The U.S. renewable energy sector, contributing 20% of the nation’s electricity, faces a shortage of over 50,000 skilled workers, driving companies to offer visa sponsorship for engineers and technicians. With salaries ranging from $60,000 to $140,000, roles in solar, wind, and hydropower are in high demand. This guide details 20 leading companies hiring foreign workers in 2026, covering job roles, salaries, visa options, and application steps, using government-verified resources.
Why Renewable Energy Jobs Are In-Demand
The U.S. Department of Energy reports a 40% increase in clean energy jobs by 2030, fueled by the Inflation Reduction Act and growing demand for solar and wind projects. Companies like NextEra Energy and Tesla sponsor H-1B and EB-3 visas to fill roles in states like California, Texas, and New York, seeking engineers and technicians with expertise in sustainable technologies.
Key Job Roles and Salaries
The following roles, classified under SOC codes 17-2071 (Electrical Engineers) and 49-9081 (Wind Turbine Technicians), offer salaries between $60,000 and $140,000 with visa sponsorship:
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Renewable Energy Engineer
Designs solar, wind, or hydropower systems. Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Salary: $80,000–$140,000/year. -
Wind Turbine Technician
Installs, maintains, and repairs wind turbines. Needs technical training or certification.
Salary: $60,000–$80,000/year. -
Solar Energy Technician
Installs and maintains solar panels. Requires certification or on-the-job training.
Salary: $60,000–$85,000/year. -
Energy Storage Specialist
Develops battery systems for renewable energy. Needs a degree in electrical engineering.
Salary: $90,000–$140,000/year. -
Grid Integration Engineer
Connects renewable systems to power grids. Requires a degree in electrical engineering.
Salary: $85,000–$130,000/year.
Top 20 Renewable Energy Companies Hiring with Visa Sponsorship
The following companies, leaders in solar, wind, and hydropower, are actively recruiting foreign engineers and technicians in 2026, based on industry trends and job postings:
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NextEra Energy
Location: Juno Beach, FL; Nationwide
Roles: Renewable Energy Engineer, Grid Integration Engineer
Salary: $80,000–$140,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Tesla
Location: Palo Alto, CA; Austin, TX
Roles: Energy Storage Specialist, Solar Energy Technician
Salary: $90,000–$140,000
Visa: H-1B -
Vestas
Location: Portland, OR; Denver, CO
Roles: Wind Turbine Technician, Renewable Energy Engineer
Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
First Solar
Location: Tempe, AZ; Perrysburg, OH
Roles: Solar Energy Technician, Renewable Energy Engineer
Salary: $70,000–$120,000
Visa: H-1B -
Siemens Gamesa
Location: Orlando, FL; Boulder, CO
Roles: Wind Turbine Technician, Grid Integration Engineer
Salary: $65,000–$110,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Sunrun
Location: San Francisco, CA; Nationwide
Roles: Solar Energy Technician, Energy Storage Specialist
Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Visa: H-2B -
Invenergy
Location: Chicago, IL; Denver, CO
Roles: Renewable Energy Engineer, Grid Integration Engineer
Salary: $80,000–$130,000
Visa: H-1B -
Ørsted
Location: Boston, MA; Houston, TX
Roles: Wind Turbine Technician, Renewable Energy Engineer
Salary: $65,000–$110,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
GE Renewable Energy
Location: Schenectady, NY; Atlanta, GA
Roles: Grid Integration Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer
Salary: $85,000–$140,000
Visa: H-1B -
Enel Green Power
Location: Andover, MA; Oklahoma City, OK
Roles: Solar Energy Technician, Energy Storage Specialist
Salary: $70,000–$120,000
Visa: H-1B -
EDF Renewables
Location: San Diego, CA; Columbia, MD
Roles: Renewable Energy Engineer, Wind Turbine Technician
Salary: $65,000–$110,000
Visa: H-1B -
Avangrid Renewables
Location: Portland, OR; Boston, MA
Roles: Grid Integration Engineer, Wind Turbine Technician
Salary: $70,000–$130,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Pattern Energy
Location: San Francisco, CA; Houston, TX
Roles: Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Storage Specialist
Salary: $80,000–$140,000
Visa: H-1B -
SolarCity (Tesla)
Location: Fremont, CA; Nationwide
Roles: Solar Energy Technician, Energy Storage Specialist
Salary: $60,000–$100,000
Visa: H-2B -
RWE Renewables
Location: Austin, TX; Chicago, IL
Roles: Wind Turbine Technician, Grid Integration Engineer
Salary: $65,000–$110,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3 -
Cypress Creek Renewables
Location: Durham, NC; Santa Monica, CA
Roles: Solar Energy Technician, Renewable Energy Engineer
Salary: $70,000–$120,000
Visa: H-1B -
Apex Clean Energy
Location: Charlottesville, VA; Denver, CO
Roles: Renewable Energy Engineer, Wind Turbine Technician
Salary: $65,000–$110,000
Visa: H-1B -
Clearway Energy Group
Location: San Francisco, CA; Houston, TX
Roles: Grid Integration Engineer, Solar Energy Technician
Salary: $70,000–$130,000
Visa: H-1B -
Hecate Energy
Location: Chicago, IL; New York, NY
Roles: Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Storage Specialist
Salary: $80,000–$140,000
Visa: H-1B -
Dominion Energy
Location: Richmond, VA; Boston, MA
Roles: Grid Integration Engineer, Wind Turbine Technician
Salary: $70,000–$130,000
Visa: H-1B, EB-3
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for these jobs with visa sponsorship, candidates must meet:
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or environmental engineering for engineers; technical certification or associate degree for technicians.
- Experience: 1–5 years in renewable energy or related fields, with verifiable work history.
- Language Skills: English proficiency (IELTS 5.0–6.0 or equivalent) for technical communication.
- Skills: Proficiency in CAD, SCADA systems, or renewable energy technologies (e.g., PV systems, wind turbines).
- Health and Character: Clean criminal record and medical clearance for visa applications.
Check requirements on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Visa Options for Renewable Energy Jobs
Non-US citizens need a work visa. Key options include:
- H-1B Visa: For specialty occupations requiring a degree, valid for 3 years (extendable to 6). Requires a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the US Department of Labor.
- EB-3 Visa: For skilled workers, requiring employer sponsorship and PERM certification. Leads to a green card.
- TN Visa (NAFTA): For Canadian/Mexican citizens with relevant qualifications, valid for 3 years, renewable.
Explore visa details on the US Department of State website.
Application Process for Renewable Energy Jobs
Securing a visa-sponsored job involves:
- Research Opportunities: Use job boards like Indeed or company career pages (e.g., Tesla, NextEra) to find roles offering sponsorship. Search “renewable energy visa sponsorship.”
- Prepare Documents: Create a US-format resume (1–2 pages) and cover letter, highlighting engineering degrees, certifications (e.g., NABCEP), and visa needs.
- Apply: Submit applications via company websites or agencies like WTS Energy, specifying sponsorship requirements.
- Interview: Prepare for technical questions on renewable systems (e.g., grid integration) and behavioral questions on problem-solving.
- Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a contract and LCA or PERM documents from an approved employer.
- Apply for a Visa: Submit job offer, qualifications, health checks, and police clearances via USCIS or a US embassy. Processing takes 1–3 months for H-1B, 6–18 months for EB-3.
- Relocate: Apply for a Social Security Number and complete employer training on renewable technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Renewable Energy Engineer: Designs and optimizes solar, wind, or hydropower systems.
- Wind Turbine Technician: Installs, inspects, and repairs wind turbines, often at heights.
- Solar Energy Technician: Installs and maintains photovoltaic systems and battery storage.
- Energy Storage Specialist: Develops battery systems for grid stability.
- Grid Integration Engineer: Ensures renewable systems connect efficiently to power grids.
Benefits of Renewable Energy Jobs
- Competitive Salaries: $60,000–$140,000/year, with performance bonuses.
- Visa Sponsorship: Employers may cover visa fees ($460–$2,805 for H-1B).
- Career Growth: Pathways to senior roles like project manager or chief engineer.
- Job Stability: High demand ensures consistent employment.
- Residency Pathways: EB-3 visa holders can apply for permanent residency.
Tips for Success
- Target Key States: Focus on California, Texas, or Massachusetts for the most opportunities.
- Certifications: Obtain NABCEP (solar) or GWO (wind) certifications ($500–$2,000).
- Network: Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn or attend events like AWEA Windpower.
- Verify Employers: Ensure companies are USCIS-registered to avoid scams.
- Learn Technology: Master tools like CAD, SCADA, or battery management systems.
Statistics on Renewable Energy Jobs
Job Vacancies
In 2025, over 50,000 renewable energy jobs offered visa sponsorship, with 40% in California and Texas (BLS, 2025).
Salary Ranges
- Renewable Energy Engineer: $80,000–$140,000/year
- Wind Turbine Technician: $60,000–$80,000/year
- Solar Energy Technician: $60,000–$85,000/year
Visa Processing Times
H-1B visa: 1–3 months; EB-3 visa: 6–18 months; TN visa: 1–3 months (USCIS, 2025).
Demand Growth
Renewable energy jobs are projected to grow 40% by 2030, driven by solar and wind expansion (BLS, 2025).
