A small but highly lucrative industry, Central Minnesota is home to approximately 1,400 jobs at 14 establishments in the Electric Power Generation sector, accounting for just 0.5% of the region's total employment. In 2023, the average annual wage for these jobs were impressively just over $132,000, which was about $77,500 higher than the average annual wage across all industries.

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating electric power generation facilities, including water power (i.e., hydroelectric), fossil fuels, nuclear power, and solar power – into electrical energy. The establishments in this industry produce electric energy and provide electricity to transmission systems or to electric power distribution systems.

While the sector has seen a decline since its peak of 1,772 jobs in 2010, there was a notable turnaround in 2022 and 2023, marking the first increase in over a decade. Despite this long period of decline, Central Minnesota still leads the state in the number of jobs in this sector (see Figures 1 and 2). The region also boasts the highest proportion of its workforce employed in electricity generation.

In addition to these power generation jobs, there are also jobs that are indirectly related. The region also has about 770 jobs in Electric Power Transmission, Control and Distribution, with wages of just under $112,000 per year. Employment has also been declining over time in this subsector, but it is still a vital subsector that supplies high-paying jobs.

It would be helpful to add, but it is difficult to separate construction employment dedicated to wind or solar energy projects. The closest match dedicated to energy construction is Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures, with 110 jobs in the region, and Power and Communication Line and Related Structures with 1,100 jobs. Unfortunately, it's not possible to know how many of those jobs are dedicated to communication lines versus power lines.

Some nuances to these employment numbers are what is NOT included. For example, operating trash incinerators that also generate electricity is classified as Waste Treatment and Disposal, and the installation of solar panels are contained in the Building Equipment Contractors subsector; but also contribute to the region's energy employment picture.

There are many high-paying opportunities in Central Minnesota. For more information, contact Luke Greiner at luke.greiner@state.mn.us or visit CareerForceMN's Find a Job.