Celebrating Earth Month: The Outlook for Green Jobs

If you’re interested in a career that helps the environment, here are some occupations that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will grow rapidly from 2022 to 2032.

 

Wind turbine service technicians maintain and repair wind turbines.

2023 annual median pay: $61,770

Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Number of jobs, 2022: 11,200

Projected growth, 2022–32: 45% (much faster than average)

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 1,800

 

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.

2023 annual median pay: $48,800

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

Number of jobs, 2022: 29,400

Projected growth, 2022–32: 22% (much faster than average)

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 3,500

 

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.

2023 annual median pay: $107,460

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 34,500

Projected growth, 2022–32: 7% (faster than average)

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 2,800

 

Agricultural engineers solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products. 

2023 annual median pay: $88,750

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 1,600

Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 100

 

Chemists specializing in green chemistry will design chemical processes and products that are environmentally sustainable. 

2023 annual median pay: $84,680

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 87,100

Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 6,600

 

Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.

2023 annual median pay: $100,090

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 47,300

Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 3,400

 

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.

2023 annual median pay: $78,980

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 80,500

Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 6,900

 

Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.

2023 annual median pay: $50,660

Typical entry-level education: Associate degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 35,000

Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 3,800

 

Explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook online or by downloading the CareerInfo app, available for iOS and devices.

 

Sofia Laycock and An Nguyen are economists in the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on X at @BLS_gov.