Plug into employment trends in electric power generation, 2000–25

This article uses Current Employment Statistics (CES) data to examine trends in electric power generation employment between 2000 and 2025. In particular, the recent shift in nonfossil fuel electric power generation employment outpacing fossil fuel electric power generation employment is highlighted. The article then uses Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) data to analyze how changing demand for different sources of power generation, including nuclear and renewable energy, have contributed to this shift. With the flip of a switch, the lights turn on. This simple comfort of modern life exists thanks to the hard work of employees in the electric power generation industry. From 2000 to 2025, power plants adjusted their employment in response to changing fuel supply and power demand.