In 2025, high-paying trades in the energy sector can indeed reach much higher salary ranges, especially for those working in specialized roles, remote locations, or high-demand industries. Here’s a revised list with updated salary ranges based on trades in the energy sector:
Top High-Paying Trades Jobs in Energy Ranked by Salary (2025)
- Pay: $150,000–$300,000+
- Details: Specialized drilling operations in oil, gas, and geothermal projects, often offshore or in remote locations.
- Pay: $120,000–$250,000
- Details: Critical role in energy infrastructure projects with high demand and premiums for remote work.
3. Roustabouts and Roughnecks (Oil Rig Workers)
- Pay: $80,000–$250,000
- Details: Hands-on, physically demanding roles with significant earnings from overtime and offshore premiums.
4. Powerline Technician (Linemen)
- Pay: $120,000–$200,000+
- Details: Essential for maintaining power grids, with remote and hazardous conditions increasing pay.
- Pay: $100,000–$180,000
- Details: Operates machinery for energy projects, including mining and renewables, with high earnings in remote locations.
6. Instrumentation and Control Technician
- Pay: $100,000–$180,000
- Details: Vital for maintaining precision systems in energy facilities like power plants or refineries.
7. Wind Turbine Technician
- Pay: $80,000–$150,000+
- Details: Focus on renewable energy systems, especially lucrative in offshore or challenging locations.
8. Electrical Technician (High Voltage)
- Pay: $110,000–$190,000
- Details: Works on high-voltage systems critical for power distribution, often in hazardous environments.
9. Hydroelectric Plant Operator
- Pay: $90,000–$160,000
- Details: Oversees hydroelectric facilities, with higher pay for experienced operators managing complex systems.
10. Solar Installation Foreman/Lead Technician
- Pay: $90,000–$140,000
- Details: Leads large-scale solar energy projects, with growing opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Factors That Increase Pay
- Location: Remote regions or challenging environments (e.g., Arctic, offshore, or deserts).
- Overtime: Many trades in energy offer significant overtime opportunities, which can add 30–50% to base pay.
- Certifications: Specialized training in safety, equipment, or specific systems (e.g., confined space, H2S Alive) is highly valued.
- Industry-Specific Needs: Renewable energy, oil sands, offshore drilling, and grid modernization are driving up demand.
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