Looking for a new job or considering a career change? Passionate about the environment? Here are nine jobs you should know about. Out of the earth-friendly occupations with green related job duties discussed directly in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, these are projected to have among the most openings in the coming decade.
Environmental scientists and specialists
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.
2020 median pay: $73,230
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs: 90,900
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 7.8% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 8,900
Chemists
Chemists specializing in green chemistry will design chemical processes and products that are environmentally sustainable. Green chemistry processes minimize the creation of toxins and waste, and might monitor environmental conditions at a chemical plant.
2020 median pay: $79,300
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs: 86,700
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 4.7% (as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 7,300
Hazardous materials removal workers
Hazmat removal workers clean up materials that are harmful to people and the environment. The specific duties of hazmat removal workers depend on the substances that are targeted and the location of the cleanup.
2020 median pay: $45,270
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of jobs: 45,300
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 8.2% (much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 5,600
Environmental science and protection technicians
Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.
2020 median pay: $46,850
Typical entry-level education: Associate degree
Number of jobs: 34,700
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 8.4% (much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 4,300
Environmental engineers
Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. They also address global issues, such as unsafe drinking water, climate change and environmental sustainability.
2020 median pay: $92,120
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs: 55,800
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 3.1% (as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 3,700
Geoscientists
Many geoscientists are involved in the search for and development of natural resources, such as petroleum. Others work in environmental protection and preservation, and are involved in projects to clean up and reclaim land. Some specialize in a particular aspect of the Earth, such as its oceans.
2020 median pay: $93,580
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs: 31,800
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 4.9% (as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 3,000
Biochemists and biophysicists
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease. In agriculture, biochemists and biophysicists research ways to genetically engineer crops so that they will be resistant to drought, disease, insects, and other afflictions. Biochemists and biophysicists also investigate alternative fuels, such as biofuels — renewable energy sources from plants. In addition, they develop ways to protect the environment and clean up pollution.
2020 median pay: $94,270
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Number of jobs: 34,600
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 4.0% (as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 2,900
Solar photovoltaic installers
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, also known as PV installers, assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.
2020 median pay: $46,470
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of jobs: 12,000
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 50.5% (much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 2,300
Conservation scientists
Conservation scientists manage, improve, and protect natural resources. They work with private landowners and federal, state, and local governments to find ways to use and improve the land while safeguarding the environment.
2020 median pay: $64,020
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs: 24,500
Projected growth, 2019-2029: 5.1% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 2,300
You can explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. And you can find more green jobs in emerging fields in the Department of Labor’s O*Net Resource Center.
Bill Lawhorn is an economist in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
