By Tracey Kohler, National Association of State Energy Officials
The U.S. Department of Energy published the annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER). The report tracks employment data and analyzes trends across different areas of the energy sector to inform policymakers, employers, and job seekers.
The report indicates that the energy sector grew 4% overall from 2020 to 2021, compared to just 2.8% job growth economy-wide. Notably, jobs that contribute toward net-zero goals represented just over 40% of energy sector jobs. Additionally, despite the persistent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, several clean energy sectors – including wind generation and clean vehicles – experienced positive job growth compared to pre-pandemic levels.
In addition to the national report and accompanying fact sheet, DOE also released an Energy Employment by State report, which provides more detailed energy employment statistics and trends for each state. Clean energy industries drove significant job growth across many states. Michigan, California, and Texas saw the largest increases in energy sector jobs, with thousands of jobs added in the solar, energy efficiency, and zero or low-carbon vehicle sectors.
For more information, visit naseo.org.
Source: National Association of State Energy Officials
