Job Opportunities in Energy: HERS Rater
By Sammie Trvalik, Earth Forward Group
October is Energy Awareness Month, promoting building optimization and management, energy resilience, and the use of advanced energy technologies to build a more sustainable future. This month, Earth Forward Group celebrates the rapidly accelerating growth of green energy jobs. Each week, we will be highlighting career opportunities in the energy sector for entry-level professionals, seasoned workers, and career-changers. Green job skills are in high demand. We will cover which valuable skills and certifications will help you land the job for each position.
This week, we are focusing on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Professional, or HERS Rater. A HERS rater is a weatherization professional and works in the home performance industry. This field evaluates the safety, comfort, durability, and efficiency of a building by considering its structure as a system made up of interacting parts.
A HERS Rater is specifically tasked with producing a HERS Index by modeling the energy efficiency of a home, which they will determine through software modeling, accounting for physical features such as insulation, points of air leakage or ductwork. They will then conduct a number of weatherization tests such as a blower door, duct leakage or envelope test. HERS Raters are foundational to establishing safe and efficient living conditions in a home.
Career Path (to be completed in 15 months) as determined by RESNET.
- Find an Accredited Training Provider (a portion of training may be online)
- Pass national core tests:
- National Rater Exam
- RESNET Combustion Appliance Simulation Test
- RESNET Simulation Practical Test
3. Complete a minimum of 5 probationary ratings under the supervision of an accredited Rating Provider’s Certified Field Assessor (2 from building plans, 3 on constructed homes)
4. Apply for a Rating Test Identification Number (RTIN)
Note: HERS raters must recertify every three years by either attending a RESNET approved conference or completing 18 hours of RESNET approved professional development from a RESNET provider.
- Average salary: $37,128 — $55,681 ($17.85–26.77/hour)
- Entry level education: College Degree preferred (87.5%), High School Degree or GED possible
- Number of HERS rated homes, 2021: 313,153 during the year, 3.3 million total
- Background: Trade background (carpentry, electrical, HVAC)
- Skills: Software Skills, Technical Skills, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills
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See AEPowerHouseTV’s interview with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) professional.
Browse these sites to find green jobs and other impactful careers:
- Green Jobs Board
- 80,000 Hours
- GreenBiz Jobs Alert
- Green Jobs Network and Job Board
- EERE’s Clean Energy Jobs listings
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Green Careers
If you are interested in learning more about EFG’s own workforce development program design offerings, please contact us at info@earthforwardgroup.com or through our website earthforwardgroup.com
