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Salary

How much does a Solar Engineer make?

The average salary for a Solar Engineer is $49,608 per year in the US.

Solar engineers play a key role in the growing field of renewable energy. Their expertise allows them to design and implement solar energy systems. On average, solar engineers earn about $49,608 per year. This salary can vary based on experience and location.


Here are the yearly salary ranges for solar engineers:

  • Entry-level: $35,000
  • Mid-level: $66,364
  • Senior-level: $129,091 and above
These figures show the potential for growth in this career. With more experience and skills, a solar engineer can expect to earn more. This makes it a rewarding field for those willing to invest their time.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Solar Engineer?

Solar engineers can find great opportunities in cities with higher pay rates. San Diego, CA, offers the highest average salary at $81,135. Those looking for good pay might also consider Charlotte, NC, and Austin, TX, with average salaries over $45,000. These cities can help solar engineers start their careers on the right foot.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Solar Engineer jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $81,135 and San Antonio, TX with the lowest at $39,781.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $81,135
    San Diego offers many opportunities for those in the renewable energy field. With numerous projects in progress, engineers here often work on large-scale solar installations. Companies like SunPower and First Solar provide a chance to contribute to cutting-edge solar technology.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $57,524
    Charlotte has a growing market for solar professionals. The city’s focus on sustainable energy attracts many companies. Engineers here find work with firms such as NextEra Energy and Duke Energy, focusing on expanding solar power solutions.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC


  3. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $45,588
    Austin is known for its forward-thinking approach to energy. The city’s commitment to green initiatives creates many jobs in solar engineering. Companies like Tesla and Sunnova Energy often seek skilled engineers to help with their solar projects.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in Austin, TX


  4. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $44,562
    Columbus provides a solid environment for solar engineers. The city's investment in renewable energy offers many opportunities. Engineers often collaborate with companies such as American Electric Power, working on solar energy systems.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH


  5. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $44,536
    Madison has a strong emphasis on sustainability. The city offers many jobs for those in the solar industry. Engineers can find positions with Alliant Energy and Focus Solar, contributing to the city's green energy goals.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in Madison, WI


  6. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $42,863
    Atlanta’s growing need for sustainable energy opens doors for solar professionals. The city’s expanding market provides various opportunities. Engineers here often work with companies like Southern Power and Sunrun, supporting solar energy projects.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA


  7. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $42,603
    Milwaukee offers promising opportunities for solar engineers. The city’s investment in renewable energy creates many job openings. Engineers often find work with companies like We Energies and Invenergy, focusing on solar projects.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $41,197
    Houston’s diverse economy includes a growing solar sector. The city’s focus on energy innovation provides many job opportunities. Engineers here often collaborate with companies like NRG Energy and Sunnova Energy, contributing to solar energy solutions.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in Houston, TX


  9. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $40,694
    Phoenix leads in solar energy adoption. The city’s sunny climate makes it ideal for solar projects. Engineers often work with companies like Silicon Valley Power and First Solar, playing a key role in solar energy initiatives.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  10. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $39,781
    San Antonio has a strong market for solar engineers. The city’s commitment to green energy provides many opportunities. Engineers here often work with companies like CPS Energy and SunPower, focusing on innovative solar solutions.
    Find Solar Engineer jobs in San Antonio, TX

What are the best companies a Solar Engineer can work for?

Freedom Forever offers one of the best salaries for Solar Engineers, with an average of $71,671 per year. This company provides excellent benefits and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects. Everlight Solar also pays well for Solar Engineers, offering a competitive average salary of $35,000 annually. This firm focuses on sustainability and innovation in the solar industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Solar Engineer jobs, highlighting Freedom Forever with the highest at $71,671 and Everlight Solar with the lowest at $35,000.
  1. Freedom Forever
    Average Salary: $71,671
    Freedom Forever is a leader in solar energy solutions. They focus on residential and commercial solar installations. They operate across multiple states in the US and have offices in California, Texas, and Florida. Their Solar Engineers develop and implement solar energy systems, working with clients to maximize efficiency and savings.


  2. Everlight Solar
    Average Salary: $35,000
    Everlight Solar provides innovative solar solutions for homeowners and businesses. They work in many areas, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. At Everlight Solar, Solar Engineers design and install solar panels, ensuring they meet local regulations and customer needs. They also conduct site assessments and offer maintenance services.

How to earn more as a Solar Engineer?

A solar engineer has many chances to earn more. By gaining experience and certain skills, this career can offer good pay. Consider these key areas to increase earning potential:

Gaining more certifications and skills can lead to higher-paying jobs. Solar engineers who master the latest technology and obtain more advanced certifications often earn more. Working with solar energy means learning a lot about the technology. Keeping up with new skills can help an engineer stand out in the job market. Here are some certifications to consider:

  • Certified Solar Installation Professional (CSIP)
  • North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
  • Photovoltaic Installation Professional (PIP)

Experience matters. Solar engineers with more years in the field usually make more money. Working on different projects and solving various problems builds valuable experience. This can lead to promotions or higher-paying jobs. Working for larger companies or in urban areas with more demand for solar energy often pays better. Experience in several areas of the solar industry also helps.

  1. Work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
  2. Handle different parts of solar installations, like design, installation, and maintenance.
  3. Learn about new technologies and practices in the field.

Currently 13 Solar Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Solar Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Solar Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Solar Engineer today.
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Solar Engineer
13 Job Openings