Green careers refer to any job or profession that helps protect or restore the natural environment.
This can encompass a wide range of positions, from those in the agricultural and forestry industries to alternative energy and sustainability experts.
There are many reasons why someone might choose to pursue a green career.
For some, it may be a way to make a positive impact on the planet.
Others may be motivated by the potential to earn a good living while helping to preserve the environment.
No matter what your reasons are if you are interested in pursuing a career in the environmental sector, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it is important to have a passion for the environment and a desire to make a difference.
Green careers can be very demanding, so it is important to be prepared for long hours and hard work.
Second, you will need to be comfortable with change.
The environmental sector is constantly evolving, so you will need to be able to adapt to new technologies and trends.
Finally, you should be prepared to put in the time and effort to learn about the latest environmental issues and technologies.
A career in this field is not a 9-to-5 job; you will need to be willing to continue learning and keeping up with the latest developments.
Why Choose a Green Career?
A green career is a great way to have a positive impact on the planet.
If you are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference, this could be the perfect career for you.
Green careers offer the opportunity to earn a good living while helping to preserve the environment.
With the right skills and training, you can secure a well-paying position in the environmental sector.
A career in the environmental sector is also a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest environmental issues and technologies.
The field is constantly evolving, so you will need to be comfortable with change.
If you are willing to put in the time and effort, a green career can be very rewarding.
Listed below are several occupations to consider that fall under the green career category.
1. Conservationist
Why Become a Conservationist?
A conservationist is someone who works to protect and conserve natural resources.
This can include working to prevent pollution, promoting sustainable forestry, and preserving wildlife habitats.
Conservationists may also work with government agencies or non-profit organizations to develop environmental policies.
To become a conservationist, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field.
Many conservationists also have advanced degrees.
You should also be prepared to put in long hours and work in sometimes challenging conditions.
Conservationists make an average annual salary of $67,040.
| Conservationist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $68,230 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $32.81 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6.3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Conservationist
2. Solar Energy Engineer
Why Become a Solar Energy Engineer?
A solar energy engineer is someone who designs, develops, and manages solar energy systems.
This can include working with photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors, and solar power plants.
Solar energy engineers may also work on research and development projects to improve solar technology.
Most solar energy engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Some also have advanced degrees.
Solar energy engineers should be comfortable with math and science and should have strong problem-solving skills.
Solar energy engineers make an average annual salary of $120,700.
| Solar Energy Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $121,760 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $58.54 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 1.45% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Solar Energy Engineer
3. Wind Energy Engineer
Why Become a Wind Energy Engineer?
A wind energy engineer is someone who designs, develops, and manages wind energy systems.
This can include working on wind turbines, wind farms, and other types of renewable energy projects.
Wind energy engineers may also work on research and development projects to improve wind technology.
Most wind energy engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Some also have advanced degrees.
Wind energy engineers should be comfortable with math and science and should have strong problem-solving skills.
Wind energy engineers make an average annual salary of $103,480.
| Wind Energy Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $107,890 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $51.87 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 1.45% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Wind Energy Engineer
4. Environmental Scientist
Why Become an Environmental Scientist?
An environmental scientist is someone who studies the environment and works to protect it.
This can include working to identify and clean up pollution, preserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable development.
Environmental scientists may also work with government agencies or non-profit organizations to develop environmental policy.
To become an environmental scientist, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field.
Many environmental scientists also have advanced degrees.
You should also be prepared to put in long hours and work in sometimes challenging conditions.
Environmental scientists make an average annual salary of $77,940.
| Environmental Scientist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $81,240 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $39.06 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 15% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Environmental Scientist
5. Botanist
Why Become a Botanist?
A botanist is someone who studies plants.
This can include working on research projects, conducting fieldwork, and teaching others about plants.
Botanists may also work in greenhouses or nurseries, where they propagate and care for plants.
To become a botanist, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in botany or a related field.
Many botanists also have advanced degrees.
You should also be prepared to put in long hours and work in sometimes challenging conditions.
Botanists make an average annual salary of $69,860.
| Botanist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $76,290 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $36.68 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 7% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Botanist
6. Environmentalist
Why Become an Environmentalist?
An environmentalist is someone who works to protect the environment.
This can include working to prevent pollution, promoting sustainable development, and preserving natural resources.
Environmentalists may also work with government agencies or non-profit organizations to develop environmental policy.
To become an environmentalist, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field.
Many environmentalists also have advanced degrees.
You should also be prepared to put in long hours and work in sometimes challenging conditions.
Environmentalists make an average annual salary of $77,940.
| Environmentalist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $81,240 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $39.06 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 15% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Environmentalist
