U.S. Clean Energy Jobs Surge In 2023 Amidst Record Investments From Biden-Harris Administration

The Biden-Harris Administration’s substantial investments in climate, clean energy, and manufacturing have spurred significant growth in clean energy employment across the United States. According to the newly released 2024 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER) by the Department of Energy (DOE), clean energy jobs grew by 142,000 in 2023, representing over half of all new jobs in the energy sector. This growth rate, at 4.2%, is more than double that of the broader U.S. economy, signaling the robust expansion of clean energy industries.

DOE Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm highlighted the impact of these investments, noting, “The data clearly show that clean energy means jobs—good jobs, union jobs, and jobs retained—in communities across the country as we race to dominate the global clean energy economy.”

The 2024 USEER details a historic shift in the energy job market, with clean energy now accounting for 56% of new energy sector employment. For the first time, unionization rates in clean energy industries (12.4%) have surpassed the average for the entire energy sector (11%), driven by growth in unionized construction and utility jobs. Key sectors contributing to this surge include zero-emission vehicles, renewable energy, and transmission, distribution, and storage infrastructure—critical areas for meeting the Administration’s target of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035.

Key Findings from the 2024 USEER:

• Clean Energy Job Growth: Clean energy jobs expanded in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Idaho led with the highest growth rate at 7.7%, followed by Texas (6.0%) and New Mexico (5.9%). The solar and wind sectors were particularly strong, with job growth of 5.3% and 4.5%, respectively.
• Unionization and Workforce Diversity: Union density in clean energy industries reached a record high, with employers reporting that collaboration with unions has helped them find skilled and diverse workers. The energy workforce also saw an increase in Latino and Hispanic workers, who made up nearly one-third of new energy jobs in 2023.
• Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure: The energy efficiency sector supported nearly 2.3 million jobs, adding 75,000 new positions—the largest growth among all sectors. In energy infrastructure, 28,000 jobs were created in 2023 to build new battery and solar module factories and other facilities.
• Motor Vehicle Industry: The motor vehicle sector, particularly in zero-emission vehicles, also saw significant job increases. Clean vehicle employment grew by 11.4%, adding nearly 25,000 jobs.

States such as Texas, California, and Michigan continue to lead in total energy jobs, while states like Alabama, Utah, and North Carolina experienced the fastest rates of energy job growth between 2022 and 2023.

The USEER, which began in 2016, provides critical insights into employment trends within key energy sectors, helping to shape policy and investment decisions. With the clean energy sector poised for further growth, the DOE report underscores the transformative impact of the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate and energy policies on the U.S. job market.