by our College Data Analytics TeamGeothermal Energy Technology (CIP 15.1706) is part of the Engineering Technologies field of study, alongside 6 related programs, but no U.S. college reported geothermal energy technology graduates to IPEDS in the latest year. Graduates earn a median $64,973 one year after completing, rising to $80,513 after four years.
Studying Geothermal Energy Technology covers A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In Developing Geothermal Energy Systems. Includes Instruction In Geothermal Energy Principles, Energy Storage And Transfer Technologies, Testing And Inspection Procedures, System Maintenance Procedures, And Report Preparation.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
O*NET rates Reading Comprehension the most important skill for jobs related to geothermal energy technology, at 3.7 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are Engineering and Technology, Computers and Electronics and Mathematics. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to geothermal energy technology, at 47.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 47.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 25.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.9% |
| Some college courses | 6.8% |
| Master’s degree | 2.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
3 occupations are related to Geothermal Energy Technology, with an average median salary of $95,412; the strongest outlook belongs to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, at 3.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Certified Laser Technician (Certified Laser Tech) and Fiber Technician (Fiber Tech).
The occupation related to geothermal energy technology with the most projected jobs is Photonics Technicians, at 306,018.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
Geothermal Energy Technology graduates earn a median $64,973 one year after completing their program, $80,513 after four years and $74,926 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $64,973 |
| 4 years | $80,513 |
| 5 years | $74,926 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to geothermal energy technology is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
Geothermal Energy Technology has 5 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 1,123 degrees a year; the largest are Energy Systems Technology/Technician (688), Solar Energy Technology/Technician (312) and Power Plant Technology/Technician (74). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Energy Systems Technology/Technician | 688 |
| Solar Energy Technology/Technician | 312 |
| Power Plant Technology/Technician | 74 |
| Wind Energy Technology/Technician | 47 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians, Other | 2 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.