A new workforce trends report from talent consultancy root/edge and Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) finds mixed views from the US clean energy and sustainability sectors. The majority of respondents are optimistic about long-term careers in the renewable energy sector, but a significant proportion have considered leaving the sector in the past year.
The “2025 Salary and Sentiment Report‘ is based on the responses of more than 500 professionals and captures how changing market conditions are influencing both talent expectations and employer decision-making, during a year described in the foreword as a ‘moment of recalibration’, shaped by policy uncertainty, slower capital deployment and longer development timelines.
“Transparency is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s essential,” says Mindy Prefling, partner at root/edge. “Professionals want clarity about their value, their opportunities and the future of the industry. Employers want the insight to make smarter, more sustainable hiring decisions. This report reflects what we hear every day from both sides, and by working with WRISE we can deliver that data at scale.”
Key findings from the 2025 Salary and Sentiments Report:
- Long-term confidence remains high. 67% of respondents say they are optimistic about long-term careers in the sustainable energy sector, while only 6% are pessimistic.
- Market uncertainty affects mobility. While 68% plan to stay in the industry, 39% considered leaving the industry in the past year, due to concerns about tax credit proposals and long-term stability.
- Wage growth continues, but is moderate. Average salaries at most levels remain stable, and 84% of professionals receive a bonus, usually linked to company or individual performance.
- Gender differences persist in development planning. Women are significantly less likely to have a formal development plan, despite reporting similar levels of career confidence.
- Professionals want meaningful progress. Many require double-digit salary increases to consider a move, and most view structured development plans as important to their long-term goals.
“The data shows an industry full of dedicated, capable people, but also an industry that needs clarity to navigate the next chapter,” Prefling said. “We hope this report helps employers build stronger teams and professionals make informed decisions in a rapidly changing landscape.”
Commenting on the report’s launch, Doseke Akporiaye, Executive Director at WRISE, said: “I’m excited about this collaboration with root/edge and to share this important report. In the two decades since WRISE was founded, the state of women in the industry has changed dramatically, but we still have work to do. Working with root/edge on this report is a strategic first step toward data leadership for women in the industry. We hope our members and sponsors will continue to support these efforts to tell the story of women’s experiences through data.”
