New Industries = New Occupations 

The solar workforce increased 25% in 2016  

Note: This is a follow-up from a previous Did You Know. Read it here.

The solar power industry has proven to be a powerful force of economic growth and new job creation. One out of every 83 jobs created over the last year was in the solar industry. Employment in solar has grown 150% since 2010, adding over 119,000 well-paying jobs to the U.S. economy. The industry employs 208,859 solar workers, 8.1% who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.

Which industry created 1 out of every 83 jobs created over the last year? Read it here:

Solar power generation itself is not new, but the industry has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. The cost of production for solar panels dropped 72% from 2010 to 2015, allowing it to become more competitive in the energy market. The residential market doubled in size and, as a result, three new solar power (CSP) plants opened in the United States.

The solar workforce has become larger than some well-established fossil fuel sectors and is three times larger than the coal-mining industry. Installation remains the single largest employment sector, although sales occupations are also integral to industry growth.

The installation sector grew by almost 24% since November 2014 and by 173% since 2010. In addition to job creation, solar is saving Americans tens of millions of dollars per year on their electricity bills.  

Average Compensation (Annual):

Solar Panel Installer

Experience level: 5-7 Years (III)

National Average: 

$33,932.99 USD