Looking for a career that lets you save the planet while making a good living?
We’ve compiled a list of top-paying jobs that let you show off your eco-friendly side. If you’re passionate about the environment and ready to make a difference, these are the best jobs for environmentalists.
What Makes a Good Job for Environmentalists?
We looked for jobs that:
- Have a focus on sustainability or conservation
- Contribute directly to environmental initiatives
- Offer opportunities for fieldwork in natural settings
- Facilitate education or advocacy for environmental issues
- Prioritize ethical and eco-friendly practices
Best Jobs for Environmentalists
Not all the jobs on this list need a college degree. Many of these roles value skills and certifications, so you’ve got a solid shot at a high-paying job even without a college degree.
Time to jump right into our tailored lineup of job ideas for environmentalists.
1. Solar Energy Installer
Average salary: $53,899
A Solar Energy Installer sets up and maintains solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, also known as solar panel systems, on rooftops or other structures.
Job duties:
- Installing solar modules, panels, and support structures
- Setting up inverters and electrical systems
- Connecting solar systems to the grid
- Performing routine maintenance checks
- Ensuring compliance with safety standards
Job requirements:
- Completion of solar installation training or certification
- Basic knowledge of electrical systems
- Comfortable with heights
- Physical stamina for lifting and manual labor
- Good communication skills
2. Green Building Consultant
Average salary: $70,339
A Green Building Consultant, sometimes known as a Sustainable Design Consultant, advises on eco-friendly architecture and construction projects.
Job duties:
- Assessing building plans for sustainability
- Recommending green materials
- Evaluating energy usage and suggesting improvements
- Facilitating LEED or other green certifications
- Collaborating with architects and contractors
Job requirements:
- Degree in Environmental Science or related field
- Certification in LEED or a similar program
- Understanding of local and federal environmental laws
- Familiarity with sustainable materials and practices
- Strong collaboration skills
3. Sustainability Consultant
Average salary: $76,721
A Sustainability Consultant helps companies implement eco-friendly practices and reduce their environmental impact.
Job duties:
- Analyzing current sustainability efforts
- Creating sustainability strategies
- Conducting environmental audits
- Recommending eco-friendly products
- Training staff on sustainability issues
- Liaising with stakeholders
Job requirements:
- Degree in Environmental Studies, Business, or related field
- Experience with sustainability frameworks like ISO 14001
- Familiarity with data analysis tools
- Public speaking skills
- Collaboration skills
- Strong attention to detail
4. Environmental Technician
Average salary: $45,426
An Environmental Technician, sometimes known as an Environmental Sampling Technician, tests and analyzes environmental samples to check for pollutants.
Job duties:
- Collecting soil, water, and air samples
- Analyzing samples in a lab
- Documenting findings
- Assisting with environmental cleanup
- Ensuring safety protocols
- Preparing reports
Job requirements:
- Associate’s degree in Environmental Science or a related field
- Experience in sample collection and lab analysis
- Knowledge of environmental regulations
- Ability to work with analytical equipment
- Good communication skills
- Comfortable with fieldwork
- Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting
5. Urban Forester
Average salary: $51,936
An Urban Forester manages and improves city trees and green spaces.
Job duties:
- Assessing urban tree canopy
- Developing green space plans
- Conducting tree inventories
- Managing tree-planting projects
- Handling pest issues
- Coordinating community outreach
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field
- Certified Arborist credential preferred
- Basic GIS knowledge
- Public speaking skills
- Ability to work outdoors
- Skill in plant identification
6. Energy Auditor
Average salary: $52,473
An Energy Auditor, also known as an Energy Consultant, evaluates the energy efficiency of buildings and recommends improvements.
Job duties:
- Reviewing utility bills
- Conducting on-site inspections
- Testing HVAC systems
- Identifying energy waste
- Recommending energy-saving measures
- Drafting audit reports
Job requirements:
- Certification in energy management or auditing
- Basic understanding of HVAC systems
- Proficiency in using diagnostic tools
- Basic math skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to interpret building plans
7. Wind Turbine Technician
Average salary: $69,731
A Wind Turbine Technician maintains and repairs wind turbines.
Job duties:
- Inspecting turbine components
- Performing routine maintenance
- Diagnosing mechanical issues
- Repairing or replacing parts
- Collecting data for analysis
- Ensuring safety protocols
Job requirements:
- Technical degree in wind energy or similar field
- Safety training certifications
- Climbing skills
- Basic electrical knowledge
- Good problem-solving abilities
- Physical stamina
8. Sustainable Supply Chain Manager
Average salary: $122,634
A Sustainable Supply Chain Manager oversees eco-friendly supply chain practices.
Job duties:
- Evaluating suppliers for sustainability
- Implementing green policies
- Monitoring supply chain emissions
- Auditing for compliance
- Reporting sustainability metrics
- Advising on eco-friendly materials
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Environmental Studies
- Experience in supply chain management
- Understanding of environmental regulations
- Analytical skills
- Good negotiation abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Team management experience
9. Environmental Data Analyst
Average salary: $58,443
An Environmental Data Analyst crunches numbers to make sense of environmental data.
Job duties:
- Gathering environmental data
- Cleaning data sets
- Analyzing data trends
- Creating visualizations
- Writing analysis reports
- Making data-based recommendations
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or Statistics
- Familiarity with statistical software
- Data visualization skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Detail-oriented nature
- Basic understanding of environmental science concepts
10. Wetland Scientist
Average salary: $65,641
Wetland Scientists, sometimes known as Marshland Ecologists, study wetland ecosystems.
Job duties:
- Conducting field surveys
- Collecting soil and water samples
- Identifying plant and animal species
- Monitoring water quality
- Writing scientific papers
- Guiding restoration projects
Job requirements:
- Master’s degree in Environmental Science or Ecology
- Fieldwork experience
- Knowledge of plant and animal identification
- Strong analytical skills
- GIS skills
- Physical fitness for fieldwork
- Strong written communication skills
11. Green Product Sales Representative
Average salary: $64,396
A Green Product Sales Representative sells eco-friendly products, sometimes called a Sustainable Sales Rep.
Job duties:
- Identifying potential customers
- Demonstrating products
- Explaining eco-benefits
- Closing sales deals
- Meeting sales targets
- Maintaining customer relations
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field
- Sales experience, preferably in sustainable products
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Good verbal communication skills
- Basic tech-savviness for CRM software
- Self-motivated and goal-oriented
12. Sustainable Interior Designer
Average salary: $54,057
A Sustainable Interior Designer focuses on creating eco-friendly indoor spaces.
Job duties:
- Consulting with clients
- Sourcing sustainable materials
- Sketching design plans
- Overseeing installations
- Coordinating with vendors
- Ensuring design meets eco-standards
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture
- Portfolio showcasing sustainable designs
- Familiarity with sustainable materials
- Strong visual design skills
- Good project management abilities
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
13. Sustainable Transportation Planner
Average salary: $70,322
A Sustainable Transportation Planner develops eco-friendly transit solutions; also known as a Green Transit Planner.
Job duties:
- Analyzing traffic patterns
- Proposing eco-friendly routes
- Meeting with local governments
- Collaborating with engineers
- Monitoring project impact
- Evaluating transit laws
- Adjusting plans as needed
Job requirements:
- Master’s degree in Urban Planning or similar
- Knowledge of GIS software
- Familiarity with sustainable practices
- Good communication skills
- Ability to analyze data
- Teamwork skills
- Adaptability to changing regulations
See, There Are Careers for Environmentalists!
From Solar Energy Installer to Wetland Scientist, this list is chock-full of rewarding careers for those keen on making a positive environmental impact.
What gig catches your eye? Share your thoughts in the comment section.