Bet your career on these 6 climate jobs in 2024 — many pay well and have an average salary of more than $90,000

Stephane Mahe/Reuters

• Green jobs are on the rise as countries require industries to clean up their carbon footprints.
• Solar technicians and environmental planners are two of the fastest-growing US jobs.
• Most jobs require bachelor's degrees, but solar and wind technicians can do apprenticeships instead.

Many Gen Z and millennial workers are concerned about the climate crisis, and it's showing up in their career choices.

More than 40% said they have either already changed jobs or plan to do so because of climate concerns, according to Deloitte's 2023 online survey of more than 22,800 Gen Zs and millennials across 44 countries, released in May.

Job options are growing as the US and other countries adopt policies that require industries like energy, manufacturing, fashion, and food to clean up their carbon footprints.

As a result, green skills are in high demand from the assembly line to the C-suite. As BI previously reported, there aren't enough electricians to hook up homes and businesses with greener appliances, and climate tech companies need engineers from legacy industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and construction.

In the C-suite, financial executives who understand ESG reporting are key, Dawn Dzurilla, founder & managing partner of Gaia Human Capital Consultants, told Business Insider.

Job site Indeed pulled data on the fastest-growing green jobs between January 1, 2023, and January 4, 2024. Here are the top six and the average salary, according to Indeed.

Solar Technician, $65,700

The number of solar technician jobs posted on Indeed jumped by 95% over the past year, making it the fastest-growing green career on the site. Solar technicians might start out installing panels and troubleshooting electrical or mechanical issues. As they advance, the job could be more of a project management role, according to Indeed. The career pathway typically involves a several-year apprenticeship program with classroom and on-the-job training. Some states require solar technicians to be licensed.

Environmental Planner, $92,470

Job postings for environmental planners grew by 47% over the last year. The job involves evaluating corporate and government projects and finding ways to limit their impact on water, land, and biodiversity. They also make sure these projects comply with laws and regulations, playing a key role in obtaining environmental permits for construction, Indeed said. The position requires degrees in civil or environmental engineering and a certificate from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Energy Consultant, $93,835

Energy consultant is a relatively new job, Indeed said, and involves advising companies, governments, and other institutions on how to cut back their overall energy use. This, in turn, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Postings on Indeed jumped by more than 31% in the last year.

A bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or renewable energy management is a good start. There are also renewable energy and green building certification programs for people with high school or college degrees.

Civil Engineer, $93,960

Civil engineers design and supervise big infrastructure projects and have a lot of influence over how sustainable the projects are – from the materials used to the impact on the local environment. The job requires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Getting promoted to more senior roles typically requires a graduate degree and a license, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

Water Project Manager, $96,380

Water project managers are very important in a warming world. They study local water supplies to ensure a balance among people, industry, and wildlife. This is a growing problem in places like the Southwest, where prolonged drought and extreme heat are straining water supplies.

The job also involves creating conservation plans to reduce water use and protect waterways from pollution. A bachelor's degree in hydrogeology or environmental engineering is usually the first step, Indeed said. Depending on the state, employers may require a license.

Wind Turbine Technician, $80,100

The job prospects for wind turbine technicians are bright. Postings on Indeed grew by 30% over the past year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will jump by 45% by 2032 – tied with nurse practitioners as the fastest-growing occupations.

If you're afraid of heights or are claustrophobic, another green job is probably for you. Wind technicians install turbines and troubleshoot and repair problems at great heights. Most of the work is done in the nacelle, the part of the turbine where electrical components are housed. Nacelles are small, confined areas.

Are you betting your career on the climate field? We want to hear from you and how your experience is going working on the green transition. Email reporter Catherine Boudreau at cboudreau@businessinsider.com.

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