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Energy Auditors


At a Glance

  • Help clients determine ways to cut their energy use and increase efficiency
  • Work with people throughout the day
  • Are knowledgeable about construction
  • Stand for long periods of time
  • Train on the job

Career summary

Energy auditors evaluate energy use patterns. They look at both home and commercial buildings, and recommend ways buildings can use less energy.

#checked 3/11/19 lh

Energy auditors perform many types of audits. Some are small audits of homes and offices, while others are large, such as those of schools or industrial complexes. The amount of detail on the audit also varies. Some are in-depth and take more time and expertise, while others are quick, walk-through audits.

Home energy auditors look at the outside characteristics of a home, such as its size, the number of windows and doors, if there are skylights, and the type of siding or exterior. They look at the patterns of the people who live there. They ask questions, such as, "Are the people there during the day?" "Is there a room that never gets used?" "What source of heat is used during the winter?" The auditor does a room-by-room analysis. They use the same process when inspecting a non-residential building. They look for patterns such as how many people work in the building and what hours it is unoccupied. They look for ways to reduce electricity use.

Energy auditors use different types of tests during the audit, such as the blower door test and a thermographic scan. They also analyze the client's utility bills (water and electricity) for the previous year. After the audit, auditors write a report that describes the customer's energy use patterns and offers suggestions of ways to use less energy. Energy auditors use software to develop recommendations for improvements.

Once a project is complete, the auditor checks that the work meets safety and design standards. They make sure the new equipment, like water heaters, windows, and insulation, matches the designs.

Government and utility companies provide money for people to weatherize their houses. Auditors make sure people qualify for these programs.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to energy auditors.

Common work activities

Energy auditors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, energy auditors:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Energy auditors frequently:

It is important for energy auditors to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for energy auditors to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Energy auditors need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Use math and science

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as an energy auditor, you typically need to:

Education after high school

Some energy auditors complete a formal degree program. These programs range in length from two-year associate degree programs to more in-depth four-year programs. You study energy management, basic building principles, learn how to evaluate energy use patterns, and understand HVAC&R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology) systems. You also take courses in algebra, English, and physics.

Most energy auditors take courses to become a Certified Energy Auditor. If you wish to own your own business, consider taking business classes as well.

Work experience

Early in your career, you spend up to a year gaining work experience before getting a job as an energy auditor. Working alongside or in support of another energy auditor allows you to have an idea of the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the occupation.

On-the-job training

Most beginning energy auditors learn additional skills on the job from an experienced worker. You begin as a helper and do basic tasks. During training, you learn:

Training generally lasts at least one year.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for energy auditors who have related work experience in this field. Those who are Certified Energy Auditors may have a competitive edge over other applicants.

Employers look for applicants with excellent communication skills. Auditors must communicate with homeowners and businesspeople about their energy use and needs, so the ability to write and speak well is important. Those who are organized and detail-oriented are desirable employees as well.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Workers may also have to pay for certification including education requirements, testing, and continuing education to maintain certification.

Licensing/certification

Currently energy auditors are not required to be licensed. However, optional certification is available. Because this is an emerging occupation, there isn't yet a nationally preferred certification. Check with schools in your area that offer energy management programs to find out about locally preferred certifications.

The Association of Energy Engineers (external link) is a national organization that offers certification. It certifies energy auditors with the Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) or Certified Residential Energy Auditor designation. Requirements vary by certification. In general, you must meet specific criteria based on your education and level of experience.

#Verified info in this section 3/28/12 & 3/5/14 cj. Added CREA designation 4/5/16 cj. Removed In-Training CEA as didn't see listed, 3/27/18 cj. 3/11/19 lh

Wages

Business operations specialists, all other (SOC 13-1199)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $20.55 $26.87 $34.98 $45.85 $57.91
Monthly $3,561 $4,657 $6,062 $7,946 $10,036
Yearly $42,750 $55,900 $72,750 $95,370 $120,460
    Bellingham Hourly $19.58 $24.49 $29.94 $37.02 $46.81
Monthly $3,393 $4,244 $5,189 $6,416 $8,112
Yearly $40,736 $50,932 $62,282 $77,019 $97,356
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $23.08 $32.08 $40.30 $47.85 $54.23
Monthly $4,000 $5,559 $6,984 $8,292 $9,398
Yearly $47,995 $66,719 $83,812 $99,523 $112,805
    Clarkston-Lewiston Hourly $18.25 $20.68 $23.80 $30.58 $42.74
Monthly $3,163 $3,584 $4,125 $5,300 $7,407
Yearly $37,959 $43,027 $49,505 $63,609 $88,905
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $20.16 $27.73 $40.49 $54.95 $65.84
Monthly $3,494 $4,806 $7,017 $9,523 $11,410
Yearly $41,934 $57,669 $84,220 $114,311 $136,956
    Longview Hourly $19.71 $23.64 $33.82 $41.20 $52.94
Monthly $3,416 $4,097 $5,861 $7,140 $9,175
Yearly $41,001 $49,170 $70,344 $85,711 $110,103
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $17.16 $22.32 $29.61 $39.54 $49.22
Monthly $2,974 $3,868 $5,131 $6,852 $8,530
Yearly $35,677 $46,429 $61,602 $82,244 $102,362
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $19.10 $25.25 $31.47 $39.77 $50.26
Monthly $3,310 $4,376 $5,454 $6,892 $8,710
Yearly $39,735 $52,525 $65,445 $82,705 $104,524
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $21.78 $28.01 $36.29 $47.50 $60.29
Monthly $3,774 $4,854 $6,289 $8,232 $10,448
Yearly $45,308 $58,265 $75,484 $98,801 $125,391
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $16.89 $23.65 $31.89 $42.44 $54.24
Monthly $2,927 $4,099 $5,527 $7,355 $9,400
Yearly $35,134 $49,196 $66,316 $88,275 $112,830
    Vancouver Hourly $20.27 $25.37 $33.60 $44.04 $56.85
Monthly $3,513 $4,397 $5,823 $7,632 $9,852
Yearly $42,156 $52,769 $69,885 $91,591 $118,240
    Walla Walla Hourly $22.15 $31.41 $39.00 $46.75 $55.59
Monthly $3,839 $5,443 $6,759 $8,102 $9,634
Yearly $46,081 $65,328 $81,129 $97,227 $115,625
    Wenatchee Hourly $19.15 $22.74 $29.45 $38.84 $47.96
Monthly $3,319 $3,941 $5,104 $6,731 $8,311
Yearly $39,847 $47,298 $61,258 $80,793 $99,770
    Yakima Hourly $19.21 $24.11 $28.85 $35.96 $43.23
Monthly $3,329 $4,178 $5,000 $6,232 $7,492
Yearly $39,949 $50,143 $59,996 $74,794 $89,927
United States Hourly $18.47 $25.09 $33.91 $45.62 $59.13
Monthly $3,201 $4,348 $5,877 $7,906 $10,247
Yearly $38,420 $52,200 $70,530 $94,890 $123,000

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages may also vary by the type of audits being performed. Energy auditors who perform smaller audits (such as an individual home) may earn less than auditors who perform audits of larger buildings and structures.

Full-time energy auditors may receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation. Those who work for small companies may need to provide their own insurance.

National wage information is not available specifically for energy auditors. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other business operations specialists."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

 

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Business Operations Specialists, All Other (SOC 13-1199)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 38,236 17.3% 16.1% 5,034
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 504 16.9% 13.4% 66
    Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties 815 8.8% 8.6% 90
    Benton and Franklin Counties 1,089 12.7% 15.0% 131
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 1,915 7.5% 11.9% 207
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 1,633 15.6% 15.2% 207
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 1,265 18.8% 14.1% 171
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 1,589 17.9% 14.6% 212
    King County 21,277 20.8% 19.6% 2,981
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 622 15.1% 13.8% 78
    Pierce County 2,996 14.2% 15.2% 370
    Snohomish County 2,669 9.2% 12.4% 298
    Spokane County 1,894 14.3% 13.9% 235
United States 1,135,700 6.3% 5.2% 119,600

National employment

Major employers:

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing. People are becoming more concerned about energy conservation. This will increase the demand for buildings that are more energy efficient. Energy auditors will be needed to perform audits on new buildings as well as existing buildings.

In addition, tax incentives will create more job opportunities for energy auditors. These incentives make it more affordable for individuals and businesses to make their buildings energy efficient.

Job prospects are best for those with formal training.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for energy auditors. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other business operations specialists."

Other resources

Alliance to Save Energy (external link)
Association of Energy Engineers (external link)
(training and certification information)
Building Performance Institute (external link)
(Training and certification information)
Engineer Girl! (external link)
National Academy of Engineering
Green Building Certification Institute (external link)
International Code Council (external link)
500 New Jersey Avenue NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20001
888.422.7233
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (external link)
901 D Street SW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20024
202.488.2200
RESNET: Residential Energy Services Network (external link)
Technology Student Association (external link)
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010
US Green Building Council (external link)

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupation

Holland occupational cluster