As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Solar Energy Engineer in the United States is $86,688 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Solar Energy Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Solar Energy Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Solar Energy Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 13.33% |
| SQL | 1.62% |
| Tableau | 0.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Due Diligence
|
$105,759 |
22%
|
|
Trading
|
$99,691 |
15%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$94,490 |
9%
|
|
Python
|
$91,022 |
5%
|
|
Consulting
|
$91,022 |
5%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$90,155 |
4%
|
For Solar Energy Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 51% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Solar Energy Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Solar Energy Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $108,360 | $52.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $99,691 | $48.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $99,691 | $48.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $95,357 | $46.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $95,357 | $46.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Solar Energy Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Solar Energy Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $75,822 and $81,830).
Solar Energy Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.9% |
| High School | 6.9% |
| Associates | 6.3% |
| Bachelors | 52.1% |
| Masters | 34.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Solar Energy Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Solar Energy Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,143 in 2023 to around $64,009 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Solar Energy Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,143 |
| 2024 | $64,188 |
| 2025 | $64,009 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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