Unsure which path to choose based on your skills and goals? Fossil fuel jobs remain important in Australia, especially in coal, oil, and gas. However, as the country shifts its energy focus, demand is growing for workers in clean energy. So, which one should you choose?
This guide compares fossil fuel and renewable energy careers, focusing on current job availability, rising skill demands, and average salaries. We’ll answer all of your questions.
In this article:
Employment current trends
Fossil fuel jobs in Australia
Certainly, this sector is an important part of the employment picture. In 2024, the mining sector employed just over 280,000 people. For plenty of workers, this industry represents a familiar and viable career path.
Whilst fossil fuel jobs are clearly on the decline in the electricity generation sector, other fields such as coal mining and oil and gas extraction remain relatively stable, or at least the fluctuations are not as pronounced as in the electricity generation sector.
However, as mentioned, the conversation is increasingly centering on renewable energy. It is therefore clear that this industry will experience further declines in the coming years, making it a less promising field for certain workers.
Renewable energy jobs
According to AEMO’s 2024 Integrated System Plan, Australia’s future energy system will rely on more renewable generation, more storage and major transmission build-out.
The Clean Energy Council indicates that Australia will need 32,000 additional electricians to support the target of 82% renewable generation in the National Electricity Market by 2030 and also points to 450,000 jobs in construction of clean energy generation and transmission infrastructure by 2030.
Jobs and Skills Australia has also identified 38 critical occupations tied to the clean energy
Search for jobs in Mining and Renewable energy.
Comparing renewable energy jobs vs fossil fuel jobs
Which sector offers stronger stability? Where are the better long-term prospects? How do salaries compare? And how easy is it to move across them?
There isn’t one answer to suit everyone as the best option will depend on your trade, your experience, where you’re based, and what matters most to you over the coming years.
Job stability and longevity
Fossil fuels stability
This fact comes from long-running industrial areas, government funds, and existing supply chains. All of them can create a more predictable environment.
That said, the existence of formal transition support through the Net Zero Economy Authority for workers in this sector (due to the closure of power stations and mines) is a major change. Prospects appear less favourable than in the past.
In renewable energy, jobs stability could look healthier
In 2025, Energy Fact Check reported that 75% of the clean energy workforce is employed in roles with secure, long-term career prospects. That’s an important distinction, and new opportunities will continue to arise as the years go by.
Salary and role comparison (examples)
In fossil fuels, salaries are a major incentive
Within this field, many roles offer competitive incentives and benefits.
| Role | Why it matters | Typical Salary |
| Equipment Operators | Use a wide range of machinery on the mining site, moving earth, equipment support, etc. | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Driller | Important in extraction and field operations. | $110,000 – $130,000 |
| Boilermaker | Maintaining and fixing essential infrastructure/equipment. | $100,000 – $120,000 |
| Senior Mining Engineer | Important for technical delivery and operational continuity. | $180,000 – $225,000 |
Source: Seek
Renewable energy jobs: a promising career future
As previously discussed, electrical professionals will play a pivotal role in the ongoing transition. Additionally, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) describes the future energy system as an extensive development of renewable generation, storage, and network infrastructure.
| Role | Why it matters | Typical Salary |
| Electrician | Critical across solar, storage and maintenance: one of the biggest workforce shortages. | $95,000 – $115,000 |
| Maintenance Electrician | Strong technical operations and servicing. | $110,000 – $130,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | Important for design, substations, grid and system delivery. | $100,000 – $120,000 |
| Solar (battery) Operations Manager | Key to delivering renewable infrastructure builds. | $120,000 – $150,000 |
Source: Seek
It is important to bear in mind that payments depend on the role, specialisation, region, project location, and employment model.
Accessibility and entry requirements
Fossil fuel positions are often accessible.
The primary challenges typically require licenses and certifications, safety compliance, willingness to work rostered shifts, and the ability to perform in demanding environments.
Renewable energy jobs can be more accessible than they first appear.
The clean energy market may be more open to experienced candidates from adjacent sectors than many job seekers expect, especially if you bring transferable electrical, mechanical, project management, or maintenance skills.
The Clean Energy Council and Jobs and Skills Australia point to workforce bottlenecks in key technical roles, especially electricians and engineers.
Fossil fuel vs Renewable energy jobs: comparison table
| Factor | Fossil Fuel Jobs | Renewable Energy Jobs |
| Current relevance | Strong but losing ground, particularly in the electricity generation sector. | Growing in importance every year. |
| Long-term growth | Transition to renewable energy (Net Zero Economy Authority). | Stronger growth outlook overall. |
| Salary potential | Attractive salaries, especially in FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) roles. | Competitive, especially in technical and project roles. |
| Entry pathway | Many people start mining through support or assistant roles. | Good fit for transferable electrical, mechanical, and project management skills (adjacent sectors). |
Can fossil fuel workers move into renewables?
In many cases, yes. Let’s look at this in more detail:
More opportunities (for transition) if you have…
- Skills in electrical, mechanical, and maintenance work.
- Experience on large infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of safety, compliance, and regulated environments.
- Project coordination, engineering support, and operations capability.
Challenges
- Some roles require additional licenses, tickets, or certifications.
- Technology-specific experience may matter for certain employers or projects.
- Some renewable roles are more project-led than asset-operations-led.
- Opportunities vary by region and project pipeline.
- Moving sectors may require you to work on your CV and reposition your experience. We can help you with that.
What this means for you as a job seeker
There isn’t a universal answer to whether fossil fuel jobs or renewable energy jobs are the better option. The correct path depends on your occupation, your location, the type of work environment you want, your willingness to retrain or reposition, and how much weight you put on long-term market growth.
Australia still offers real opportunities in both sectors, but the clearest growth story now sits with renewables.
Fossil fuel jobs could be your best career path if you…
- already have strong experience in plant, drilling, heavy equipment or asset-heavy sectors.
- prioritise certain rosters and FIFO career opportunities.
- appreciate the financial benefits it offers for some jobs that do not require a high level of academic qualifications.
- don’t envisage picking up new skills in the short term.
Renewable jobs could be your best career path if you…
- want to align with long-term energy market growth.
- have transferable electrical, mechanical, engineering, or project management skills.
- are willing to re-skill or reposition for future demand.
Written by
Taylor Penny
Marketing Specialist
Taylor is the marketing specialist for Synergie Australia since joining the group in 2023. Originally from the UK, Taylor has worked in multiple marketing and finance roles in the UK, UAE, New Zealand and Australia.
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