.svg)
Sustainability Job Salaries Across Different Roles & Regions
A look at salary insights for top sustainability jobs across industries. Compare earnings by job title, location, and experience level to plan your career effectively.
How much do sustainability professionals earn?
Renewable Energy Finance Analyst
Assesses financial viability of renewable energy projects, helping investors make informed decisions.
.svg)
.svg)
Sustainability Consultant
Advises businesses & organizations on reducing waste and going green, earning $70,000−$150,000 (€55K-€110K).
Smart Grid AI Analyst
Uses Artificial intelligence to optimize energy grids, reduce outages, and earns $80,000−$150,000 (€60K-€110K).
Renewable Energy AI Engineer
Uses AI to optimize renewable energy systems, improving efficiency and predicting energy generation.
Climate Tech Entrepreneur
Innovates and scales technologies to address climate change, from carbon capture to renewable energy.
Hydrogen Energy Specialist
Develops hydrogen-based energy systems for clean fuel production and storage.
Carbon Emissions Analyst
Measures and tracks carbon footprints, helping organizations reduce emissions and meet sustainability goals.
Circular Economy Designer
Creates systems to minimize waste and maximize resource reuse, earning $60,000−$120,000 (€50K-€90K).
Environmental Project Manager
Oversees sustainability projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet goals.
Energy Storage Systems Developer
Develops technologies to store renewable energy, ensuring reliable power supply during peak demand.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer
Designs and optimizes solar power systems for homes, businesses, and large-scale energy projects.
Wind Turbine Technician
Installs, maintains, and repairs wind turbines to ensure efficient and reliable clean energy production.
Sustainable Product Designer
Creates eco-friendly products using sustainable materials and energy-efficient production methods.
Air Quality Engineer
Designs systems to monitor and improve air quality, reducing pollution and protecting public health.
Water Resource Specialist
Manages water conservation, quality, and distribution to ensure sustainable use of water resources.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Manager
Ensures workplace safety and environmental compliance, reducing risks and promoting sustainability.
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
Promotes eco-friendly farming practices to improve yields while conserving soil and water resources.
Energy Efficiency Specialist
Identifies and implements energy-saving solutions for homes, offices, and industrial facilities.
Urban Planner
Designs sustainable urban spaces, balancing growth with environmental care, and earns $60,000−$140,000 (€50K-€100K).
Environmental Lawyer
Specializes in environmental laws, fights for clean air and water, and earns $80,000−$200,000 (€60K-€120K).
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
Develops and implements programs that promote social and environmental responsibility within organizations.
Climate Change Analyst
Studies climate data to predict impacts and advise on strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Green Building Architect
Designs energy-efficient buildings using sustainable materials and innovative green technologies.
Sustainable Supply Chain Manager
Manages eco-friendly supply chains, reducing waste and emissions from sourcing to delivery.
Renewable Energy Manager
Oversees solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.
Energy Analyst
Analyzes energy data to improve efficiency and support renewables, earning $70,000−$140,000 (€55K-€100K).
Environmental Scientist
Studies air, water, and ecosystems to develop solutions for environmental challenges and conservation.
Environmental Engineer
Designs systems to tackle pollution, manage waste, and protect natural resources for a cleaner environment.
Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)
Leads sustainability strategies, ensures eco-friendly practices, and aligns business goals with global standards.
What certifications can boost earnings in sustainability careers?
Certifications can significantly boost salaries in sustainability jobs. The LEED Certification is valuable for sustainability consultants & architects. The Certified Energy Manager (CEM) credential is great for energy efficiency experts. ESG certifications can help professionals in corporate sustainability & finance earn higher salaries. If you're interested in climate finance, Climate Risk & Finance certifications are highly valued by investment firms.
Suggested Read: Top 15 Online Courses & Certifications for Environmental Careers
How do salaries in the green sector vary by region?
Salaries in sustainability careers differ based on location. In the U.S., professionals in environmental science & renewable energy can earn between $70,000 & $100,000, with higher salaries in California & New York. In the UK, salaries range from £40,000 to £80,000, while the EU offers €45,000 to €90,000. In India, salaries for green jobs range from ₹6 LPA to ₹12 LPA, but working for multinational companies can increase earnings.
What is the salary range for entry-level positions in environmental science?
If you're just starting in environmental science, salaries can vary based on role and location. Environmental Technicians, who assist in fieldwork and data collection, usually earn between $40,000 and $55,000 per year. Sustainability Analysts, who work with companies to improve their environmental impact, typically make $50,000 to $65,000 starting out. If you're interested in climate policy, Climate Policy Assistants can expect salaries between $45,000 and $60,000. With a few years of experience, salaries in these fields can increase significantly, especially with specialized training and certifications.
What is the salary of a renewable energy engineer?
Depending on the area you work and your level of expertise. Engineers who work on solar, wind and geothermal energy tend to earn decent salaries especially with the growing market for clean energy technology specialists. For positions which are quite more experienced or specialized in energy system design or management, they earn substantial salaries. For renewable energy engineers, their average earning ranges from $70,000 to $100,000 annually. Read here for Sustainability Jobs Salaries.
How Do You Become a Solar Energy Technician?
Their average salary is $45,000- $85,000. Electric technicians put up, adjust and fix n solar panels and their training spans across 6 to 12 months, making it easier for someone looking to change professions since the demand has surged along with the Inflation Reduction Act across the US. Moreover, it is considered one of the fastest developing green jobs, growing the market by 180% on a yearly basis.
How does experience level affect earnings in renewable energy jobs?
Entry-level renewable energy jobs, such as Wind Turbine Technicians or Solar Installers, start at around $40,000 to $60,000 per year. With experience, salaries increase—mid-level roles pay $70,000 to $90,000, while senior professionals, like Renewable Energy Project Managers, can earn $120,000+, especially in areas like offshore wind or energy storage technologies.
What factors influence salaries in environmental careers?
Several factors impact salary, including industry, experience, geography, & certifications. Corporate sustainability roles pay more than nonprofit or government jobs, & experience level matters—senior professionals can earn 2-3x more than entry-level hires. Top-paying sustainability jobs are often found in industries like finance, tech, & renewable energy. Explore environmental jobs to see what fits your skills.
.svg)
