For some workers, every day is Earth Day. Did you know that studying how to protect the planet often leads to a good salary too?
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that many scientists and engineers in green jobs earned wages above the median of $45,760 for all occupations in 2024. In addition, the bureau projects more than 30,000 jobs overall each year. year, on average, from 2024 to 2031 for the ten occupations described below:
atmospheric scientists The study of weather and climate, including the effects of air pollution on the environment.
2024 average annual wage: 94,570 dollars
Number of jobs, 2024: 9100
2024–31 Projected Employment Opportunities, Annual Average: 700
Typical education for beginners: Bachelor degree
Biochemists and biophysicists The study of the chemical composition of living organisms. Their work might include investigating renewable energy sources from plants or developing ways to clean up pollution.
2024 average annual wage: $102,270
Number of jobs, 2024: 37500
2024–31 Projected Employment Opportunities, Annual Average: 4000
Typical education for beginnersDoctoral degree or professional degree
chemists Material research and analysis to develop new materials, including those that may be useful in pollution control.
2024 average annual wage: 79,430 dollars
Number of jobs, 2024: 83600
2024–31 Projected Employment Opportunities, Annual Average: 7600
Typical education for beginners: Bachelor degree
conservation scientists Management of the use and development of natural resources. Their duties may include protecting wildlife habitats, biodiversity, and ecosystems or advising landowners on issues such as water quality and erosion.
Median annual wage for 2024: $63,750
Number of jobs, 2024: 24,600
2024 – 31 projected openings, annual average: 2,300
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
environmental engineers Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties to prevent, control, and remedy environmental hazards. They work on problems such as waste disposal, public health, water and air pollution.
Average annual wage for 2024: $96,820
Number of jobs, 2024: 44,000
2024 – 31 projected openings, annual average: 3,400
Typical education for beginners: Bachelor’s degree
Ecologists Conducting research to identify, reduce or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards that affect the environment and population.
Average annual wage for 2024: $76,530,000
Number of jobs, 2024: 80,000
2024 – 31 projected openings, annual average: 7,800
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Geologists Study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past and present and to predict future events.
Average annual wage for 2024: $83,680
Number of jobs, 2024: 24,900
2024 – 31 projected openings, annual average: 2,400
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Hydrologists The study of how water moves through and through the Earth’s crust. They analyze data on the environmental effects of erosion, drought, and other water-related problems.
Average annual wage for 2024: $84,030
Number of jobs, 2024: 6,800
2024 – 31 projected openings, annual average: 600
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Materials scientists Researching the structures and chemical properties of materials to develop new products, such as sustainable alternatives to existing processes to help reduce pollution.
Average annual wage for 2024: $100,090
Number of jobs, 2024: 7,000
2024 – 31 projected openings, annual average: 600
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Microbiologists The study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, algae, and viruses. They study how microorganisms interact with the environment and each other, such as using microbes to clean contaminated areas.
Average annual wage for 2024: $79,260
Number of jobs, 2024: 20,800
2024 – 31 projected openings, annual average: 2,000
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Explore these and hundreds of other occupations at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. You’ll find job exploration and assessment tools at the U.S. Department of Labor O*NET Resource Center. In addition, you can find more green jobs by visiting O*NET Green Themes page.
Patricia Tate is an economist with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on Twitter at @tweet.