Solar Energy Systems Engineers

SOC code 17-2199 · O*NET-SOC 17-2199.11 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Solar Energy Systems Engineers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$122,930

a year

Hourly

$59.10

per hour

10th$66,810Median$122,93090th$189,950

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$125,330

$60.26 per hour

Middle 50%

$90,970 – $158,090

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$66,810 – $189,950

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

154,070

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Engineers, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $66,810; $32.12/hr
25th percentile: $90,970; $43.73/hr
Median percentile: $122,930; $59.10/hr
75th percentile: $158,090; $76.01/hr
90th percentile: $189,950; $91.32/hr

What does a solar energy systems engineer do?

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.

How to become a solar energy systems engineer

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 56% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree56%
Post-Secondary Certificate11%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)7%

Common questions

How much does a solar energy systems engineer earn?

The national median is $122,930 a year. The full range runs from $66,810 at the 10th percentile to $189,950 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a solar energy systems engineer without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Writing3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Mathematics3.4/5
Science3.3/5
Active Learning3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology4.3/5
Design4.1/5
Building and Construction3.9/5
Mathematics3.8/5
Mechanical3.6/5
Computers and Electronics3.3/5
Physics3.3/5
Administration and Management3.2/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.