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Energy Rater Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Senior Underwriter, Energy

Chicago, IL

$101K - $120K/yr

Description The Senior Underwriter is responsible for underwriting energy accounts independently ... rates that vary based on multiple factors set forth in the compensation plan for the role.At ...

Senior Underwriter, Energy

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$69K - $215K/yr

Description The Senior Underwriter is responsible for underwriting energy accounts independently ... rates that vary based on multiple factors set forth in the compensation plan for the role. At ...

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Showing results 1-20

Energy Rater information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$38.2K

$69.8K

How much do energy rater jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for energy rater in Illinois is $38,238.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,400.00 and $37,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Energy Raters?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Energy Rater, and why are they important?

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 some 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Energy Raters typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree, as their pay is often based on project volume and experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales roles, skilled trades like commercial electricians, or entrepreneurial ventures, but these often require specialized skills, certifications, or significant experience. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree are in sales, real estate, or self-employment sectors.

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.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Energy raters typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles or specialized consulting within the energy industry. High-paying positions in this field usually require extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities. Most energy raters earn a median salary significantly below that threshold.

What job makes $1,000,000 a year?

An Energy Rater typically does not earn $1,000,000 annually; such high earnings are uncommon in this field. Top executives or business owners in energy consulting or renewable energy companies may reach this level through business success, investments, or high-level management. Most energy raters earn a moderate income based on experience, certifications, and regional demand.

What does an energy rater do?

An energy rater evaluates residential or commercial buildings to assess their energy efficiency by inspecting insulation, HVAC systems, and appliances. They often use specialized tools and follow industry standards to provide energy reports and recommendations for improvements, sometimes requiring certification or training. Their work helps homeowners and builders reduce energy costs and meet energy efficiency regulations.
Infographic showing various Energy Rater job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,238 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Senior Director Energy Systems & Commercial Engineering

Senior Director Energy Systems & Commercial Engineering

GREENLINK ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC

Rockford, IL โ€ข On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

About Greenlink Energy Solutions

Greenlink Energy Solutions builds commercial clean energy systems that perform in the real world.
We are not simply a contractor. We serve as developer, integrator, and long-term performance partnerโ€”designing solar, storage, HVAC, envelope, and energy optimization systems that reduce risk, protect margins, and increase asset value.
As we scale, we are building a disciplined, repeatable commercial platform. That platform runs through one team: The Technical Solutions Team (TST).

TST is the technical brain of Greenlink.
The Role

We are hiring a Senior Director โ€“ Energy Systems & Commercial Engineering to lead our Technical Solutions Team (TST) to lead the engineering, modeling, pricing integrity, and workflow systems that power our commercial growth engine.
This is not a drafting role.
This is not a pure sales engineering role.
This is a senior technical leadership position responsible for:
  • Design authority
  • Pricing integrity
  • Technical standards
  • Value stack optimization
  • Proposal control
  • Workflow ownership between Sales โ†’ TST โ†’ Operations
You will sit directly between revenue and productionโ€”and own the technical accountability layer that ensures projects are bankable, buildable, and profitable.
This role reports to executive leadership and serves as the final technical checkpoint before projects move forward.
What TST Is Responsible For:ย 
As defined in our charter, TST exists to:
  • Design systems that work in the real world
  • Maximize customer value and margin
  • Enable Sales to win and Ops to build without chaos
This role leads that mission.
What Youโ€™ll Own:

1. Technical Authority & System Integrity
  • Serve as senior authority on C&I solar, storage, HVAC, and integrated systems
  • Validate production modeling assumptions (Helioscope, ETB, Aurora as applicable)
  • Own system feasibility and technical risk identification
  • Ensure designs are constructible and aligned with downstream engineering
  • Provide build-ready technical packages prior to Ops handoff
You will have decision rights on technical design and product selection (with executive escalation only for major strategic shifts).
2. Pricing Integrity & Margin Protection
TST is ultimately responsible for pricing and proposal integrity
You will:
  • Own technical assumptions embedded in pricing models
  • Partner closely with Finance on CA tool logic and margin frameworks
  • Identify margin erosion risks early
  • Standardize cost assumptions and product catalog logic
  • Improve version control and pricing discipline
If a project is mis-scoped or mis-priced, this role owns fixing the systemโ€”not just the job.
3. Value Stack Design (360 Energy Approach)
Every commercial opportunity must be evaluated across the full energy stack:
  • Solar
  • Storage
  • HVAC
  • Envelope
  • Controls
  • Demand management
  • Incentives and program layering
TST is responsible for ensuring that proposals reflect the optimal technical value stackโ€”not just what the customer initially asks for.
You will guide Sales in translating customer goals into engineered solutions.
4. Workflow & SLA Accountability
TST operates on defined SLAs for proposal turnaround
You will:
  • Enforce intake standards before SLA clock begins
  • Improve Monday board hygiene and workflow clarity
  • Establish repeatable design โ†’ pricing โ†’ proposal sequences
  • Reduce cycle time without sacrificing rigor
  • Build documentation standards for AI knowledge capture
This is a systems leadership role as much as an engineering role.
5. Tool & Platform Optimization
You will evaluate and refine:
  • Helioscope modeling workflows
  • Energy Toolbase (ETB) processes
  • Central CA/pricing tools
  • CRM-to-design integrations
  • AI knowledge base inputs
We operate as an AI-first organization. Workflow clarity and documentation discipline are non-negotiable.
What Weโ€™re Looking For

Required Experience
  • 6+ years in commercial solar, storage, or integrated energy systems
  • Deep C&I solar PV design and modeling experience
  • Strong understanding of storage sizing, demand charges, and rate structures
  • Experience reviewing or building pricing models for commercial projects
  • Proven ability to lead engineers or technical teams
  • Comfort interfacing directly with Sales leadership and executive stakeholders
Strongly Preferred
  • Experience integrating solar + storage + HVAC solutions
  • Familiarity with utility incentive programs and compliance constraints
  • Background in energy modeling tools (Helioscope, ETB, Aurora, etc.)
  • Systems thinker who has improved internal processes before
  • Experience building standardized product catalogs or design standards
  • Understanding of how pricing assumptions impact financing and ITC outcomes
Who Will Thrive in This Role

You will thrive here if you:
  • Think like an engineer and an operator
  • Care deeply about accuracy and defensibility
  • Get frustrated by sloppy workflows
  • Want ownershipโ€”not just tasks
  • Can push back on Sales when needed (with data and clarity)
  • Enjoy building systems that scale
  • Want to shape a growing clean energy platform
You will not thrive here if:
  • You prefer to stay narrowly within design
  • You avoid accountability for financial outcomes
  • You dislike cross-functional tension
  • You need fully mature systems before contributing
Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $110,000 โ€“ $140,000 (based on experience)
Performance bonus structure tied to margin protection and SLA performance
Benefits:
  • Health, dental, vision, life insurance
  • PTO
  • 401(k) eligibility
  • Company-provided technology
  • Leadership growth track
Why This Role Matters

TST is not a support team.TST is the leverage point of the company.
When TST performs:
  • Sales wins better deals
  • Margins improve
  • Ops builds cleanly
  • Rework declines
  • Institutional knowledge compounds
You will help define how Greenlink designs, prices, and delivers commercial clean energy for the next decade.