The top energy industry employment trends for 2025

GETI 2025: What does the rise of artificial intelligence mean for the energy industry? 

In a year marked by uncertainty from inflation to geopolitics to accelerating climate policies, GETI 2025 reveals that energy professionals remain optimistic. But concerns around pay, training, and future career paths are rising 86 percent of professionals are open to switching jobs, and more than half say their skills are not being fully utilised.

Read on for a breakdown of key insights from each sector.

Confidence in leadership, but questions around training and transition in traditional energy

Traditional energy companies face a complex landscape in 2025. While workforce confidence is relatively high, the sector is grappling with an intensifying skills shortage and a looming talent transition. According to GETI 2025 63% of workers in traditional energy say their skills are not being fully utilised and 86% would consider switching jobs. Half of those say they would leave the sector entirely.

AI adoption is growing, but training gaps persist. Around a third of workers report using AI tools in their role, yet almost 35 percent say they’ve received no training. There’s also limited awareness around company policies, with nearly a quarter of respondents not knowing whether their company has one.

If the sector wants to retain top talent, it may need to act on training investment, communication around AI use, and clearer strategies for transitioning to lower-carbon operations.

Despite these concerns, pay expectations are strong. Almost 75 percent of traditional energy professionals expect a salary increase in the next year. Workforce mobility also remains high, with 82 percent open to relocating for work, though proximity to family continues to be a major consideration.

Other important statistics from the traditional energy sector 

The GETI 2025 report also revealed several key insights related to salaries, mobility, and talent retention. Here are some of the standout statistics shaping the traditional energy workforce this year:

• Almost 75% of traditional energy professionals expect a pay rise in the coming year
• 82% of workers in the sector said they would consider relocating for work opportunities
• 86% of respondents said they would consider switching jobs, and half of them would leave the traditional energy sector entirely
• Leadership confidence is the strongest in traditional energy, with 60% believing their teams are equipped to manage future challenges
• Nearly 35% of workers say they have received no training on how to use AI tools
• 24% of employees don’t know whether their employer has an AI policy in place

Transitional energy talent rises to meet the moment

Transitional energy professionals are highly engaged and motivated by the opportunity to drive meaningful change. With a trillion-dollar pipeline of projects and a workforce eager to be part of the global energy transition, this sector is quickly becoming one of the most mission-driven in the industry.

This strong sense of purpose is reflected in career preferences. Workers in this space consistently rate “making an impact on climate change” and “being part of the energy transition” among their top motivations. Many are also drawn to the opportunities for international mobility and the chance to develop skills in a fast-evolving sector.

Most transitional professionals have a mutually beneficial relationship with the energy transition. They are motivated to make an impact on the world around them, and in return for their skills, salaries and career opportunities are rising to match.

To engage employees beyond these factors, hiring managers may want to consider how work/life balance and exposure to technology may influence transitional professionals’ career choices.

While job satisfaction in transitional energy currently lags behind other sectors, this appears to stem more from untapped potential than disengagement. GETI 2025 suggests that this workforce is hungry for development, visibility, and alignment with future-focused strategies, especially in areas like digitalisation and innovation.

Other important statistics from transitional energy sector

The GETI survey also highlighted some other key takeaways around salaries, global mobility and career mobility. Here are some of the biggest insights:

• Pay optimism is strong, with 74% of professionals and 77 percent of hiring managers expecting salary increases in the coming year

• 74% of professionals are open to relocating, a drop from 87 percent in 2021

• The most common reason for not relocating is proximity to family, cited by 38 percent of respondents

• 43 percent of professionals would consider switching to another energy sector, while 26 percent are open to moving to a non-energy industry, with technology being the top choice

• On average, professionals received 6.08 job approaches in 2025, with 37%  of those offers coming from outside the energy sector

Future of energy: where innovation meets career confidence

The future of energy sector, focused on renewables, continues to show strong growth and optimism. Nearly half of professionals reported a salary increase in 2025, with 21% seeing raises above five percent. Hiring managers are similarly optimistic, with 61% confirming pay increases across their teams.

Despite the positive outlook, global mobility is shifting. Only 73% of professionals are open to relocating, down from 85% in 2021. The most common reason for staying put is proximity to family, cited by 37% of respondents. As renewables projects become more widespread, professionals are increasingly finding opportunities closer to home.

Job satisfaction remains high, with 65% of professionals reporting they are happy in their roles. Flexible working arrangements, meaningful contributions to society, and strong relationships with colleagues are the top drivers of satisfaction. However, a lack of clearly defined career paths is a growing concern, especially among younger professionals.

The sector also faces competition from the technology industry, which continues to attract talent with its innovation and stability. Employers in renewables are encouraged to invest in training and offer clearer career pathways to retain and attract the next generation of professionals.

Other important statistics from the renewables energy sector

The GETI report also highlighted several key insights into renewables sector employee trends for 2025. Some of the important stats include:

•  73% of professionals expect a pay rise in the coming year
  This reflects strong confidence in the financial health of the renewables sector, which continues to attract investment and expand globally.

• 58%  say a lack of a clearly defined career path affects their satisfaction. Despite high engagement, many professionals feel uncertain about long-term growth, signaling a need for clearer development frameworks.

• 31%  of professionals considering a switch to a non-energy sector would choose technology. The tech industry remains a major draw for energy talent, underscoring the importance of innovation and digital skills in retaining professionals.

Download the GETI report

This year’s GETI report reveals a workforce that is increasingly focused on purpose, flexibility, and career growth. While salary optimism remains high across the energy industry, the renewables sector stands out for its strong job satisfaction and rising demand for skills. Professionals are seeking opportunities that allow them to contribute meaningfully to society, and many are choosing to stay closer to home as global mobility trends shift.

The competition for talent is intensifying, with technology continuing to attract energy professionals thanks to its innovation and stability. To stay ahead, employers in the future of energy sector must prioritise clear career pathways, invest in training, and embrace flexible work models that align with evolving workforce expectations.

To explore the latest employment trends and learn how your organisation can adapt to the changing energy landscape, download the GETI 2025 report today.