U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 1

Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013

Careers in Biofuels

Emily Richards

I

n 2010, there were about 250 million registered vehicles on U.S. highways.1

 Most of these vehicles have 

engines that use oil-based fuel, such as gasoline or 

diesel. Even hybrid-electric cars use gasoline to power 

their internal combustion engines, although they use less 

fuel than traditional automobiles.2

The use of oil-based fuels has both economic and 

environmental impacts. Both consumers and businesses 

are affected by fluctuations in oil prices. Fuel prices have 

been trending upward, with the annual average price of 

a gallon of gas increasing by about 170 percent between 

2002 and 2012.3

 And vehicles powered by oil-based fuels 

release emissions that are harmful to the environment, including greenhouse gases (GHGs). 

Consequently, the nation’s scientists and engineers 

have sought ways to develop alternative fuels, such as 

biofuels. Biofuels are defined as fuels composed of or 

produced from biological raw materials.4

 Biofuels can reduce the use of oil-based fuels and can be more environmentally friendly. The biofuels industry provides career 

opportunities for a vast array of workers, who do such 

tasks as developing biofuel technologies, growing crops, 

and processing and selling the fuels.

This report provides information on careers in 

biofuels. The first section describes the manufacture of biofuels and the reasons for expected growth 

in the industry. The remainder of the report specifies key occupations in the biofuels industry. The information for each occupation includes a brief job 

description; the credentials needed to work in these 

occupations, such as education, training, certification or 

licensure; and wage data.

What are biofuels?

Biofuels are produced from biomass, which are materials derived from a living or recently living organism, including plants, grains, vegetable oils, and animal-based 

oils. These types of materials are commonly referred to 

as feedstocks.

First-generation biofuels are made from biomass such 

as sugars and starches—materials that are often a food 

Emily Richards is an economist in the Office of Occupational 

Statistics and Employment Projections, BLS. Emily is available at 

(202) 691-6558 or richards.emily@bls.gov.

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR ST

BLSATISTICS

January 2013 — Report 10
Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2

source for people or animals. Second-generation biofuels, known as cellulosic biofuels, are made from nonfood 

materials. Cellulosic biofuels are not yet widely available.

Most liquid transportation biofuels are classified as 

either ethanol or biodiesel. Currently, most ethanol on the 

commercial market is produced from starches, most often 

corn; biodiesel is derived from plant oils, often soybean 

oil, or from animal fat or recycled greases. 

From feedstock to fuel

Although production processes can vary by manufacturer, many manufacturers use a production process known 

as a sugar pathway to produce ethanol. The process is 

made up of two main stages: hydrolysis and fermentation. 

During hydrolysis, a chemical is used to break down the 

feedstock into sugar. Yeast or bacteria are introduced during the fermentation process to consume the sugar. The 

output of that process is then distilled in order to separate 

the ethanol from any waste product. Lastly, the ethanol is 

dehydrated, producing the ethanol in its purest form. 

Biodiesel is produced through a chemical process 

called transesterfication, in which oil or fat feedstocks 

are combined with alcohol and a catalyst, causing a reaction that allows the glycerin to be separated from the 

oil. Alternatively, some companies may choose a production process known as a thermochemical pathway, which 

uses high temperatures to convert biomass into ethanol 

or biodiesel.

Biofuel as an alternative fuel

Biofuel proponents believe that these alternative fuels 

offer a number of economic and environmental benefits 

over traditional oil-based fuels.

Because biofuels are derived largely from plants, 

these fuels are a renewable resource that can be replenished naturally with the passage of time, unlike crude 

oil. They can be produced in the United States, which 

reduces our dependence on foreign oil and helps to shield 

American consumers from fluctuating global oil prices. 

Moreover, proponents assert that biofuels may offer 

an environmentally friendly option for fueling our nation. 

Depending on which feedstocks are used and how they 

are converted, biofuels may produce fewer greenhouse 

gases (GHGs) than oil-based fuels. 

But biofuels have critics as well. The carbon impact from biofuels largely depends on how crops are

cultivated and how fuels are produced. Some argue that the

carbon impact from producing biofuels is no better than 

that from oil-based fuels. Further, some critics claim that 

biofuel production may result in more GHGs released into 

the environment, depending on the production method. 

In addition, there is a debate over the use of certain 

feedstocks, commonly referred to as the food-versus-fuel 

debate. Opponents of biofuels argue that making fuel using feedstocks that traditionally have another purpose, 

such as corn, directly impacts the supply of that crop in 

the food chain. These detractors argue that land is being 

used for growing fuel feedstocks, rather than for feeding 

people or livestock. This additional source of demand can 

drive up prices for that crop.5

Cellulosic biofuels

Cellulosic biofuels are made from a wide variety of nonfood biomass, such as wood chips, agricultural and municipal waste, or perennial grasses. Because they are made 

from nonfood feedstocks, they do not directly compete 

with crops used for food. Scientists and researchers are 

working to develop additional feedstocks that could be

used to make biofuels, along with production processes 

that are safe for the environment and affordable on a 

large scale. 

Cellulosic biofuels may be better for the environment 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 3

Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013

than first-generation biofuels. A 2009 study by scientists 

from the Center for Transportation Research at the Argonne National Laboratory, the Department of Energy, 

and Purdue University compared GHG emissions from 

production of cellulosic ethanol and of corn ethanol. The 

study found that cellulosic ethanol production resulted in 

a reduction in GHG emissions by an estimated 77 percent 

to 107 percent as compared with gasoline; corn ethanol 

production resulted in a 24-percent emissions reduction 

as compared with gasoline.6

Although cellulosic biofuels may offer a solution to 

many of the criticisms of first-generation biofuels, more 

research and development is needed before cellulosic biofuels are made widely available to the public. Production 

of cellulosic biofuels is still very expensive compared 

with the cost of making traditional gasoline or many of 

the first-generation biofuels.

Government initiatives

As the biofuels industry continues to grow, Congress 

has passed laws to provide funding for research and

development of alternative fuels, and government agencies have established best practices for implementing 

use of such fuels. The Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) has implemented mandates for how much renewable fuel must be blended with fossil fuels.7

 The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate was passed in 2005. 

And in 2007, an expanded mandate, known as RFS2, was 

passed to include cellulosic biofuels. Both mandates have 

helped to increase demand for biofuels, with 13.9 billion 

gallons of ethanol and 967 million gallons of biodiesel 

produced in 2011, up from 3.4 billion gallons of ethanol 

and 28 million of biodiesel in 2004, the year before the 

mandate was first passed. (See charts 1 and 2.)
Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 4

In addition to the RFS mandates, the military is working to harness the power of biofuels. The Department of 

Defense has set a goal of obtaining 25 percent of its energy from alternative sources by 2025. To do so, the Air 

Force, Army, and Navy are investing in the development 

of alternative fuels.8

Infrastructure

To meet the requirements set by the RFS2 mandate, more 

cellulosic biofuels must be produced, the fuels must be 

sold at a price that is competitive with traditional gasoline, and the fuels must be widely available to consumers. 

As technology continues to improve and cellulosic 

biofuels can be made in larger quantities, more biorefineries will be needed to produce the fuels for commercial 

use. As of June 2012, 212 biorefineries producing ethanol were active or under construction, and more than 150 

plants were producing biodiesel. (See maps 1 and 2.) The 

vast majority of these plants are producing first-generation biofuels. 

 More and more processing plants are working to produce cellulosic biofuels at an affordable cost, but these 

fuels are not yet ready to be sold commercially. Some

improvements to infrastructure must be made before there 

can be large-scale commercial use of cellulosic biofuels.

First, there needs to be a greater number of cars on 

U.S. roads that can run on higher blends of ethanol. Most 

cars on the road today can run on gasoline that contains 

up to 10 percent ethanol. This type of gas is commonly 

known as E10, and it is the most common gasoline sold 

today. The EPA recently approved the use of E15, a gasoline that contains up to 15 percent ethanol, for model year 

2001 and newer vehicles.9 

Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are vehicles that can 

run on fuel blends containing up to 85 percent ethanol, 

E85. According to the Energy Information Administration, there were more than 8 million FFVs on the road in 

2010.10 That figure may rise as the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles grows. A Consumer Reports study found a 

“growing willingness of shoppers to consider alternative 

powertrain technologies, especially E85 ethanol.”11

As more consumers look into cars that can run on 

higher blends of biofuels, more gas stations will need to 

be able to supply these fuels. As of December 2012, only 

11 percent of retail gas stations that offered alternative 

fuels in the United States offered E85 fuel.12 

Flex fuel pumps, also called blender pumps, are gas 

pumps that draw from more than one fuel tank. They 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 5

Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013

allow a station to carry more than one type of blended 

fuel. Blender pumps need to be added to more stations 

for higher blends of ethanol gas to be available on a large 

scale. The Department of Energy estimates that 60,000 

retail outlets will be needed to sell all of the ethanol

proposed by the RFS mandate, and 90–110 million FFVs 

will need to be on the road.13

 Biodiesel is available at a limited number of retail 

locations. According to the Department of Energy, there 

were 696 retail fuel locations in the United States offering 

biodiesel in December 2012.14 As with ethanol, blender 

pumps capable of offering various biodiesel blends will 

need to be added to more stations for biodiesel to be used 

on a larger scale. 

Biofuels occupations

The biofuels industry employs a wide range of workers in a variety of occupations. Scientists and engineers 

conduct research and development; construction workers 

build plants and update infrastructure; agricultural workers grow and harvest feedstocks; plant workers process 

feedstocks into fuel; and sales workers sell the biofuels. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have 

data specific to biofuels. However, BLS does have information on green jobs from its Green Goods and Services (GGS) survey. As the name suggests, GGS jobs are 

those associated with producing green goods or providing green services. The GGS survey found that, in 2010, 

private sector employment for GGS jobs in the basic 

chemical manufacturing industry was 11,970.15 The basic chemical manufacturing industry includes the manufacture of biofuels; however, the GGS figure includes all 

jobs in the basic chemical manufacturing industry that 

meet the green jobs definition, not just those in biofuels. 

There are workers in other industries that help to 

bring biofuels to market, too. For example, scientists and 

engineers who work on biofuels are often employed by

scientific research and development or engineering

services firms, so they are included in data for those industries. 

A 2012 study by the Renewable Fuels Association 

found that ethanol production supported 401,600 jobs 

in 2011.16 A National Biodiesel Board study found that 

the production of 1 billion gallons of biodiesel supports 

39,027 jobs.17

Following are descriptions of some of the most common jobs in the biofuels industry, along with information 
Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6

on the duties associated with the jobs and the credentials 

needed to attain a job in the field. Wage data also are included in the occupation descriptions. Although BLS 

does not have wage data specifically for occupations in 

the biofuels industry, BLS does have wage data for the basic chemical manufacturing industry, which includes production of chemicals from organic raw materials. Wage 

data do not include benefits or other compensation.

Occupations in scientific research 

Scientists work to find the best, most cost-effective way of 

turning feedstocks into fuel. They conduct experiments, 

document their results, and maintain various instruments 

in a laboratory setting. Scientists and researchers often 

work for a wide variety of organizations, such as colleges, 

private and nonprofit companies, and government agencies. Scientists generally work in offices or laboratories, 

though some may work in a production plant. 

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and 

physical principles of living things and biological processes. Those who work in alternative fuels may research 

various technologies that can be used to break down feedstocks into fuel. 

Chemical or laboratory technicians use special instruments and techniques to assist scientists and engineers in 

researching, developing, and producing chemical products and processes. They conduct research, test for quality 

control, and perform analyses based on their experiments. 

Technicians may blend various chemicals for processing 

or to test the quality of a batch of fuel. 

Chemists study the properties, structures, compositions, 

and reactions of matter. They study various chemical processes that can be used to more efficiently produce biofuels. Chemists blend various compounds to see what inputs 

yield the best quality blends of fuel at a reasonable cost. 

Based on their findings, they develop new protocols for 

blending fuels to ensure quality control. 

Microbiologists study the growth, structure, development, 

and characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or plant cells. They may use their knowledge 

of various forms of bacteria to improve the fermentation 

process used to make ethanol or to develop new ways of 

cultivating algae to use as a feedstock.

Soil and plant scientists conduct research on soil, crops, 

and other agricultural products to find new and improved 

ways to use various agricultural products for fuel. A plant 

scientist may test several types of perennial grasses to see 

which can be most efficiently broken down into simple 

sugars. Plant scientists also work to improve crop yields 

by using techniques that could enhance feedstock production efforts. 

Credentials

Most scientist positions require a bachelor’s degree from 

a program that includes both coursework and laboratory hours. A scientist who is leading a research team or 

conducting independent research may need a master’s or 

doctoral degree to do so. Biochemists and biophysicists 

typically need a doctoral degree to enter the occupation. 

It is common for scientists to pursue a specialized degree 

in a subfield, such as bacteriology or toxicology.

Although some lab technician jobs typically require 

an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary training, 

a bachelor’s degree in science is sometimes preferred. 

Technician jobs generally require some laboratory experience and a strong background in math and science. 

Analytical skills are important for those conducting 

experiments and determining an outcome or a reasonable 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 7

Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013

way to continue an experiment. Scientists and technicians 

also need oral and written communication skills because 

they often work as part of a team and must effectively 

communicate the results of their analysis to others. In addition, scientists and technicians must be detail-oriented 

when conducting experiments and recording data. 

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the biofuels industry. However, BLS does have wage data for the 

basic chemical manufacturing industry group; the following table shows wages for selected science occupations in 

that industry group for May 2011. The wages shown are 

median annual wages for the United States as a whole; 

wages vary by employer and location.

Occupations in engineering

Engineers use scientific and technological research to develop commercial applications and economic solutions. 

They design and test various products and machinery. 

In the biofuels industry, many engineers are involved 

in much of the same work as scientists, evaluating both 

existing and potential feedstocks, and examining which 

sources provide the best energy at a reasonable cost. 

However, they also may work on processing facility design and be familiar with industrial equipment. 

Engineers develop project plans and establish budgets. At processing plants, engineers work to ensure quality control and a steady flow of materials. They also ensure that federal, state, and local safety regulations are 

met and company standard operating procedures are followed.

Agricultural engineers apply technological advances to 

farming. These engineers are experts in agriculture and 

horticulture, and they study existing and potential feedstocks to determine which plants can be best used to 

produce fuel. They must consider the best time of year 

for various feedstocks to be grown and the best location 

to cultivate them, as well as the waste products that will 

be generated in their production. Agricultural engineers 

also may design processing plants and other structures involved in storing and processing feedstocks.

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems. They design plant 

equipment and establish various processes and protocols 

for manufacturing biofuels as well as the chemicals that 

are used to convert raw materials into fuel. 

Some chemical engineers receive additional training 

or education to become biochemical engineers. In addition 

to the basic chemical engineering principles, biochemical 

engineers have in-depth knowledge of biological systems, 

such as the production of specific products using enzymes 

or microorganisms. Chemical engineers and biochemical 

engineers often work together in a biofuel production facility. For instance, biochemical engineers develop and 

implement a fermentation process for production of ethanol from sugars, and chemical engineers distill and purify 

the compound. 

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of 

biofuel processing plants. When designing a plant, they 

consider a number of factors, including costs, government 

regulations, potential environmental hazards, and proximity to feedstocks. They may need to retrofit an existing 

petroleum plant or convert a biofuel plant so that it can 

process additional types of feedstocks. 

Electrical engineers research, design, develop, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical 

equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, or scientific use. Within a biofuel plant, electrical 

engineers may work with various motors, power generation equipment, lighting, or any electrical controls for industrial equipment that are needed for the plant to run. 

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to improve 

waste treatments and water systems, and to find ways to 

limit emissions from fuel processing. For instance, an environmental engineer may work to minimize the natural 

Selected science occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Biochemists and biophysicists $63,530

Chemical technicians 49,920

Chemists 75,550

Microbiologists 57,350

Soil and plant scientists2 58,940

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

2

 Wage data for soil and plant scientists are not available for 

the basic chemical manufacturing industry group. The data 

here represent wages for the occupation as a whole. 
Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8

gases that are released while burning materials at a plant, 

thereby preventing or reducing the degradation of the atmosphere or local soil and water systems. 

Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness 

in production processes. They may work to determine the 

most efficient way to use workers, machines, materials, 

information, and energy to make biofuels using a given 

feedstock or chemical process. 

Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build, 

and test mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and 

machines used in a processing plant. They also may oversee installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment. 

Mechanical engineers often provide a plan for the layout 

of equipment at a new plant, or they provide suggested 

plans for implementing new equipment. For instance, a 

mechanical engineer may work on developing precursor 

equipment that can begin the process of breaking feedstocks down into sugar before they are transported to a 

processing plant. 

Credentials

Engineering jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree in 

a related engineering field. However, some jobs, particularly those involved in research and development or those 

at the managerial level may require advanced degrees 

or work experience. Many engineer jobs also require a 

professional engineer (PE) license, which requires a degree, work experience, and passing written exams. Civil 

engineers who exercise direct control of a project or those 

who supervise other engineers must have a license. 

Engineers should enjoy problem solving because they 

must constantly look for new and improved ways to develop a product or process. Communication skills are also 

critical for engineers because they must be able to clearly 

explain their instructions to production staff to avoid costly mistakes. 

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the 

biofuels industry. However, BLS does have wage data 

for the basic chemical manufacturing industry group; the 

following table shows wages for selected engineering

occupations in that industry group for May 2011. The 

wages shown are median annual wages for the United 

States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupations in construction

Construction workers build the processing plants where 

biofuels are made. Much of the future construction needs 

from the biofuels industry will be driven by cellulosic 

technology, using nonfood biomass to create biofuels. The 

advances in processing additional feedstocks have created 

demand for processing plants that can convert multiple 

crops into fuel. Construction workers are also needed 

to convert existing infrastructure at gas stations so that 

they can support higher blends of fuel. There may also 

be career opportunities in the design and construction of 

feedstock pre-processing facilities to condense biomass 

feedstocks before transportation to fuel production plants.

Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from early development to 

completion. They oversee new construction of biofuel 

and feedstock processing plants as well as the retrofitting 

of existing plants. Construction managers work with various specialists, such as architects and engineers, to get the 

plant built on time and within a budget. 

Construction laborers perform tasks that require physical 

labor on construction sites, many of which are physically 

demanding. They build new biofuel plants and convert 

existing plants so that they can also produce fuel using 

cellulosic feedstocks. And as more ethanol blend fuels 

are made available, these workers will build new tanks 

to hold them or install blender pumps to existing tanks.

Selected engineering occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Agricultural engineers2 $74,630

Chemical engineers 96,870

Civil engineers 96,370

Electrical engineers 85,350

Environmental engineers 89,070

Industrial engineers 79,530

Mechanical engineers 88,320

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

2

 Wage data for agricultural engineers are not available for 

the basic chemical manufacturing industry group. The data 

here represent wages for the occupation as a whole. 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 9

Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the biofuels industry. However, BLS does have wage data for 

the chemical manufacturing industry group; the following 

table shows wages for selected construction occupations 

in that industry group for May 2011. The wages shown 

are median annual wages for the United States as a whole; 

wages vary by employer and location.

Occupations in agriculture 

Farms are needed to grow corn, soybeans, and the other 

feedstocks used in making biofuels. These crops must 

be planted and cultivated before they are harvested and 

transported to grain elevators and processing plants. 

Farmers and other agricultural managers, sometimes 

called growers, run establishments that produce crops that 

are used to make fuel. They supervise work being done 

by laborers and make decisions about where and when to 

plant various crops. They oversee the day-to-day operations of the farm or agricultural establishment.

Agricultural laborers maintain the quality of farms and 

crops by doing manual labor under the supervision of 

agricultural managers. They plant, cultivate, and harvest 

crops, which are used as fuel feedstocks. 

Agricultural equipment operators operate farm equipment, such as tractors and combines, to sow seeds, and 

maintain and harvest crops. 

Credentials

Farmers and agricultural managers typically need a high 

school diploma or equivalent, although some may have a 

degree from an agricultural college. Prospective farmers

Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or 

control the heavy machinery used in construction. They 

operate various types of equipment, such as bulldozers, 

forklifts, and cranes. They use these machines to build 

processing plants and to install new fuel tanks at gas stations. 

Credentials

Most construction managers have a bachelor’s degree in 

construction science, construction management, architecture, or engineering. However, a combination of work 

experience and an associate’s degree may meet the qualifications of some employers. Managers must have timemanagement skills and decision-making skills to ensure 

that each task involved in a project is assigned to the appropriate party and that each task is completed on time. 

Most employers hiring construction laborers do not 

have a formal education requirement. The majority of laborers learn their skills through on-the-job-training, either 

informally or through an apprenticeship program. Construction workers must have strength and stamina for lifting heavy objects and performing other strenuous tasks 

throughout the day.

Construction equipment operators may learn the skills 

needed for their job through on-the-job training, an apprenticeship, or at a trade school. A high school diploma 

and a commercial driver’s license may be required. They 

should have good eye-hand-foot coordination because 

they control powerful machinery. 

Selected construction occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Construction managers $101,970

Construction laborers2 29,730

Operating engineers and other 

construction equipment operators 33,440

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

2

 Wage data for construction laborers are not available for the 

chemical manufacturing industry group. The data here represent wages for the occupation as a whole. 
Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 10

and agricultural managers typically train and gain experience under more experienced workers. Those farmers and 

agricultural managers who don’t have any postsecondary 

education may take a longer time to learn some aspects 

of the job. 

Most agricultural laborer and equipment operator 

positions do not have a formal education requirement. 

Workers typically learn through on-the-job training. It is 

important for these workers to have strength and stamina 

because the work can be physically demanding. Good 

hand-eye coordination is often needed to harvest crops 

and operate farm machinery.

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the 

biofuels industry. However, BLS does have green goods 

and services (GGS) wage data for occupations in agricultural production. The table that follows shows GGS-OCC 

wages for selected agricultural occupations in November 

2011, for establishments that receive all of their revenue 

from green goods and services. The wages shown are 

GGS-OCC median annual wages for the United States as 

a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupations in plant operations 

Managers and technicians at processing plants convert 

feedstock into fuel through various technologies. They 

perform a wide variety of tasks, from blending chemicals 

to operating industrial equipment to testing fuel quality. 

Workers must follow a number of standard operating 

procedures and abide by all safety protocols. Staff may 

keep records or logs during each shift, noting any plant 

activities and reporting any problems to supervisory staff. 

Plant managers, also known as industrial production 

managers, run daily operations at the plant. Managers 

coordinate and plan the activities needed to create biofuels. 

They supervise employees in completing their tasks 

and provide feedback on employees’ job performances. 

They ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local 

laws and safety requirements. Managers must be able to 

solve problems quickly, adjust procedures when issues 

arise, and maintain detailed records on processing plant 

production. 

Plant operators, also known as fuel makers, are chemical 

equipment operators and tenders. They operate or tend 

equipment that controls chemical changes or reactions in 

the processing of industrial or consumer products.

In addition to operating industrial equipment, plant 

operators may also inspect tanks, clean pumps and other 

equipment, and dispose of waste products. Some plant 

workers may conduct quality control checks, testing 

samples from a batch of fuel. Others may be involved in 

shipping and receiving materials at the plant. They must 

follow all safety procedures, including reporting any 

problems to supervisory staff.

Industrial machinery mechanics test, maintain, and repair 

plant equipment and other industrial machinery, such as 

conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging 

equipment. When malfunctions occur, they need to disable 

a piece of equipment, locate and fix the broken piece, and 

reassemble the machine. 

Credentials

Plant manager positions often require a bachelor’s 

degree in a related science, engineering, or business 

administration. Many manager positions require between 

1 and 5 years of work experience, while others may 

Selected agriculture occupations Median annual wages, 

November 20111

Farmers, ranchers, and other 

agricultural managers

 $52,180

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, 

nursery, and greenhouse

 19,130

Agricultural equipment operators 21,340

1 Green goods and services occupations data are available at 

www.bls.gov/ggsocc. The data do not include benefits.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 11

Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013

require up to 10 years of related experience. In addition, 

some employers want their managers to have previous 

experience as a supervisor. Most production managers 

must complete company-specific training. Many managers 

opt to earn various certifications to show a higher level of 

competency in their field.

Most plant operators need to have a high school 

diploma, and many employers prefer workers with 

a degree from a college or vocational school. Many 

employers value strong math and science skills and 

related work experience. Moderate on-the-job training is 

necessary because of the complex equipment and specific 

safety procedures of each company. 

Industrial machinery mechanics generally need at least 

a high school diploma, though many employers prefer 

to hire candidates who have completed postsecondary 

training in industrial technology. Mechanics who have 

not taken postsecondary courses may need a year or more 

of on-the-job training to learn the necessary mechanical 

and technical skills.

Most plant employees work in shifts, as plants 

operate around the clock. They usually must wear safety 

equipment, such as gloves or goggles. Work in a plant can 

be physically demanding because workers may have to 

lift heavy objects and control large machinery. Individuals 

working in a plant must complete training to learn all of a 

company’s standard operating and safety procedures.

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the 

biofuels industry. However, BLS does have wage data 

for the basic chemical manufacturing industry group; 

the following table shows wages for selected production 

occupations in that industry group for May 2011. The 

wages shown are median annual wages for the United 

States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Occupations in sales

Once the biofuels have been produced, sales workers 

are needed to keep supply chains running. Sales workers 

establish contracts so that goods can be bought and sold, 

and they help to keep biofuel production on schedule. 

Purchasing agents buy farm products for further processing or for resale. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, review product quality, and monitor inventories. 

Purchasing agents develop budgets based on when and 

how much of a given feedstock is needed at a plant. They 

also establish contracts with suppliers, to ensure a steady 

flow of a given feedstock is transported to the plant to 

keep production on schedule.

Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell 

goods—such as fuel, by-products from fuel production, 

or industrial equipment—for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. They ensure that there are customers to buy the 

fuel, negotiate prices of these sales, and prepare contracts. 

They are often very knowledgeable about the products 

that they sell, but they may also work with an engineer 

who has more expertise.

Credentials

Some purchasing agent jobs may only require a high 

school diploma. However, jobs at large-scale commercial 

plants generally require a bachelor’s degree. Some positions, especially those at the managerial level, may require advanced degrees. Degrees related to engineering, 

business, economics, or applied sciences are preferred. 

On-the-job training may take up to 1 year. 

Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives 

generally need a bachelor’s degree, though some positions 

may only require a high school diploma. Most companies 

have on-the-job training programs that a sales representative must complete; these programs usually include time 

spent shadowing a more experienced employee as they 

complete day-to-day work. Sales representatives may also 

choose to earn a certification. The Certified Professional 

Manufacturers’ Representative (CPMR) certification and 

the Certified Sales Professional (CSP) certification are offered by the Manufacturers’ Representatives Education 

Research Foundation. 

Selected production occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Industrial production managers $99,770

Chemical equipment operators and 

tenders 49,060

Industrial machinery mechanics 54,380

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
Green Jobs: Biofuels

January 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 12

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the 

biofuels industry. However, BLS does have wage data 

for the basic chemical manufacturing industry group. The 

following table shows wages for selected sales occupations in this industry group for May 2011. The wages 

shown are median annual wages for the United States as a 

whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Conclusion

Americans continue to rely on cars for their transportation 

needs, and biofuels offer a domestically produced 

alternative to petroleum-based fuels. A wide variety of 

workers are needed to research and produce biofuels, 

making them an important aspect of the green economy. 

With the government mandate enforcing the use of 

alternative fuels, there will be continued demand to 

produce alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel 

from both traditional feedstocks and cellulosic feedstocks.

Biofuel-related occupations require a broad range 

of education and experience levels. Although some 

occupations require a bachelor’s or higher degree, there 

are opportunities for those with less than a college degree 

and for individuals with prior related work experience.

Selected sales occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Buyers and purchasing agents, farm 

products $51,380

Wholesale and manufacturing sales 

representatives, technical and 

scientific products

 83,100

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

Notes

1

 “Table 1-11: Number of U.S. Aircraft, Vehicles, Vessels, and 

Other Conveyances,” Bureau Transportation Statistics, (U.S. 

Department of Transportation, 2012), http://www.rita.dot.

gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/national_

transportation_statistics/html/table_01_11.html.

2

 For information on careers in electric vehicles, see “Careers 

in Electric Vehicles,” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2011), http://www.bls.gov/green/electric_vehicles/electric_vehicles.pdf.

3

 “Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update,” (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2012), http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/

gasdiesel/. Annual averages were calculated using weekly U.S. 

regular conventional retail gasoline prices. 

4

 “Biofuel,” Merriam-Webster, 2012, http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/biofuel.

5 Tim Searchinger, “How biofuels contribute to the food 

crisis,” Washington Post, February 11, 2011, http://www.

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/10/

AR2011021006323.html.

6

 Michael Q. Wang, “Energy and greenhouse gas emission effects of corn and cellulosic ethanol with technology improvements and land use changes,” Biomass and Bioenergy, 35, no 

5, (May 2011), pp. 1885¬-1896, http://www.sciencedirect.

com/science/article/pii/S0961953411000298.

7

 For more information on these programs, see “Renewable 

Fuel Standard (RFS),” (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), 

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/index.htm.

8

 “From Barracks to the Battlefield: Clean Energy Innovation 

and America’s Armed Forces,” (The Pew Charitable Trusts, 

2011), http://www.pewenvironment.org/uploadedFiles/

PEG/Publications/Report/DoD-Report_FINAL.pdf.

 9 “E15 (a blend of gasoline and ethanol),” (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency), http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/

additive/e15/.

10 “How many alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles are there in 

the U.S.?,” Frequently Asked Questions, (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2012), ), http://www.eia.gov/tools/

faqs/faq.cfm?id=93&t=4.

11 Paul A. Eisenstein, “Alternative-fuel vehicles gaining favor 

with motorists,” NBC News, May 2012, http://www.nbcnews.

com/business/alternative-fuel-vehicles-gaining-favor-motorists-787672.

12 “Alternative Fueling Station Total Counts by State,” (U.S. 

Department of Energy), http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/

fuels/stations_counts.html?wwparam=1339678151.

13 “Ethanol Industry Perspective on the “Blend Wall”,” (Renewable Fuels Association, May 2009), http://www.epa.gov/air/

caaac/mstrs/may2009/standlee.pdf. This is a slideshow available on the EPA website. The Renewable Fuels Association 

cites data from the U.S. Department of Energy on slide 11.

14 “Alternative Fueling Station Total Counts by State,” (U.S. 

Department of Energy), http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/

fuels/stations_counts.html?wwparam=1339678151.

15 For data from the BLS Green Goods and Services Survey, see 

www.bls.gov/ggs.

16 John M. Urbanchuk, “Contribution of the Ethanol Industry 

to the Economy of the United States,” (Cardno Entrix, Febru- ary 2012), http://ethanolrfa.3cdn.net/c0db7443e48926e95f_

j7m6i6zi2.pdf.

17 “Production Statistics,” (National Biodiesel Board, 2012), 

http://www.biodiesel.org/production/production-statistics.