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)

1. Directional Driller

  • Pay: $150,000–$300,000+
  • Details: Specialized drilling operations in oil, gas, and geothermal projects, often offshore or in remote locations.

2. Pipeline Welder

  • 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.

5. Heavy Equipment Operator

  • 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.