Thousands of American veterans are finding a new mission in the clean energy sector. No surprise there – these men and women are crushing it in renewable energy jobs at rates 34% higher than average industries. Wind energy? Even better. Veterans show up there at rates 67% above normal. That’s not just impressive. It’s a trend.
Nearly 34,000 veterans currently work across America’s wind, solar, storage, and transmission sectors. They make up about 9% of the clean energy workforce nationwide, but Midwest states are really showing up – pushing past 10% veteran participation. Indiana leads the pack at 12.5%, while Michigan employs the most vets overall with 13,535.
Military experience just works in these fields. Technical skills and experience with complex machinery are highly valued by employers in the renewable energy sector. Leadership under pressure? Absolutely. Problem-solving when things go sideways? Veterans do it daily. Plus, they’re already comfortable working with heavy equipment, at heights, and in the elements. No wonder renewable companies snap them up.
Military experience isn’t just relevant—it’s the perfect training ground for clean energy’s technical challenges.
The money’s decent too. Solar installers pull in median salaries around $46,470. And these jobs aren’t going anywhere – veteran clean energy positions are projected to jump 60% by 2033. That’s growth from 11,400 to over 18,000 positions. Some subsectors, like ethanol, already boast veteran workforces as high as 16%.
Veterans don’t just fill positions – they excel in them. Their accountability and mission focus align perfectly with what these companies need. Many move into leadership roles, becoming executives in clean energy organizations across the country.
Special training programs and certifications make the shift even smoother. Want solar panel installation skills? There’s a program for that. Need wind turbine maintenance certification? Got that too. The U.S. Army provides dedicated training through the Renewable Energy Program to prepare transitioning service members for civilian careers in the clean energy sector.
After serving their country in uniform, these veterans are now serving it again – by building America’s energy future. Different uniform. Same dedication. The clean energy revolution has found its perfect leaders. Organizations like the American Clean Power Association continue to advocate for these veterans, supporting their transition into fast-growing clean energy solutions that strengthen both our economy and energy security.
References
- https://cleanpower.org/blog/clean-energy-growth-will-power-jobs-for-our-nations-veterans/
- https://cleangridalliance.org/blog/189/veterans-in-clean-energy-serving-our-country-in-the-military-and-beyond
- https://warriorallegiance.com/veterans-and-green-energy-careers-in-the-renewable-energy-industry/
- https://ethanolrfa.org/media-and-news/category/news-releases/article/2025/09/doe-study-ethanol-industry-again-leads-energy-sector-in-veteran-presence-workforce-diversity
- https://greencollarblog.org/useer-2025/
- https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/National USEER_08282025.pdf
- https://cleanjobsamerica.e2.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/E2-2025-Clean-Jobs-America-2025_final.pdf
- https://cewd.org/resources/energy-workforce-fast-facts/
