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Energy Rater Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Energy & Utilities

Arcadia, CA · On-site +1

$110K - $160K/yr

Manager, Energy & Utilities Location: Remote Position Summary We are hiring a Manager, Utility ... Rate & Cost Optimization * Conduct comprehensive tariff analyses across all EVCS utility accounts ...

Residential Energy Consultant

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$75K - $500K/yr

Build a Career in Residential Energy - With Real Income From Week One California electricity rates aren't slowing down, and Antelope Valley homeowners are actively looking for guidance on solar and ...

Build a Career in Residential Energy - With Real Income From Week One California electricity rates aren't slowing down, and Antelope Valley homeowners are actively looking for guidance on solar and ...

Oversee utility procurement, rate analysis, energy purchasing, utility forecasting, consumption analysis, and financial planning to ensure reliable and cost-effective service delivery. * Develop and ...

Take an active role in regulatory processes and influence rate-making and energy supply solutions offered by utilities, other suppliers, and market operators * Develop and grow relationships with key ...

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Showing results 1-20

Energy Rater information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$38.9K

$71.1K

How much do energy rater jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for energy rater in California is $38,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $38,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an energy rater?

Energy Raters are professionals who assess the energy efficiency of buildings, primarily homes, by conducting inspections, diagnostic tests, and energy modeling. They evaluate insulation, windows, HVAC systems, and overall building performance to determine energy usage and identify areas for improvement. Their assessments often result in a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index score, which can help homeowners, builders, and buyers understand a building's energy efficiency and qualify for certain incentives or certifications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an energy rater?

To thrive as an Energy Rater, you need a solid understanding of building science, energy efficiency principles, and relevant building codes, often supported by a certification such as RESNET HERS Rater. Familiarity with diagnostic tools like blower doors, duct testers, and energy modeling software is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication are important soft skills for conducting accurate assessments and explaining findings to clients. These skills ensure precise energy evaluations, regulatory compliance, and effective guidance for improving building performance.

What are common challenges energy raters face when conducting on-site assessments?

Energy Raters often encounter challenges such as accessing difficult or confined areas in homes, interpreting inconsistent construction practices, and ensuring accurate data collection for energy modeling. Weather conditions and homeowner availability can also impact scheduling and efficiency. Effective communication with builders, homeowners, and contractors is crucial to address discrepancies and ensure recommendations are understood and implemented.

What is the difference between Energy Rater vs Building Inspector?

AspectEnergy RaterBuilding Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like BPI or RESNETRequires state or local licensing, often with general building or construction certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with site visits for assessmentsFieldwork inspecting various building types and construction sites
Industry UsageFocused on energy efficiency, home performance, and sustainabilityBroader building code compliance and safety inspections

While both roles involve building assessments, Energy Raters specialize in evaluating energy efficiency and certifications, whereas Building Inspectors focus on overall building safety and code compliance. The two roles often collaborate but serve different primary purposes within the construction and real estate industries.

How to become a certified energy rater?

To become a certified energy rater, individuals typically need to complete a state-approved training program, pass a certification exam, and obtain relevant licensing or certification from a recognized organization such as RESNET or BPI. Continuing education and practical experience are often required to maintain certification and stay current with industry standards.

What does an energy rater do?

An energy rater evaluates residential or commercial buildings to assess their energy efficiency. They perform inspections, analyze energy usage data, and provide recommendations to improve energy performance, often using specialized tools and certifications. Their work helps ensure buildings meet energy standards and can qualify for incentives or certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Energy Rater jobs in California?

For Energy Rater jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Energy Rater job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,944 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater / HERS Rater - Sacramento Region

Pacific InterWest

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$124K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Atlantic & Pacific Build Group and its subsidiary company, Pacific InterWest, is seeking an Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater / HERS Rater to join our Northern California team. The territory for this position will be located throughout the Sacramento, Fairfield & Vacaville areas.


Job Duties and Responsibilities

The must be able to work independently, setting their own schedule while meeting the needs of our clients. The ideal candidate will be engaged and attentive to deadlines.


The Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater / HERS Rater is responsible for California Title 24 modeling for new residential construction using the Energy ProTM or CBECC software, in collaboration with Client Design and Operations Teams. The Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater / HERS Rater is also required to perform field testing to verify compliance with California Title 24.


Site inspections require the ability to view all the pertinent areas of buildings under construction, review and understand California Title-24 Compliance Documentation, testing and sampling protocols.


Physical requirements may include

· Climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, standing, lifting, hearing, speaking, driving and manual dexterity.

· Climbing, ladders, stairs, and scaffolds.

· Work in buildings with unsafe or incomplete structures and systems.

· Work on roofs and other uneven surfaces.

· Work on uneven ground conditions with partially incomplete excavation.

· Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary.

· Work carrying and placing test equipment up to 35 pounds.

· Typically work may include:

· Sitting 20% to 50%

· Standing 40% to 80%

· Walking 35% to 80%

· Climbing 15% to 45%

· Driving 10% to 50%

· Reaching 10% to 40%

· Lifting 5% to 25% (max 35# plans)

· Walking on uneven surfaces (roof or ground) 30% to 70%


Work environment includes office, field and construction site environments, and travel from site to site. While outdoors, the employee occasionally works in inclement weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, high, precarious places, wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office to loud outside.


The Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater / HERS Rater

· Must be able to work constructively and collaboratively with the Client Design and Operations Team and with the superintendent, trade workers, suppliers, manufacturers’ representatives, design professionals, and developer management to achieve the best possible results.

· Must be able to communicate and work collaboratively with California Title 24 Registry (CHEERS) personnel.

· Must be able to read, understand, and interpret architectural and engineering drawings, details of wood framed construction projects and Title 24 Compliance documents including CF1R forms and other relevant documents.

· The ability to review project drawings for missing or poor details of window installation, water intrusion, sound transmission, fire related issues, roof structures, and other high-risk areas is critical to the proper performance of the job.

· Must be able to clearly communicate, in writing and verbally, with project team members and company management about different scenarios for California Title-24 compliance while keeping constructability, client preference and economy as key considerations.

· Shall be knowledgeable of code requirements, including California Title 24 and regional trade practices and manufacturers’ installation requirements for common materials.

· Must be able to identify correct, or incorrect, installation methods in the field with special emphasis on the weather envelope. A clear understanding of building component products with a strong knowledge of residential HVAC systems.

· Must have a solid working knowledge of industry standard practices for the installation of stucco, lath, windows, doors, decks/balconies, flashing, roofs, air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems as well as thermal insulation installation in accordance with California Title 24.


Qualifications

· Current Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater / HERS Rater (CHEERS).

· 2 years as an active Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Rater / HERS Rater within the State of California.

· Current ICC License is desirable

· Strong knowledge of the CRC 2016, CRC 2019, CRC 2022 and CBC 2016, CBC 2019, Title 24, Part 6, Energy Star and renewable energy

· Documented experience performing residential (single and multi-family) California Title 24 Modeling.

· Reliable transportation and a good driving record, as this position requires frequent travel to and from our client’s job sites.

· Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment.

· Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently with a minimum of direct supervision.

· Ability to handle issues with diplomacy.

· Ability and desire to deliver exceptional customer service.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Extremely detail oriented, well organized, and able to manage several projects at the same time with speed and accuracy.

· Self-motivated, responsible, and reliable.

· Excellent mathematical, logical and analytic thinking skills.


Pay & Benefits

$32 / hr


Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k w/Contribution, Licensing Reimbursement