Career Path Guide
If you want to become an energy auditor, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for it:
Those who become energy auditors tend to have an interest in environmental and conservation issues. They are also skillful interpersonal communicators; a skill that comes in handy as much of their time is spent working directly with clients and other professionals in the field of energy auditing.
To work as an energy auditor, you must be physically fit, as you would spend much of your day on your feet, or your hands and knees, and your inspections might require you to fit in small and uncomfortable spaces.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as an energy auditor. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed
There is no standard educational requirement for becoming an energy auditor; the educational requirements are usually set by the employer. Generally, formal education is not actually needed. Some employers however, may require you to have a bachelor’s degree, and others may require you to have a graduate degree, as well as appropriate work experience.
It is common for energy auditors to begin their careers by working for two to three years under the supervision of an experienced energy auditor. The amount of supervised hours that are required of the trainee may decrease for those with more educational credentials.
Coursework in the following degree programs can help develop knowledge and skills that are applicable to this career:
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Industrial Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
Some schools may offer specialized energy auditing programs, which include classroom and practical work that teaches students many skills for an energy auditor career; skills such as how to perform the blower-door test and thermographic inspections, and other building inspection techniques.
Students in these programs might practice these skills during mock inspections, as well as receive instruction in energy management principles, and learn basic construction and insulation techniques.
What is an Energy Auditor?
Energy auditors, also known as energy consultants or energy raters, are responsible for evaluating the flow of energy in residential, commercial or industrial buildings, in order to determine if it’s being used efficiently, and to determine where it’s being wasted.
General Job Description
Energy auditors are responsible for conducting energy audits for clients, in order to save them money and reduce their impact in the environment. They do this by first examining the client’s energy bill in order to determine their overall energy usage.
They then measure, record and evaluate the flow of energy using a systematic approach, as well as specialized equipment and software. The audits they conduct can vary in complexity, ranging from quick walkthroughs to a comprehensive analysis of the implications of alternative energy efficiency measures.
Energy auditors must then liaise with a team of engineers and other professionals in order to analyze the results and prepare a technical report for the client. They must then present their findings to their clients, and advise them as to where the shortfalls and inefficiencies are, and how to reduce the amount of energy being wasted.
Please Note: The job description of energy auditors can vary depending on where they work, their level of responsibility, whether they evaluate residential, commercial or industrial properties, and many other factors.
Typical Duties of the Job
The job duties of an energy auditor can vary based on their area of specialization, how often they work, and the responsibilities of the job. In general however, energy auditors are responsible for carrying out the following functions:
• Plan and schedule projects and audit methodology and procedures
• Analyze energy consumption for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial customers
• Use a variety of tests and tools to perform inspections
• Check heat pump, furnace and other building systems to ensure that they are working properly
• Examine a building's exterior and interior walls with infrared cameras
• Liaise with engineers and other professionals to create technical reports
• Provide building owners with detailed reports of the tests and their results
• Prepare cost estimates for potential retrofits
Do Energy Auditors Require Certification?
Typically, energy auditors do not require certification in Canada or the United States, although requirements may vary from province to province, and from state to state. Having certification can increase your chances of employment however, as it demonstrates professional competence in the field, as well as a commitment to the profession.
Certification courses, such as the Certified Energy Auditor Training (CEA), generally focus on expanding participant knowledge in energy auditing, such as how to identify how energy is being used in a facility. They also serve as preparation for a certification exam.
Where Do They Work? Who Employs Them
Jobs are created for energy auditors by organizations involved in conducting energy audits for residential, commercial or industrial properties. They may be hired on a part-time, full-time or contractual basis, or they may be self-employed. Examples of the types of organizations that employ them include:
• Electric and gas utilities
• The Armed Forces
• Commercial and industrial businesses
• Residential, commercial and industrial property owners
• Property management firms
• Federal, provincial/state, and municipal government departments
• Environmental and engineering consulting companies
• Construction contractors
Skills and Traits Needed to Be Successful
To be effective in a career as an energy auditor, you'll need to posses a certain set of skills and traits. These skills and traits will not only allow you to perform your job duties with competence; they will allow you to overcome the challenges of this career and maintain a positive attitude towards your work.
• An interest in the environment and conservation
• Enjoy working with hands and on feet
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
• Enjoy working directly with clients and team members
• Enjoy sharing money-saving tips with people
• Not be bothered by having to work in tight spaces
• Knowledgeable in various energy inspection techniques, such as the blower-door test
• Able to use specialized equipment and software
• Good problem solving and deducting reasoning skills
• Persistent and patient with regards to work activities
Current Job Postings
Our job board below has 'energy auditor' postings in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia (when available):
How Much Do They Earn?
The salary level of energy auditors can vary depending on the individual’s qualifications, as well as the specific responsibilities of their job.
There is no reliable salary data available specifically for this career, however we can get a good idea of their earnings by looking at the salary level of closely related professions.
Energy Auditor Salary - Canada: According to the 2016 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey (the latest figures available at the time of writing) the average salary level of Albertans working as 'Environmental Auditors' is $80,949 per year. Unfortunately, no similar statistics were available from reliable sources for other Canadian provinces or territories at the time of writing (June 30, 2019).
United States: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of 'Environmental Engineering Technicians' was $50,560 (2018 figures). The lowest 10% of salaries in this group are below $32,380, and the top 10% are above $82,800 per year.
Similar Career Profiles in Our Database
Listed below are careers in our database that are similar in nature to 'energy auditor', as they involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities:
• Environmental Engineering Technician
• Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Engineer
References
Please consult the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as an energy auditor.
Architecture & Engineering: “Environmental Engineering Technicians.” (September 4, 2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
Green Jobs: “Energy Auditor.” Drew Liming (March 15, 2012). United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
Weatherize: “Professional Home Energy Audits.” (n.d.). United States Department of Energy website. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
Career Profiles: “Energy Auditor.” (n.d.). ECO Canada website. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
Scholarships for Becoming an Energy Auditor
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming an energy auditor can be found on our All Scholarships by Major page, by finding the pages that correspond to the majors listed on our "Relevant Fields of Study in Our System" section below. Any scholarships found within those pages will be suitable.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Relevant Fields of Study in Our System
Studying one of the university majors listed below will serve as an excellent educational foundation for this career:
