According to the report, produced by Airswift, renewables professionals are enjoying robust salary growth, with 48% reporting an increase in pay, compared to 35% five years ago, and 21% receiving raises exceeding 5%. Optimism for further pay progression remains strong, with 73% of professionals expecting salary increases in the year ahead.
Record annual growth of renewable jobs in 2023
Janette Marx, CEO of Airswift, said: “Oil and gas companies tend to compensate their top talent well. As more of these companies invest in renewable energy, salaries in the sector are increasing to match that investment. Concurrently, attractive salaries are a tool to secure and retain STEM talent within the sector.”
Shifts in global mobility
The report reveals a shift away from interest in relocation. Despite an increase in employers offering cross-regional transfers, only 73% of professionals are open to relocating—down 12% from 2021. Increasing opportunities for localised roles, particularly in regions with burgeoning renewable projects, are reshaping career decisions.
Job satisfaction and workforce trends
Two-thirds (65%) of renewables professionals report satisfaction in their roles, driven by the ability to work flexibly (46%) and the societal impact of their work (43%). However, a lack of clearly defined career paths remains a concern for 58% of respondents, underscoring the importance of strategic workforce planning.
Start-ups set the agenda at the smarter E Europe 2025
Attracting the next generation
With competition for talent intensifying, renewable professionals are increasingly sought after by sectors like technology. This year, professionals received 5.90 approaches on average, up from 5.58 in 2023 and 5.76 in 2024. 36% of these approaches came from outside the industry – a figure that has remained steady since 2023. This underscores the importance of targeted training programs and entry-level opportunities to attract new talent.
Growing skills gap in a booming solar job market
Marx noted: “The energy transition requires a massive amount of infrastructure and with it the workforce that can make it a reality. Renewables is considered a highly innovative sector, and this should be reflected in its approach to attracting and retaining talent. Hiring managers should ensure their strategies are multi-dimensional to accommodate the factors highlighted.”
About GETI 2025
GETI 2025 draws on the views of almost 11,000 energy professionals in 150 different countries. The 54-question survey was open for eight weeks and closed at the end of October 2024. The full report is available for download here. (hcn)
