The 10 Highest-Paying Green Jobs in 2025

“Green jobs” are types of work that help protect the environment. These jobs can directly involve natural resources and developing green technologies, using eco-friendly skills in regular jobs, supporting green businesses, or changing over time to meet the needs of a greener future.

And while the green job market is growing, the talent pool isn’t keeping pace. Roughly half of all jobs in 2050 will lack qualified candidates if nothing is done to increase green upskilling.

The general view of green jobs is that they don’t pay well, and if you’re like many other climate-concerned job seekers, compensation is one of the most important factors when considering whether to leave your current position for a green job.

Fortunately, the idea that green roles are underpaid is a misconception. To set the record straight, we’ve listed 10 of the highest-paying green jobs in 2025:

1. Architectural and engineering manager

• Median annual salary (2023): $165,370
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for architectural and engineering managers

Architectural and engineering managers lead and coordinate teams of architects and engineers in the sustainable planning, design, and construction of buildings and infrastructure projects.

In this role, you’ll be managing different teams, setting environmentally conscious project goals, and ensuring all projects comply with building codes, safety regulations, and client specifications with a strong emphasis on green building practices. Your responsibilities will also include implementing sustainable design principles and innovative eco-friendly construction techniques.

2. Natural sciences manager

• Median annual salary (2023): $157,740
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for natural sciences managers

Natural sciences managers lead and coordinate scientific research and development efforts, focusing on advancing green practices in fields such as environmental health, water resource management, and conservation.

In this role, you’ll be managing teams of research scientists, technicians, and environmental specialists, setting project goals, and ensuring all projects comply with environmental regulations and contribute to your company’s sustainability goals.

3. Marketing manager

• Median annual salary (2023): $156,580
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for marketing managers

Marketing managers in the green industry develop and lead campaigns to promote eco-friendly products.

You’ll work on a variety of tasks such as analyzing trends, crafting messages for the media, and collaborating with like-minded organizations to enhance brand awareness and encourage sustainable consumer choices. Some of these tasks include communicating environmental benefits effectively as well as spearheading campaigns for green marketing and greening of existing products and industries.

4. Aerospace engineer

• Median annual salary (2023): $130,720
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for aerospace engineers

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They also work on improving the performance, safety, and efficiency of these systems, ensuring they meet regulatory standards.

As an aerospace engineer focused on sustainability, your team would use innovative materials like biofuels to make aircraft and propulsion systems more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient, as well as focusing on lightweight materials, electric propulsion, and reducing emissions.

5. Software developer

• Median annual salary (2023): $130,160
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 17%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for software developers

A role as a software developer could be ideal for you if you’re passionate about sustainability and technology. Software developers in green companies work hard to create and implement software solutions that enhance environmental sustainability.

For example, your projects might involve developing and deploying applications that support sustainability efforts. These projects could address challenges related to energy use, environmental monitoring, or resource management.

6. Industrial production manager

• Median annual salary (2023): $116,970
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 3%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for industrial production managers

Industrial production managers oversee and coordinate the activities of production workers and resources to ensure that goods are manufactured in an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable way.

In this role, you’ll manage and supervise production staff, troubleshoot production issues, and implement improvements to enhance productivity and minimize environmental impact while reducing waste. Your responsibilities may also include managing budgets, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and sustainability initiatives.

7. Chemical engineer

• Median annual salary (2023): $112,100
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 10%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for chemical engineers

Chemical engineers specializing in energy and sustainability directly address pressing environmental challenges by optimizing how we convert raw materials into useful products sustainably.

You’ll work in system design and innovating processes that make industrial operations more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. This role is perfect if you’re passionate about applying scientific knowledge to directly tackle some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

8. Electrical engineer

• Median annual salary (2023): $109,010
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for electrical engineers

Electrical engineers in green fields design electrical systems and infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and support renewable energy sources like solar power.

Your work will ensure that electrical systems are both sustainable and capable of meeting modern energy demands. On the job, you’ll likely work on a variety of projects, from setting up solar power systems to developing smart grids that optimize electricity flow and reduce energy consumption.

9. Construction manager

• Median annual salary (2023): $104,900
• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for construction managers

Construction managers lead building projects that focus on environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. They work closely with architects, engineers, and builders to ensure every aspect of the project meets green standards. They oversee the construction of new eco-friendly structures and upgrade existing buildings to be more energy efficient.

You might be tasked with devising and implementing innovative strategies for environmentally-conscious construction, and actively seeking green talent to meet critical climate goals.

10. Industrial safety and health engineer

• Median annual salary (2023): $103,690
• Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 5%
• Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree

Job responsibilities for industrial safety and health engineers

Industrial safety and health engineers develop, implement, and oversee safety and environmental programs to prevent workplace accidents and reduce environmental impact.

In this role, you’ll identify and assess workplace hazards, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. You’ll also investigate accidents, provide safety and environmental awareness training, and collaborate with other departments to create a safe working environment.

The outlook for green jobs

With green job growth on the rise, the outlook for future job opportunities is overwhelmingly good.

In the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report, they predicted that climate change adaptation is expected to be the third-largest contributor to net growth in global jobs by 2030. Also, an additional 1 million jobs are expected to be created in energy generation, storage, and distribution.

The utilities industry — driven by the rapid expansion in renewable energy — leads all industries in green talent demand, with nearly a quarter of job postings (23.1%) requiring green skills. Green skills are likely to become increasingly important as the industry confronts the complexities of overhauling the power grid and transitioning to renewables.

LinkedIn’s 2024 Global Green Skills Report notes that construction, an industry responsible for 37% of global emissions, has the second-highest demand for green talent of all industries, with one in five job postings requiring green skills.

Manufacturing also ranked high in this regard, with 13.2% of job postings requiring green skills.

Overall, the sharpest green talent demand spike between 2023 and 2024 was in the technology, information, & media industry, where the share of jobs requiring green skills surged 60%.

While it’s difficult to measure the precise growth of green jobs (as definitions vary), all evidence suggests that we’re seeing a societal shift toward a greater focus on sustainability, with a growing demand for talent to support it.

So if you want to pursue work in sustainability, there’ll be increasing opportunities for career growth.

Create your own green career path

You don’t have to be a scientist or install solar panels to have a green career.

Green entrepreneurship is growing fast and taking place outside of traditionally “green” industries, so if you have an idea for a green business, now could be a great time to get started.

Additionally, according to LinkedIn’s 2024 Global Green Skills Report, green skills are becoming more integral to professions across sectors. The report refers to roles outside of traditional “green jobs” as “greening” or “greening potential” jobs that require some level of green skill.

For example, these roles could include energy efficiency in utilities roles, sustainable design in architecture, or carbon accounting in supply chain management.

Natalie Lavery, Climate People‘s Head of Marketing, sees the green industry impacting all parts of the economy and offering diverse job opportunities.

Climate isn’t limited to a niche industry; it permeates every facet of the global economy. Instead of viewing climate-related jobs as a mere subset, consider them as a fundamental repositioning of the entire economic landscape. Companies focused on climate span various sectors like transportation, food, and construction, where every role contributes to lessening the effects of climate change. This perspective illuminates the array of opportunities across industries, levels, and fields. Climate-related roles encompass marketing, sales, engineering, and other disciplines.

Natalie Lavery, Head of Marketing at Climate People

If you work in a role with the potential to incorporate green skills, learning how to do so is a powerful way to support the transition to a green economy and build a sustainable future.

How to land a green job

According to Work on Climate’s survey research, some of the top barriers preventing people from pursuing climate jobs are:

• not knowing how their skills translate to a climate role
• thinking they aren’t knowledgeable enough about climate solutions to get a job
• believing it will be difficult to find a climate job they want

Let’s go over how you can develop relevant skills and experience, showcase your knowledge, and land a fulfilling green job.

1. Pursue education

Green jobs are often highly specialized and require specific credentials, education, training, and technical skills, so getting a degree in your chosen field will be a big asset in your job search later on.

If you’re not pursuing a traditionally “green” job requiring a specific degree, try to find a program in your area of interest that offers a concentration in sustainability.

Here are some degrees in sustainability that can help you carve out your career path.

2. Get a certification

Higher education isn’t the only path to a green career. There’s a large (and growing) number of certifications for professionals who want to work in climate and sustainability.

If you’ve already earned a college degree or are making a mid-career transition, certifications can be a great way to enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to employers.

Lavery advocates for approaching a transition to the climate sector as you would any career shift. She says:

Just as a healthcare startup doesn’t require a healthcare degree for marketing roles, working in a climate company doesn’t mandate a specialized ‘green’ background. Showcasing a passion for climate can compensate for lack of experience in the eyes of employers. Numerous exceptional climate cohorts like Terra, Climatebase, Voiz Academy, and One Point Five can help job seekers get a lay of the land.

Natalie Lavery, Head of Marketing at Climate People

3. Develop your skill set

According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Global Green Skills Report, while green talent demand grew 11.6% from 2023 to 2024, the pool of qualified candidates only grew by 5.6%.

The discrepancy between jobs requiring green skills and candidates that have those skills represents a large skill gap that’s slowing sustainability efforts worldwide.

The report lists the following five skills as the most sought-after green skills in today’s job market:

1. Building performance
2. Responsible sourcing
3. Environmental projects
4. Environmental due diligence
5. Sustainable growth

Having a robust set of green skills will make you a competitive candidate. You should develop both the soft skills and hard skills needed for a green (or greening) role.

Hard skills are abilities gained through hands-on experience or training, like solar panel installation or sustainable product design.

Here’s a list of green skills that’ll help make you a top choice for employers:

Highlighting your transferable soft skills is also a great way to demonstrate your value as a candidate.

Sebastian Morgan, Career Expert at CV Genius says,

Sustainability is a rapidly growing field and employers are always on the lookout for top talent. But don’t feel discouraged from applying for jobs that don’t fit your skills and experience. Focus on highlighting your transferable skills and the work you’ve done that demonstrates you’re capable of handling the duties of the role.

Sebastian Morgan, Career Expert at CV Genius

Here are some transferable skills to highlight for a green job:

• Analytical thinking
• Communication
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Creativity
• Curiosity
• Environmental stewardship
• Flexibility
• Leadership
• Motivation
• Problem solving
• Resilience

4. Network with professionals in the sustainability industry

One of the best ways to build a successful sustainability career is to network with like-minded professionals. Networking will provide you with opportunities for learning and growth as well as help you make valuable connections that can land you a job.

Joining professional associations, attending workshops and conferences, and even finding local green businesses where you can meet the owner or employees are all great places to start.

There are also several online communities of professionals supporting the transition to a green economy. Here’s a short list of green communities and networks you can get involved in:

• BSR
• ClimateAction.tech
• Green Latinos
• MCJ Collective
• Net Impact
• New Energy Nexus
• Tofu
• Women and Climate
• Work on Climate

5. Use social media

Social media is a popular recruitment tool, and a great place to learn about potential employers, find professional opportunities, and make helpful connections.

LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok (a recent survey found that 20% of Gen Z respondents have landed an interview on the platform) are useful platforms for job hunting. Choose one or two to focus your efforts around, then use these tips:

• Tailor your profile (using relevant keywords) to target the job you want and increase your chances of being seen by recruiters.
• Follow companies you’re interested in to get a better idea of the company culture, values, and day-to-day operations.
• Follow hashtags that will bring more job opportunities to your feed, such as #greenjobs
• Connect with employees at your target companies and reach out with questions or let them know about your interest. Employee referrals have a high applicant-to-conversion rate.
• Engage and interact with content in the career space you’re aiming for to show recruiters you’re motivated.

Where to find green jobs

Here’s a list of dedicated niche job boards:

Additional resources

For more information on green jobs and how to pursue a green career, check out these helpful resources:

• Climate Solutions At Work, from Project Drawdown
• CTVC Starter Pack
• Work on Climate Starter Packs
• 2023 Climate Job Seeker Playbook, from Climate People
• 80,000 Hours

Frequently asked questions about green careers

Below we offer answers to some frequently asked questions about green jobs.

How do you break into a green career?

You can break into a green career by honing your skills and qualifications, finding opportunities for experience, and making the right connections.

• Consider getting a relevant certification or taking courses to develop your green skills.
• Gaining some experience through volunteer work is a great way to showcase your professional abilities and strengthen your resume.
• Use tools like social media and online communities to connect with professionals in your target field or role.

Are green jobs a good career path?

Green jobs are a good career path if you’re seeking a fulfilling, values-driven profession and believe in the importance of building a sustainable future.

Depending on what role you go for, you can make a good living with a green career. The green job market is growing, so there will be an increasing need for skilled talent.

What are “green” jobs?

“Green jobs” are jobs that further environmentally sustainable practices, production, infrastructure, and policy. There are many industries where you can find green jobs. Here are some key sectors where sustainability jobs are common:

• Agriculture
• Business
• Climate tech
• Conservation
• Energy & infrastructure
• Fashion
• Government & NGOs
• Law & policy
• Science & research

What degree do you need for a green career?

What degree you need for a green career depends on your chosen field or industry. For example, if you’re applying for work as a solar engineer, an environmental engineering degree would be best.

If you want to become a sustainability consultant or specialist, you should look for a degree in sustainability studies or sustainable business.

Whatever your desired career, choose the most relevant and fitting degree program to help you reach your professional goals.

Methodology

The Resume Genius research team sourced its data from O*NET, specifically targeting O*NET’s Green Occupations to ensure comprehensive coverage of all industries. This analysis included matching job titles to categories such as “Green New and Emerging,” “Green Enhanced Skills,” and “Green Increased Demand.”

We then reviewed the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook to determine the median annual salary and job outlook, and looked through Indeed to see which jobs are remote or hybrid friendly.

The final list was then organized into highest to lowest pay and the top 10 were determined for further analysis.

Sources

• ESG Today, “Over 40% of Gen Z, Millennials Would Switch Jobs Over Climate Concerns: Deloitte Survey”
• Fast Company, “Meet the Seattle Punk Tocker who Wants Your Boss to Take Action on the Climate”
• Forbes, “COP28 Focus: Huge Green Skills Shortage Says LinkedIn Study”
• Lightcast, “The Growth of Green Jobs”
• LinkedIn, “Energy Workforce Trends and Outlook”
• LinkedIn, “Global Green Skills Report 2024”
• LinkedIn, “Global Green Skills Report 2023”
• LinkedIn, “Global Green Skills Report 2022”
• O*NET OnLine, “Green Occupations”
• Trellis, “Overcoming the top Climate Jobseeker Barriers”
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Good Wages for Green Work: High-Paying Careers With an Environmental Focus”
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook”
• Work on Climate, “How to Attract People Into Working on Climate”
• World Economic Forum, “Future of Jobs Report 2025”
• World Economic Forum, “Future of Jobs Report 2023”

About Resume Genius

Since 2009, Resume Genius has combined innovative technology with leading industry expertise to simplify the job hunt for people of all backgrounds and levels of experience.

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