Michigan ranked #1 state for energy-sector job growth

On Thursday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan has been ranked #1 in the nation for energy job growth according to the U.S. Energy and Employment Jobs Report (USEER). The state added 35,463 energy sector jobs from 2020 to 2021, more than any other state in the nation. Michigan’s job growth boosted total energy jobs in the state by almost 10%. Michigan’s 393,207 energy workers represent 5% of all U.S. energy jobs and 9.5% of state jobs.

“Michigan’s economy is on the move. Unemployment is low, small business growth is booming, and we had strong job growth last year. This report shows that Michigan is number one in the nation, adding over 35,000 good-paying energy jobs,” said Whitmer. “When we invest in the future of mobility and clean energy and face climate change head on, we can create tens of thousands of jobs, build prosperity in every region of our state, and ensure that we remain competitive for future business investment and economic de-velopment. I will work with anyone to keep growing Michigan’s economy and energy sector.”

“This report confirms what we already know – Michigan continues to be the number one state to live, work and play,” said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity director. “We are committed to making sure everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in these in-demand, rewarding careers in the energy sector and beyond – building a talent pool that’s second to none and driving the talent to meet em-ployer needs.”

“This report shows that Michigan has a competitive edge in advanced energy and a vi-brant industry that continues to create well-paying jobs,” said Dr. Laura Sherman, presi-dent of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “We must continue to establish supportive policies, set ambitious goals, and invest in training and infrastructure to en-sure that the advanced energy industry continues to grow and thrive in our state.”

“These numbers demonstrate that the transition to EVs continues to spur job growth in multiple sectors of the economy,” said Glenn Stevens, executive director of MichAuto. “The big investments made by Michigan’s automobility industry in electrification are now yield-ing tangible results. Michigan must continue this momentum by solidifying industry and government partnerships to bring more mobility investment, innovation, and jobs to our state.”  

The report combines employer surveys with public data to track energy job growth in key areas, including electric power generation and transmission, fuels, energy efficiency, and motor vehicles. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy sector was a fast-growing part of the economy, with employment growth rates at 3% — double that of the economy as a whole. While the energy sector was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, data shows that the sector has begun to rebound, employing 7.8 million Americans in 2021. The mo-tor vehicle sector in particular grew 9.8% from 2020 to 2021.