Strong recent US labor market figures have underscored the resilience of the wider economy as well as the continued impact of innovation and investment in key growth areas.
Jobs in the clean energy sector, for example, grew at more than twice the rate (4.2%) of the overall labor market (2%) in 2023.
That was one of several positive takeaways from the 2024 U.S. Energy & Employment Jobs Report (USEER).
Wind and Solar employment growth were particularly strong at 4.6% and 5.3% respectively as clean energy jobs increased in every single state across the country.
The data also revealed that unionization rates in clean energy were higher (12.4%) than the industry average (11%) for the first time ever and that fewer employers are finding it difficult to hire qualified workers than the year prior.
The comprehensive annual report on the state of the US energy sector is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and supplemental surveys of energy sector employers nationwide.
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is, per the Energy Department, a crucial driver of the positive trend. US investment in clean energy supply chains has also contributed to the industry’s global growth: 2023 saw the largest ever increase in renewable energy jobs worldwide, from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million.
