Today, E2 released what I think is one of our most important clean energy jobs reports ever.
As lawmakers look for ways to build back our economy with a focus on clean energy, our Clean Jobs, Better Jobs report for the first time details wages, benefits and unionization rates for clean energy jobs, with details down to the sector, state and even specific occupations. This first-of-its kind report is something allies, lawmakers and others have been asking us for a long time.
Please see attached for the final report, press release and social. Feel free to share with partners and allies You can also find the report at this link: https://e2.org/reports/clean-jobs-better-jobs/
The findings of this first-of-its-kind report are telling. Some toplines:
- Median wages for clean energy jobs are about 25 percent higher than the national median wage ($23.89 vs. $19.14).
- Clean energy jobs are more likely to come with health and retirement benefits than most jobs.
- Unionization rates across clean energy are higher than average – and higher than expected. About 9 percent of all clean energy jobs are union jobs, versus 6 percent across the entire private sector.
- Clean energy jobs also pay better than most fossil fuel jobs.
- Jobs in coal, gas and oil extraction pay a median $24.37 per hour.
- Jobs in solar pay $24.50, while jobs in wind energy pay about $26.
- Jobs in energy efficiency, now the biggest part of America’s clean energy sector, pay a median $24.44.
- Jobs in fossil fuel generation (aka utilities) pay better than clean energy generally, at about $33 per hour, partly a reflection of higher unionization rates at public utilities. But notably, generation jobs account for less than 25 percent of the entire fossil fuel sector, with extraction jobs accounting for about 75 percent.
- Workers in “traditional” occupations who are employed in clean energy businesses make more than they would in other businesses. Electricians who work in clean energy, for example, earn more than $29 per hour – about $2.50 more than electricians across other businesses. Entry-level welders who work in clean energy make a median $16 per hour; across all industries they only make about $14 per hour.
- The report breaks down wage, benefits, demographic and other data for 15 specific occupations such as these.
- The report also provides state-level data for median wages for clean energy jobs vs. economy wide wages for every state.
Download the executive summary
From mass unemployment to the threat of climate change, the U.S. will face a number of seemingly unprecedented challenges even after the current public health tragedy has passed. Finding needed solutions won’t be easy and will require creative thinking, robust analysis, and political resolve. The good news is that these challenges also present opportunities, particularly in terms of the economic development and job creation associated with decarbonizing America’s economy.
EJ and Labor Leader Recommendations for Inclusion in Ordinances and Contracts
