CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become an Energy Consultant: Australian Careers in Environmental

1 Course


On this page

What is a Energy Consultant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Energy Consultant?

An Energy Consultant advises businesses on how to cut energy costs. They find waste and build practical plans to reduce bills and emissions.

Day to day, Energy Consultants run energy audits and check usage data. They review how existing systems perform. They then build plans that match each client’s budget and goals. This often means working with engineers, architects, and project managers.

Common tasks include writing audit reports and presenting findings to decision-makers. Energy Consultants also help clients get government funding for energy upgrades. They stay current with rules and new technologies.

Demand for Energy Consultants is growing fast in Australia. The electricity and energy sector added 15,800 jobs in the year to October 2025 (source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). This career suits people who enjoy data, problem-solving, and real impact.

Icon

Career snapshots For Energy Consultants

Energy Consultants work across utilities, property, manufacturing, mining, and the public sector. Most roles are full-time, around 38–40 hours per week. Some contract and project-based work is also available. The average salary is around $74,000 a year, with senior consultants earning $110,000 or more (source: PayScale, 2026).

The electricity, gas, water and waste services sector grew by 8.3% and added 15,800 jobs in the year to October 2025 (source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Professional occupations grew by 4.7% in the same period. Demand is set to stay strong. Australia is moving toward net zero and new energy performance rules are coming into force.

What will I do?

Energy Consultants help Australian businesses cut energy costs and meet emissions targets. Their work spans site audits, data analysis, and client advice. Every week is different.

  • Run energy audits at client sites to find waste and cut costs
  • Build tailored energy management plans for each client
  • Assess solar, battery storage, and other clean energy options for clients
  • Advise clients on the Safeguard Mechanism, NABERS, and state energy schemes
  • Use modelling tools to analyse energy data and track performance
  • Write clear reports and present findings to clients and stakeholders
  • Help clients find and apply for government grants and rebates
  • Track project results and suggest adjustments after rollout

What skills do I need?

Energy Consultants need a mix of technical knowledge and strong people skills. They must understand energy systems, data modelling tools, and Australian energy regulations. Good analytical skills help them read consumption data and spot waste.

Clear communication matters just as much. Energy Consultants must explain complex findings to clients with little technical background. Project management skills help when running multiple audits at once. A real interest in clean energy keeps consultants motivated. Adaptability is also key, as new technologies and policy changes arrive often.

Skills/attributes

  • Energy systems analysis and auditing
  • Data analysis and energy modelling
  • Knowledge of Australian energy regulations and policy
  • Report writing and presenting findings to clients
  • Project management across multiple client sites
  • Renewable energy technology knowledge
  • Carbon accounting and emissions reporting
  • Cost-benefit analysis for energy projects
  • Client relationship management
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Attention to detail in compliance and reporting
  • Adaptability to new technologies and market shifts

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

About the author

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.