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.
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?
Sustainability professionals can double their salaries with relevant certifications. Sustainability consultants and architects will find the LEED Certification especially useful. Certified Energy Managers ( CEM ) credentials are awarded to experts in energy efficiency. Corporate sustainability and finance professionals are likely to benefit from higher salaries with ESG certification. Investment firms value Climate Risk and Finance certifications for professionals interested in climate finance.
Suggested Read: Top 15 Online Courses & Certifications for Environmental Careers
How do salaries in the green sector vary by region?
There are variations in salaries in sustainability careers according to the region. For example, environmental scientists and renewable energy engineers earn $70,000 to about $100,000 a year in the US, which is even higher in California and New York. In the UK, the average salary is £40,000 to £80,000 and in the EU, the compensation is from €45,000 to €90,000. Green jobs in India fall within the range of ₹6 LPA to ₹12 LPA, though working for MNCs can boost income significantly.
What is the salary range for entry-level positions in environmental science?
For novices in environmental science, salary depends largely on the job title and area. Environmental Technicians earn between $40,000 and $55,000 per year assisting in fieldwork and data collection. Beginning Sustainability Analysts can expect to earn $50,000 - $65,000 while working for corporations in which supporting Sustainability programs is a primary focus. In climate policy, Climate Policy Assistants should anticipate a rate of around $45,000 - $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?
I believe that it ultimately comes down to geography and skill set. As the clean energy market grows, people specializing in clean energy technology, especially solar, wind and geothermal energy, are increasingly seeing better average salaries. Engineers experienced in system design and management devote more and get more in comparison to the aforementioned. The approximate salary range for a renewable energy engineer is around $70,000-$100,000 per year. Read here for Sustainability Jobs Salaries.
How Do You Become a Solar Energy Technician?
Electric technicians - $45,000- $85,000. Solar panel technicians earn these figures while training for 6-12 months. With numerous certification programs available, including the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification and courses like SEI’s Solar Training Program, pursuing a career in renewable energy is both accessible and rewarding for those who are interested. The post is in high demand due to the Inflation Reduction Act, and it is regarded as one of the green jobs that is growing the fastest as its market increases every year by 180%. Additionally, the job is eased for people looking to change careers.
How does experience level affect earnings in renewable energy jobs?
Wind Turbine Technicians and Solar Installers are an example of entry-level renewable energy jobs, which pay around $40,000 to $60,000. Those who qualify for mid-level can expect $70,000 to $90,000. Senior roles such as Renewable Energy Project Manager arms the professionals with $120,000+ in renewable energy sources, Offshore-wind, and energy storage technologies gaining popularity.
What factors influence salaries in environmental careers?
The salary is affected by many different factors: industry, years of work, location, and even certifications. Positions in businesses pay greater salaries than those in nonprofits or government, and there is a huge difference based on experience level too, as senior professionals earn from two to three times more than entry-level hires. The highest paying sustainability jobs are located in the finance, tech, and renewable energy sectors. Look into environmental jobs and see which one aligns with your skill set.
Suggested Read: Top 14 Highest-Paying Jobs in Renewable Energy Industry