Where will your career take you next?
Where will your career take you next? Whether you’re at the entry level or have decades of experience, there is an energy career for you in Illinois. You might find a career helping Illinois homes and businesses become more energy efficient, an opportunity in the state’s solar energy industry, or a job supporting battery storage technologies.
Visit our Connect Now page to browse through employers in your area and find the training providers to help you gain the skills you need to succeed. Read on to find out how to get started!
Building Performance Jobs in Illinois
The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low-income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient. IHWAP also provides many health and safety upgrades, ensuring safe and healthy homes. Energy conservation and health and safety measures provided through home weatherization can ensure citizens have access to more affordable energy services.
A Rewarding Career
There’s a fit for you in the Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program! The Weatherization Assistance Program offers individuals rewarding careers in energy efficiency.
> A college degree is not required and you earn while you learn!
> Help improve home energy performance, comfort, and safety.
> Use diagnostic testing equipment and learn how houses use energy.
Learn New Skills
Job training is provided at no cost to individuals working in the Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program.
> Get paid to learn
> On-the-job training provided
> Learn how houses use energy
Contractor
Opportunities
There are many opportunities for contractors to support Illinois households. Gain access to steady, rewarding projects.
> Develop expertise in home energy performance and weatherization
> Year-round work for your employees beyond the typical construction season
> Help households and communities reduce their energy use and lower costs
Wages in Illinois
Here are some example careers and wages we’ve seen across the state for home energy careers. To find sample wages for the solar industry, visit our Solar Career Map.
Retrofit Installer Technician
$34k - $49k
Crew Leader
$46k - $59k
Energy Auditor
$43k - $59k
Quality Control Inspector
$46k - $61k
Registered Apprenticeships in Illinois
What is a Registered Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships can be valuable for individuals of all ages and across different life, education, and career stages.
> Registered Apprenticeships provide a structured pathway combining on-the-job training with formal instruction.
> Participants earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience from industry professionals and working toward a recognized qualification.
> Learn more about clean energy apprenticeships.
Choose a Career
Pathway
There are many opportunities for apprenticeships in the energy efficiency, solar, wind, and solar-plus-storage industries.
> Some apprenticeship programs prepare you for a career in traditional trades, such as the electrical or construction industries.
> Additional opportunities include employment in non-construction roles such as Customer Service Representative, Human Resources Specialist, Project Manager, and Software Developer.
> The U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Finder can be used to search apprenticeable occupations. If you’re interested in joining an apprenticeship program, sign up for updates to find out about future opportunities and resources.
Apprenticeship Resources for Employers
If you’re an employer interested in apprenticeship programs, we have the resources to help you get started.
> Read our Registered Apprenticeships Toolkit to learn how to start, join, and implement apprenticeship programs.
> Browse other resources along with case studies on successful apprenticeship programs.
> Complete our intake form to learn about opportunities for free technical assistance.
Solar Energy in Illinois
Career Opportunities
The solar industry in Illinois offers a wealth of opportunities for both entry-level and experienced workers.
> Illinois has over 5,905 jobs in the solar energy industry, according to our latest National Solar Jobs Census.
> There are 336 solar companies in Illinois.¹
> Illinois produces enough solar energy to power almost 1,000,922 homes.¹
A Meaningful Career
The solar industry has a place for everyone—no matter what your skills, interests, and educational background.
> You’ll find career opportunities for construction workers, electricians, project managers, sales professionals, manufacturing technicians, and many more.
> 64% of the solar jobs in Illinois are with installation and project development companies. There are also opportunities in manufacturing, operations and maintenance and wholesale trade & distribution.
> There are training providers across the state of Illinois that prepare the workforce for solar industry jobs. Visit our Connect Now page to learn more about training providers in your area.
Take the Next Step
Explore our resources to understand industry trends and career opportunities in solar.
> Read IREC’s National Solar Jobs Census to learn about the latest trends in the solar industry.
> Not sure where you fit in? Visit our Solar Career Map to find the opportunity that matches your skills and interests.
> See if a solar career is right for you by signing up for our free Exploring Solar Careers course.
Connect Now
