DamnJobs jobs hub can help with the broader search.