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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Median Salary
111,970
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$55,050

10%

$111,970

Median

$158,830

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    55%

  • Associate's degree

    11%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    11%

  • High school

    7%

  • Some college

    7%

  • Less than high school

    3%

  • First professional degree

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Engineering, Other
  • Engineering, General
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Construction Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
  • Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
  • Systems Engineering
  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering
  • Geological/Geophysical Engineering
  • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
  • Energy Systems Engineering, General
  • Engineering Design
  • Nanotechnology
  • Applied Engineering
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Engineering Science
  • Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Laser and Optical Engineering
  • Surveying Engineering
  • Energy Systems Engineering, Other
  • Electromechanical Engineering
  • Engineering Chemistry
  • Paper Science and Engineering
  • Forest Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • Building and Construction
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.