Best institutions to study Energy Systems Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing energy-efficient systems or monitoring energy use.
76 U.S. institutions graduated 681 Energy Systems Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.1701, a specialization of Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.17), and leads most directly to the Commercial and Industrial Designers occupation (BLS SOC 27-1021).
About Energy Systems Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing energy-efficient systems or monitoring energy use. Includes instruction in principles of energy conservation, instrumentation calibration, monitoring systems and test procedures, energy loss inspection procedures, energy conservation techniques, and report preparation.
See also: 03.0209 - Energy and Environmental Policy., 03.0210 - Bioenergy., 14.4801 - Energy Systems Engineering, General., 47.0701 - Energy Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Energy Systems Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support engineers in developing energy-efficient systems and monitoring energy use. This program is designed for those interested in applying engineering principles and technical skills in the field of energy conservation and management. Students will gain practical knowledge essential for a career in energy systems technologies.
Core coursework includes principles of energy conservation, instrumentation calibration, and energy loss inspection procedures. Students will also develop skills in report preparation and monitoring systems, equipping them with the technical expertise needed to excel in energy management and related fields.
Credentials awarded
What Energy Systems Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree184 graduates / yr · 37 institutions27%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year166 graduates / yr · 21 institutions24%
- Bachelor's degree114 graduates / yr · 10 institutions17%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years92 graduates / yr · 14 institutions14%
- Award of less than 12 weeks64 graduates / yr · 4 institutions9.4%
- Master's degree54 graduates / yr · 6 institutions7.9%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate7 graduates / yr · 5 institutions1.0%
Graduates over time
Energy Systems Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 968 |
| 2021 | 902 |
| 2022 | 840 |
| 2023 | 804 |
| 2024 | 813 |
| 2025 | 681 |
Top 50 institutions for Energy Systems Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, COPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 51 | 27% | — | — |
| 2 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicBachelor's | 38 | 47% | — | $67,764 |
| 3 | Refrigeration School Inc Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 34 | 76% | $26,791 | $51,772 |
| 4 | Ashland Community and Technical College Ashland, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 34 | 51% | — | $27,379 |
| 5 | Gateway Community and Technical College Florence, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 34 | 59% | — | — |
| 6 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 28 | 40% | — | — |
| 7 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 25 | 35% | — | — |
| 8 | Idaho State University Pocatello, IDPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 24 | 39% | — | — |
| 9 | Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 56% | — | — |
| 10 | New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 20 | 59% | $22,158 | — |
| 11 | Excelsior University Albany, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 20 | — | — | $110,398 |
| 12 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicBachelor's | 19 | 69% | — | — |
| 13 | Central Community College Grand Island, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 48% | — | — |
| 14 | Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 16 | 40% | — | — |
| 15 | University of San Francisco San Francisco, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 15 | 70% | $37,121 | — |
| 16 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 38% | — | $104,847 |
| 17 | SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, NYPublicAssociate's | 15 | 28% | — | — |
| 18 | Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 13 | 45% | — | — |
| 19 | Fort Myers Technical College Fort Myers, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 81% | — | — |
| 20 | University of Tulsa Tulsa, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 12 | 72% | $23,470 | — |
| 21 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NYPublicAssociate's | 11 | 24% | — | — |
| 22 | SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, NYPublicBachelor's | 11 | 33% | — | — |
| 23 | Heartland Community College Normal, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 54% | — | — |
| 24 | De Anza College Cupertino, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 10 | 68% | — | — |
| 25 | College of the Redwoods Eureka, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 34% | — | — |
| 26 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAssociate's | 10 | 48% | — | — |
| 27 | Illinois State University Normal, ILPublicBachelor's | 9 | 65% | — | $46,992 |
| 28 | Northeast Community College Norfolk, NEPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 9 | 56% | — | — |
| 29 | Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 41% | — | — |
| 30 | Henry Ford College Dearborn, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 17% | — | — |
| 31 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 7 | 24% | — | — |
| 32 | Montana State University Billings Billings, MTPublicAssociate's | 7 | 30% | — | — |
| 33 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LAPublicMaster's | 6 | 53% | — | — |
| 34 | Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MNPublicAssociate's | 6 | 58% | — | — |
| 35 | Hudson Valley Community College Troy, NYPublicAssociate's | 6 | 35% | — | — |
| 36 | Shoreline College Shoreline, WAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 6 | 29% | — | — |
| 37 | Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 88% | $44,094 | — |
| 38 | College of Eastern Idaho Idaho Falls, IDPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 39% | — | — |
| 39 | State Technical College of Missouri Linn, MOPublicAssociate's | 5 | 84% | — | — |
| 40 | Sullivan County Community College Loch Sheldrake, NYPublicAssociate's | 5 | 33% | — | — |
| 41 | Tyler Junior College Tyler, TXPublicAssociate's | 5 | 27% | — | — |
| 42 | South Seattle College Seattle, WAPublicBachelor's | 5 | 31% | — | — |
| 43 | Richland Community College Decatur, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 60% | — | — |
| 44 | Wichita State University Wichita, KSPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 3 | 51% | — | — |
| 45 | The University of Texas Permian Basin Odessa, TXPublicPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 40% | — | — |
| 46 | Vermont State University Randolph, VTPublicBachelor's | 3 | 47% | — | — |
| 47 | Mendocino College Ukiah, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 25% | — | — |
| 48 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAssociate's | 2 | 48% | — | — |
| 49 | Rio Hondo College Whittier, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 25% | — | — |
| 50 | Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Dover, DEPublicAssociate's | 2 | 22% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.17) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 30 states
Where Energy Systems Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-1021, Commercial and Industrial Designers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Energy Systems Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Commercial and Industrial Designers or Engineering Technologists and Technicians. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 3.2% and approximately 2,500 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $79,450, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.1701
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial and Industrial Designersprimary SOC 27-1021 | $83,910 | +3.2% About as fast as average | ~2,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other SOC 17-3029 | $78,350 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~5,700 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Energy Systems Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
- Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
- Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
- Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.
- Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.
- Research production specifications, costs, production materials, and manufacturing methods and provide cost estimates and itemized production requirements.
Tools and technology used
Other Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 6 other 6-digit CIP codes under Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.17).
- Solar Energy Technology/CIP 15.1703
Technician 312 graduates / yr33 institutions - Power Plant Technology/CIP 15.1702
Technician partial data74 graduates / yr5 institutions - Wind Energy Technology/CIP 15.1704
Technician partial data47 graduates / yr7 institutions - Energy Systems Technologies/CIP 15.1799
Technicians limited data2 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Hydroelectric Energy Technology/
Technician15.1705 - Geothermal Energy Technology/
Technician15.1706
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What types of degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, a Bachelor's degree, or various awards based on your coursework.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, monitoring, and writing, among others.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.2%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 76 colleges offering the Energy Systems Technology/Technician program across the U.S.
What is the CIP code for Energy Systems Technology/Technician?+
Energy Systems Technology/Technician is CIP 15.1701 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.17). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing energy-efficient systems or monitoring energy use. Includes instruction in principles of energy conservation, instrumentation calibration, monitoring systems and test procedures, energy loss inspection procedures, energy conservation techniques, and report preparation.
How many institutions offer Energy Systems Technology/Technician programs?+
76 U.S. institutions reported Energy Systems Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 30 states, awarding 681 credentials in the year. That is 61.0% of all Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Energy Systems Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Commercial and Industrial Designers occupation, which Energy Systems Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $83,910 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $67,764 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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