Energy Auditor Career
Energy Auditor Career
The Real Poop
So, solving mysteries is your thing, but you could live without the whole body-and-murder-weapon part? Finding secrets, discovering problems, and figuring out solutions sounds great, but all that running and jumping doesn't? Then you might just be perfect for a cutting-edge career as an energy auditor.
Energy auditors use their detective skills and science know-how to help businesses and home owners save energy. They hunt down leaks, spot less-than-efficient equipment, and find ways for people to use all the energy they're paying for instead of wasting it. It's a green job that saves greenbacks.
Energy auditors test buildings for energy leaks and other wastes of energy. Once they've found the culprits, be they old windows or leaky doors, they recommend solutions so that businesses and homeowners can do a complete energy makeover. In exchange for a little training, some math and mechanical skills, and a willingness to check crawl spaces, energy auditors earn an average of about $67,000 per year (source). Considering you won't have huge school loans to pay off, that's a pretty nice salary.
As far as careers go, this one is fairly new, so it doesn't have standardized requirements. That's why many future energy auditors start as apprentices and learn on the job (and get around $31,000 a year while doing so). Others get an associate's degree in a related field, like environmental engineering or applied science in energy management.
Yes, those are real programs. While it's not necessary to get an associate's degree, that little piece of paper can really help jump-start your career—and it'll only take you two years to get.
Currently, being an energy auditor is a hands-on job. You'll be finding and fixing leaks, updating equipment for efficiency purposes, and performing other general maintenance duties. Despite its projected lower-than average growth rate, this career field is growing. It's also in for some changes soon.
Once it becomes insanely popular to have your office building be green, energy auditors may move from being technicians to being consultants. Maybe you'll work for a firm, doing inspections for homeowners and companies and recommending a good energy-efficient window; or maybe you'll run your own business and be held on retainer by companies.
This is the good kind of retainer, not the kind you never want to wear again. This kind of retainer means companies pay a generalized fee or have a contract with you for your services. Imagine your earnings potential if several companies paid you to check their buildings and equipment every year, instead of working for just one company. Those dolla dolla billz are going to stack up...provided you don't run out and buy a bouncy castle at the first opportunity.
Whether you train with an experienced energy auditor or get an associate's degree in a related field like environmental engineering, you can go to work every day to help make the world a little greener for everyone. In pure energy terms, that makes you both cool and hot.