Despite some recent administration pushback to clean energy mandates, the industry is continuing to expand and thrive. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2023, clean energy employment increased by 142,000 jobs, which accounts for more than half of new energy sector jobs.

A career in renewable energy is generally considered a good option due to its strong job market, positive societal impact and high earning potential. For example, the average annual salary for a renewable energy engineer is $111,552.

Though the energy industry is still adding jobs in fossil fuels, positions in solar and wind project development are climbing at a much faster rate. The sector is expected to continue growing, ensuring long-term stability and advancement opportunities.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, since 2020, jobs in clean energy have grown by 400,000, showing a growth rate of 12.8%. This is faster than the rest of the energy sector, which added more than 452,000 net jobs for a growth rate of 9.7% over the same period.

There are several career path options in this industry – from engineering and project management to policy and finance.  Specific examples of roles include wind and solar technicians, energy efficiency specialists and regulatory specialists.

Another key benefit to working in the renewable energy sector is that it is not necessarily impacted by economic downturns and is generally considered recession proof.

The demand for life sciences leadership has reached unprecedented heights, with January 2025 seeing a 40% year-over-year increase in job postings—a surge that marks the highest growth in the past 12 months according to Hudson RPO Executive Search findings. As the industry continues to evolve, this increase in leadership demand raises an important question: is this growth sustainable, or is it merely a temporary anomaly?

Given the factors driving this surge, the outlook for life sciences leadership appears to be optimistic. The consistent rise in executive compensation since September 2024 is a clear indicator of the tightening talent market. Advertised salaries for director-level to C-suite positions have steadily climbed, underscoring the increasing competition for top leaders and the recognition of their critical role in guiding organizations through an increasingly complex landscape, as shown from the Hudson RPO Market Dashboard. With this, we can expect long-term demand for skilled executives in the life sciences sector.

Looking ahead, organizations must be prepared to navigate several key trends that are shaping the future of life sciences leadership. These trends not only reflect the current market dynamics but also hint at where the industry is headed over the next few years.