DOE report shows veterans continue to be key workforce in ethanol industry
In Washington, the corn ethanol industry continues to stand out for employing military veterans and maintaining a diverse workforce, according to the 2026 U.S. Energy & Employment Report released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Veterans comprise 16 percent of the ethanol workforce—one out of every six employees. That share is higher than any other segment of the U.S. energy sector, 60 percent above petroleum fuels’ share, and more than three times the national workforce average.
Beyond veteran employment, DOE data show the ethanol industry outpaces its energy peers in other key categories:
· Women account for nearly one-third of the ethanol workforce, compared to 24 percent in petroleum fuels and 26 percent across the energy sector;
· A quarter of ethanol industry employees are age 55 or older, versus 17 percent in petroleum fuels and 18 percent across the energy sector;
· Workers with disabilities represent 3 percent of the ethanol workforce, a higher share than the petroleum and energy sectors; and
· Union representation also remains solid, covering 6 percent of ethanol workers, closely tracking the petroleum fuels industry.
Category: Fuels
