Top 10 Green Dream Jobs

Chief Sustainability Officer

A relatively new position, Chief Sustainability Officers serve as corporate champions of companies’ environmental efforts. “Companies are monitoring the impact they’re having environmentally and on society, and the appointment of the CSO reflects an underlying need for companies to not only monitor but also improve their performance,” said Harvard Business School associate professor George Serafeim in an interview with Forbes.1

• Annual Median Salary: $104,690
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029 (for Top Executives): 4%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree2

LEED-Accredited Design Professional

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is thegold standard for environmental engineering and building. Architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals can take the LEED Professional Exams and become certified.

• Annual Average Salary: $56,000 – $118,000, depending on the job title3
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029 (for Architects): 1%
• Typical Entry-Level Education (for Architects): Bachelor’s Degree4

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental lawyers advise clients on issues related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and more. These lawyers work for all levels of government as well as private law firms and non-profit organizations.

• Annual Median Salary (for Attorney/Lawyer): $122,960
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029 (for Lawyer): 4%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or Professional Degree5

Geoscientist

Some states require licensure for this job, which involves the study of the earth’s composition, history, and natural resources. Geoscientists may work with environmental scientists, and do their jobs both indoors (in offices and labs) and out (in the field). Travel is typically required in this job, which can take workers to both hot and cold climates.

• Annual Median Salary: $92,040
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029: 5%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree6

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers advise governments and private companies on the best ways to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. They might work on recycling programs, public health policy, or plans to reduce air and water pollution.

• Annual Median Salary: $88,860
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029: 3%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree7

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study water availability and quality, collecting data and using it to formulate plans to improve resources. They might work for government agencies or private companies, and they tend to split their time between the office and the field—which for a hydrologist, might mean waist-deep in lakes, rivers, and streams.

•  Annual Median Salary: $81,270
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029: 5%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree8

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists work for government agencies, consulting firms or other private companies, using their knowledge of natural sciences to inform policy that protects humans, animals, and the environment. Like many science careers, this one requires workers to split their time between the office and the field.

• Annual Median Salary: $71,360
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029: 8%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree9

Urban Farmer

Love growing your own food, but can’t imagine leaving city life (or at least, town life) behind? Combine your passions with this dream green job. Urban farmers utilize (or create) green space in vacant lots, backyards, even rooftops.

Stats on urban farmers are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests this occupation is becoming more popular. In recent years, some condo developments have even hired their own on-staff urban farmer as a draw for potential buyers.10

• Annual Median Salary (for Farmer): $71,160
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029 (for Farmer): -6%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent11

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists collect and analyze data to help manage parks and forests and protect the environment. They work with governments and landowners to improve land utilization without negatively impacting soil and water.

• Annual Median Salary: $62,410
• Occupational Outlook 2019-2029: 5%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree12

Urban Planner

Urban Planner

Over two-thirds of urban and regional planners worked for local government in 2019, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Urban planners typically plan land use programs to help create and expand communities. This is an important role, especially in cities and towns that are experiencing high population growth.13

• Annual Median Salary: $74,350
•  Occupational Outlook 2019-2029: 11%
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Master’s Degree14