Clean Energy Jobs Grew Three Times Faster Than U.S. Economy in 2024

The U.S. clean energy workforce continued to expand in 2024, adding nearly 100,000 new positions and bringing total employment to 3.56 million. Jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and battery storage grew more than three times faster than the overall economy, highlighting the sector’s role as a key driver of economic growth.

Clean energy employment outpaces broader economy

Although overall job creation slowed compared to 2023, clean energy occupations still represented more than 7% of all new jobs nationwide and 82% of new energy-related roles. Positions in solar power, wind energy, home and grid-scale battery storage, and advanced grid technologies remain among the fastest-growing across the country.

Policy challenges could slow momentum

Recent changes in federal policy have introduced uncertainty, with reduced incentives and delays in permitting threatening to slow renewable energy and storage deployment. Analysts warn that without consistent support, hundreds of thousands of jobs could be at risk in the coming years.

Renewable energy and battery storage as workforce anchors

Clean energy now accounts for 42% of the U.S. energy workforce and 2.3% of the total national labor market. More people are employed in renewable energy and battery storage than in many traditional professions, underscoring the sector’s growing importance.

Over the last five years, clean energy and clean transportation industries have added over 520,000 jobs — a 17% increase — far outpacing employment in fossil fuel sectors. Even during a period of slower overall economic growth, clean energy jobs expanded at 2.8%, compared with 0.8% for the economy as a whole.

Regional trends show rapid growth

The South has become the country’s largest hub for clean energy employment, with more than 1 million workers. In 2024, the region added about 41,000 new jobs. The West and Northeast each added over 20,000, while the Midwest saw more than 13,000 new positions.

At the state level, clean energy continues to boost economic development. Twenty-three states now each support more than 50,000 clean energy jobs, and in most states, renewable energy and storage employ more workers than fossil fuels. Seventeen states have grown their clean energy workforces by at least 20% in the past five years.

Outlook for renewable energy and storage jobs

Despite challenges, renewable energy and battery storage remain among the most resilient sectors of the U.S. economy. With demand for reliable, sustainable power rising, and with clean energy job creation consistently outpacing other industries, the sector is expected to remain a cornerstone of America’s workforce and energy future.