by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying 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. Read on to learn the essential details every geothermal energy technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering geothermal energy technology programs.
Studies in Geothermal Energy Technology emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations geothermal energy technology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a geothermal energy technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a geothermal energy technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
People currently working in careers related to geothermal energy technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in geothermal energy technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in geothermal energy technology opens doors to numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to geothermal energy technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to geothermal energy technology.
| 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% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of geothermal energy technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $64,973 |
| 4 years | $59,663 |
| 5 years | $66,892 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for geothermal energy technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers geothermal energy technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
Use our unbiased geothermal energy technology school rankings to find the best fit for you.
Students interested in geothermal energy technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Energy Systems Technology/Technician | 815 |
| Solar Energy Technology/Technician | 341 |
| Power Plant Technology/Technician | 84 |
| Wind Energy Technology/Technician | 42 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians, Other | 3 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
