Energy Jobs Are Expected to Grow in These States

Joe Weinlick
Posted by in Utilities


The energy industry in America is currently experiencing a boom driven by renewable resources and shale oil extraction. Energy jobs are continuing to increase in many areas, as oil fields and solar energy facilities continue to come online. Some states have invested considerably in these developments, and they are already experiencing substantial growth in energy jobs. Others are only now beginning to pick up steam, but their growth forecasts and recent history shows signs of continued development in the industry.

Utilities workers looking for energy careers in solar energy installation or financing should consider sunny California. The state is currently the base of operations for a full third of all energy jobs available in America. Most of these are installation-based or related to financing larger solar operations, but manufacturing makes up approximately 22 percent of the total solar energy jobs in the state. The future is bright in the state, but a challenger recently appeared. Solar energy in Florida continues to grow, moving it from the twelfth spot in the nation during 2012 to seventh in 2013.

Louisiana finds itself at the heart of America's recent energy boom due to its positioning on the Mississippi river and abundance of local resources. This means the state is currently looking for skilled utilities workers with experience related to energy careers. Unfortunately for those who are currently unemployed in the state, many energy jobs require specialized training and education, making it hard to fill the positions created by the boom in the market. Many workers from other states are moving to Louisiana to help fill the void and the anticipated future need for energy sector experts.

Texas has been a major player in the domestic energy market for quite some time, and the opening of the Eagle Ford Shale, a massive formation of hydrocarbon-producing material that lies under the southern part of the state, for extraction resulted in a near-immediate need for more skilled workers. The area is capable of producing gas and oil, making it an invaluable resource that will continue to create energy jobs for years to come. There is still a very real need for petroleum engineers and technicians across the state, providing many opportunities for utilities workers who wish to move into the market.

The states of California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are great choices for utilities workers looking for work in the energy industry. The nationwide energy boom has created a glut of jobs with few skilled workers, making education in petroleum engineering and extraction or refining techniques a worthwhile choice for students and current workers. These states currently have numerous available energy jobs, and the need for skilled and knowledgeable workers is likely to grow in the near future as they continue tapping into domestic resources.

 

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)

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