Skilled Trades Jobs in Energy with Pay to Match

Are you a machinist, a millwright, a welder, a pipe fitter, or an electrician? If so, there are lots of industries you can work in. You could make your living in, say, automotive manufacturing, power generation, or aerospace.

So why choose energy over the other options? Two words: career longevity.

“At the end of the day, one of the most appealing things about working in power generation is that no one in the United States can go without power. The work is never going to go away,” says Robert McKimm, an Aerotek director of marketing operations.

What Skilled Trades Jobs Are in High Demand?

McKimm said he sees strong demand for skilled workers to perform maintenance, repairs, and technology upgrades during planned shutdowns of power plants and industrial facilities. This work is performed under tight deadlines and is often highly technical.

“Every power plant has scheduled outages. Every 18 months, they have to bring down certain components inside the facility,” McKimm said. “When they do it, they’re closed down for 10 days. They’ve got these 10 days to get all their repairs done, and those repairs keep getting more and more complex.”

“Millwrights are a big need right now. There are more jobs than candidates,” Robert Kellow said. “Machinists are in high demand as well.” These are the individuals who manufacture the parts the plant needs for its machinery on-site during shutdown.

Why Many Skilled Tradespeople Choose Contract Work

“Many tradespeople like the higher pay and flexibility contract positions offer,” Robert McKimm said.

Pulling that kind of pay while working only half the year often involves 80- and 90-hour weeks. People who work during planned outages at power plants tend to put in long hours. However, many contract positions are also available that offer 40-hour work weeks.

Variety in your assignments can help secure your long-term career in a rapidly evolving and volatile sector, as workers in new environments tend to pick up new skills.

How to Transition Into Skilled Trade Jobs in Energy

Certifications are helpful. You can get certified in various professions through NCCER, the National Center for Construction Education & Research.

“Throughout the United States,” Robert McKimm said, “you have the capability to make more pay because you’re an NCCER-certified machinist, electrician, rigger, or millwright.”

Sometimes, transitioning to a new industry means accepting a short-term pay cut in exchange for a potential long-term pay increase.

“What a lot of folks don’t want to hear is that sometimes you have to take a little bit of a pay cut from what you’d been making in other areas — because you don't have the skill set yet to be able to walk in and do these jobs,” Robert McKimm said.

“People sometimes take a $2- or $3-an-hour pay cut to make that move. But once you get those skills, you’re irreplaceable,” he said. “Ultimately, when you get experience in the energy industry, your pay is far greater than what it would have been in the automotive or aviation industries.” 

What About Renewable and Solar Energy Jobs?

“The solar industry offers a chance for entry-level people to get into the electrical or mechanical field, because its components are extremely basic,” McKimm said.

Ready to Start Your Career in Skilled Trades?

Are you considering a career in the energy industry? Spend some time exploring our jobs in a range of specialty trades. Whether you're a certified welder, an experienced millwright, or just starting in skilled trade jobs, the energy sector offers high demand, strong pay, and long-term career potential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Trade Jobs in Energy

Q: What are the most in-demand skilled trade jobs in energy?
A: Roles like millwrights, machinists, welders, and electricians are in high demand due to the growing need for maintenance and upgrades in power plants and renewable energy sites.

Q: Are skilled trades jobs in energy well paid?
A: Yes. Many contract workers in the energy sector earn competitive wages, with some making six figures annually by working planned outages or high-hour shifts.

Q: How can I get started in skilled trades for the energy sector?
A: Industry certifications like those from NCCER help you transition into energy roles. Starting with basic mechanical or electrical skills can open the door to more advanced positions.

Q: What are the benefits of working skilled trades jobs in energy?
A: These jobs offer career stability, variety, and strong pay. Many positions provide opportunities to travel, work flexible hours, and gain specialized experience.