r/financialindependence • u/fidgit86 • 9d ago

What do you do that you earn six figures?

It seems like a lot of people make a lot of money and it seems like I’m missing out on something. So those of you that do, whats your occupation that pays so well?

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68

u/Keep-On-Drilling 9d ago

Engineer in the energy industry

3

u/admiralspark 9d ago

Utility or engineering firm though?

9

u/Keep-On-Drilling 9d ago

Owner side. Not utility, further upstream

5

u/admiralspark 9d ago

Oh, generation you mean? I'm only familiar with G/T/D so forgive my ignorance. If so, I'm curious what energy source and if it's gas, which turbine?

8

u/Keep-On-Drilling 9d ago

No, like transmission/pipeline. I meant oil and gas when I said energy. I used to work in renewables so I usually refer to myself as an energy industry engineer

6

u/JoseaBrainwave 9d ago

The reverse energy transition

3

u/Keep-On-Drilling 9d ago

Hahha pretty much. Renewables paid better is the weird part. Went from $165 down to $110. A little less than half the hours though which I felt was worth it. Plus no more living out in the middle of nowhere

7

u/JoseaBrainwave 9d ago

Your next job can be in coal!

3

u/dhoahdh6392 9d ago

Or splitting firewood!

1

u/Black_Gold50 9d ago

Doing that now... total comps are nice. We have hourly guys making upwards of $215k a year.

2

u/GodofTroy 9d ago

I’m an EE Sr. w a focus in renewable energy systems...what’s your job role like?

2

u/Keep-On-Drilling 9d ago

I was working for a contractor

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u/admiralspark 9d ago

Oh sorry, okay. Neat!

1

u/ChemE2023 4d ago

I’m an engineer in O&G making $80k working 70 hrs a week…how did you pull off 6 figures in this industry?

1

u/Keep-On-Drilling 4d ago

Switched from upstream oil and gas service to a major midstream/pipeline operator. The real money is working in construction getting that sweet per diem on a travel job.