The ninth annual Global Energy Talent Index (GETI), produced by Airswift (a global workforce solutions provider within the energy, process and infrastructure industries), highlights that salaries in traditional energy are experiencing a strong rebound with 50% of professionals seeing a pay rise in 2025 and 71% expecting further rises next year.

However, the comprehensive report, which includes a five-year trends analysis, highlights that there is reluctance to relocate increasing by 9% since 2021, alongside interest in renewables intensifying.

The GETI 2025 report reveals a positive trend in salary increases after the challenging period of 2021 and 2022, with half of traditional energy professionals receiving a pay rise in 2025 and 26% seeing increases of over 5%.

“This year is the first year where increases show signs of flattening out,” the report said, “with the percentage reporting a large increase (5% or more) falling for the first time since 2021. However, optimism is also on the rise, with 71% of professionals expecting pay increases in the next year, up from just 49% in 2021.”

While 80% of traditional energy professionals would consider relocating for work, this figure has declined from 89% in 2021, reflecting a shift in career priorities. Europe remains the most preferred destination, the report said, though its appeal has declined from a peak of 30% in 2022 to 26% in 2025. The Middle East remains a strong second choice, while interest in North America has remained stable.

Career progression remains the top driver for relocation, rising to 50% in 2025, while remuneration has gained importance, replacing culture as a key motivator. Meanwhile, professionals cite proximity to family as the primary reason for reluctance to relocate, though this concern has declined year-on-year.

As demand for expertise in traditional energy grows, 86% of professionals would consider moving to another role, with 62% open to opportunities within traditional energy, the report said. Interest in switching to renewables has also surged, rising from 56% in 2023 to 71% in 2025. Technology remains the most attractive non-energy sector, with 28% of professionals considering a move.

The energy transition is reshaping the sector, with professionals identifying advances in engineering techniques and technology (37%) and the transition to clean energy (37%) as the biggest industry opportunities. Meanwhile, optimism in employer resilience has grown, with 71% of professionals confident in their company’s ability to navigate future challenges.

Download the full report here.

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