Clean Energy

Transitioning away from fossil fuels as our primary source of energy, and the embrace of clean, renewable, and sustainable sources of energy like wind, solar, and hydropower.

The Clean Energy sector added nearly

51,700

51,700

jobs for a growth rate of 29%.

Growth in the clean energy sector outpaced the overall economy, which increased

13%

13%

during this period.

Clean Energy Jobs Spark InnovationInclusivityOpportunities

Worksystems supports the development of this sector through our clean energy Career Coaching Program, which provides career coaching in clean energy related fields to residents of the Portland Metro area. These careers, vital to the clean energy transition, include jobs in construction, forestry, regenerative agriculture, transportation, and the manufacturing of clean energy components.

This transition aims to increase renewable energy production from sources like solar, wind, geothermal, renewable hydrogen, and hydroelectric power while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also involves retrofitting buildings, and manufacturing appliances and vehicles to use renewable-source energy as efficiently as possible, promoting sustainable infrastructure and transportation.

The urgency for this shift is underscored by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilient infrastructure and communities in response to growing challenges such as wildfires, water and air quality concerns, and droughts.

Wind turbines at sunset

2023 Regional Industry Facts

Average Wage:

$114,725

Number of Jobs:

139,515

Number of Firms:

4,496

5 Year Job Growth:

8%

Industry LQ*

1.8

* Location Quotient (LQ) is a statistical measure used to compare the concentration of a particular industry, occupation, or demographic characteristic in a specific region to a larger reference area, typically at the national level. An LQ of 1.8 means the industry plays a 80% larger role in the region’s economy compared to the national economy. 

Key Clean Energy related employers in the Portland Metro Area:

Primary Occupations

There are many types of jobs critical to making the clean energy transition possible. These roles are classified as part of the clean energy sector based in one of two ways: the nature of the work performed and the nature of the employer. Jobs directly involved in creating, deploying, or enabling clean energy infrastructure and systems fall into this first category. In the second category, roles within organizations that directly perform or support clean energy initiatives are included, even if the specific job function does not involve hands-on work in building those systems. Examples include:

Jobs related to building homes and businesses that are more efficient and powered by electricity.

Carpenters: Jobs: 11,733, Median Hourly Wage: $28.09

Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers: Jobs: 1,854, Median Hourly Wage: $26.27

Construction Laborers: Jobs: 10,649, Median Hourly Wage: $22.48

Construction and Building Inspectors: Jobs: 1,041, Median Hourly Wage: $39.42

Electricians: Jobs: 7,497, Median Hourly Wage: $41.53

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Jobs: 4,808, Median Hourly Wage: $39.53

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: Jobs: 2,814, Median Hourly Wage: $29.42

Jobs with companies that create and bring electricity to our homes and businesses.

Carpenters: Jobs: 11,733, Median Hourly Wage: $28.09

Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers: Jobs: 1,854, Median Hourly Wage: $26.27

Construction Laborers: Jobs: 10,649, Median Hourly Wage: $22.48

Construction and Building Inspectors: Jobs: 1,041, Median Hourly Wage: $39.42

Electricians: Jobs: 7,497, Median Hourly Wage: $41.53

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Jobs: 4,808, Median Hourly Wage: $39.53

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: Jobs: 2,814, Median Hourly Wage: $29.42

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers: Jobs: 714, Median Hourly Wage: $54.43

Solar Photovoltaic Installers: Jobs: 210, Median Hourly Wage: $22.62

Computer User Support Specialists: Jobs: 7,019, Median Hourly Wage: $28.12

Computer Network Support Specialists: Jobs: 1,422, Median Hourly Wage: $32.73

Jobs in transportation and public transit that move people and goods from Point A to Point B.

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists: Jobs: 2,731, Median Hourly Wage: $28.10

Assemblers and Fabricators: Jobs: 7,843, Median Hourly Wage: $19.95

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Jobs: 4,611, Median Hourly Wage: $23.30

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: Jobs: 3,308, Median Hourly Wage: $25.01

Sheet Metal Workers: Jobs: 1,922, Median Hourly Wage: $33.70

Carpenters: Jobs: 11,733, Median Hourly Wage: $28.09

Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers: Jobs: 1,854, Median Hourly Wage: $26.27

Construction Laborers: Jobs: 10,649, Median Hourly Wage: $22.48

Construction and Building Inspectors: Jobs: 1,041, Median Hourly Wage: $39.42

Electricians: Jobs: 7,497, Median Hourly Wage: $41.53

Jobs at companies that manufacture, assemble, or recycle battery systems, or produce electric vehicles, switches, controls, and other components that support clean energy.

Electricians: Jobs: 7,497, Median Hourly Wage: $41.53

Assemblers and Fabricators: Jobs: 7,843, Median Hourly Wage: $19.95

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Jobs: 4,611, Median Hourly Wage: $23.30

Semiconductor Processing Technicians: Jobs: 5,585, Median Hourly Wage: $24.38

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: Jobs: 3,308, Median Hourly Wage: $25.01

Sheet Metal Workers: Jobs: 1,922, Median Hourly Wage: $33.70

Jobs in natural resource management, regenerative agriculture, or forestry that sustainably produce food or maintain open space and forest lands.

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers: Jobs: 8,557, Median Hourly Wage: $20.01

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers (including urban farmers): Jobs: 3,964, Median Hourly Wage: $15.95

Tree Trimmers and Pruners: Jobs: 747, Median Hourly Wage: $23.75

Forest and Conservation Technicians: Jobs: 290, Median Hourly Wage: $21.54

Training Pathways:

In collaboration with the Manufacturing Sector, two Semiconductor Technician Trainings are supported by Worksystems: Quick Start and Elevate Careers. These 10-day training programs are designed to create streamlined access to entry-level semiconductors jobs without advanced degrees or previous work experience.

Supporting Growth & Success

Led by Worksystems, industry representatives and stakeholders have developed Clean Energy Workforce Priorities to tackle workforce challenges while ensuring access to high-quality careers essential for a clean energy transition.

Efforts to build a skilled clean energy workforce focus on:

  • Conducting & sharing labor market research

  • Promoting apprenticeships
  • Engaging youth
  • Establishing career entry & transition opportunities
  • Prioritizing incumbent worker training
  • Systematizing industry knowledge
  • Funding scholarships, work experiences, and other skill development opportunities

Key Initiatives: