Microgrid Media | Jonas Muthoni, September 1
Ohio labor leaders say clean energy isn’t just powering homes. It’s also powering careers. Electricians and laborers are finding steady work on solar, wind, and grid projects. And the newest data backs them up: clean energy jobs are growing faster than the U.S. job market overall.
What the research shows
- Clean energy jobs are rising twice as fast as overall U.S. employment, with 2023 growth in the 4–5% range versus about 2% economy-wide.
- Unionization in clean energy hit a record of ~12.4% in 2023, above the private-sector average and even surpassing traditional energy.
- Energy jobs pay more. Median hourly pay for U.S. energy workers has been reported at about 34% above the national median—evidence that many clean-energy roles are good, middle-class jobs.
Ohio by the numbers
Different research groups count jobs in slightly different ways. But they point to a clear trend: Ohio is a top-tier clean energy employer. Here’s a simple snapshot:
| Measure | Latest Figure | Source |
| Clean energy job growth, U.S. (2023) | ~4.2%–4.9% (about 2× overall economy) | DOE USEER 2024 / DOE press brief |
| Unionization rate in clean energy (U.S., 2023) | ~12.4% | DOE USEER 2024 |
| Energy wage premium (U.S.) | ~34% above national median | EFI/NASEO wage analysis |
| Ohio clean energy jobs | ~114,000 (2023 methodology) | Clean Jobs Midwest |
| Ohio clean energy jobs | ~142,000 (USER-based ranking) | Top-10 states list (USEER-derived) |
| Ohio rank | Top 10 nationally (often ~8th) | Regional and state reports |
Local voices: training and steady work
On the ground, union crews say the boom is real. Pat Hook, business manager of IBEW Local 683 in Columbus, said utility-scale solar projects in central Ohio have already created “hundreds and hundreds of jobs” and “millions of dollars in wages and benefits.” His members are also bringing in new apprentices who learn on live projects and earn while they train.
Kevin Pranis, Great Lakes marketing manager for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), framed the value of training this way: “We really train people to be construction professionals.” Those skills move between job sites—solar, wind, highways, and schools—so workers can keep steady hours and grow their careers.
Why these are “career” jobs
- Apprenticeships open the door. Earn a paycheck, learn a trade, and get industry credentials.
- Portable skills travel across sites (solar arrays today, grid upgrades tomorrow).
- Safety and benefits are part of the package in many union shops.
National data matches those claims. Unionization in clean energy rose to a record level in 2023, and energy employers reported fewer hiring challenges than in the prior year. That helps projects stay on schedule and supports stable careers.
Community impact: more than paychecks
Some local groups raised concerns about land use and environmental impacts around large solar sites. Those debates matter. But project backers point to finished facilities that are now producing power and raising local tax revenue. Districts report gains that support schools, police, and fire services. And because many projects sit near small towns, the dollars ripple through diners, hotels, and hardware stores.
Key takeaways for Ohio
- Ohio is a top-10 state for clean energy employment.
- Job growth is real and faster than the overall labor market nationwide.
- Wages are strong, and union coverage is higher than average.
- Training pathways from unions and community programs are expanding to meet demand.
Where to learn more (and how to get started)
Interested in an electrical career or an apprenticeship? Explore IBEW.org for information on training and locals, including Central Ohio’s IBEW community. And for laborer pathways in site prep, concrete, trenching, and more, visit LIUNA.org. These groups run proven programs that help people enter the trades, build skills, and move up.
Ohio’s outlook
So, what’s next? More utility-scale solar is in the pipeline. Grid upgrades are ongoing. Storage is growing too. The broader U.S. data suggests clean energy hiring will stay strong, and research groups expect states like Ohio to keep adding jobs—especially where manufacturers, developers, and unions work together on training and fair pay.
At a glance: national and Ohio context
| Topic | Quick Fact | What it means |
| Speed of growth | Clean energy added jobs at ~2× the national rate in 2023 | Hiring momentum favors trained tradespeople and new apprentices. |
| Unionization | Clean energy unionization is ~12.4%. | More jobs come with bargaining power, safety standards, and benefits. |
| Pay | Energy median pay ~34% above national median | These roles tend to support middle-class living and stable careers. |
| Ohio scale | ~114k–142k clean energy jobs, depending on the definition | Ohio stands in the national top 10 and continues to grow. |
Bottom line
Ohio’s clean energy build-out is creating good, union jobs. The work is steady, the training is structured, and the pay is competitive. Research shows the sector is growing fast—and Ohio is well-placed to benefit. With more projects moving forward and more workers entering apprenticeships, the state’s clean energy workforce looks set to expand, job by job and county by county.
Read the original article here.