U.S. Department of Labor Blog
If you’re interested in a career that helps the environment, here are some occupations that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will grow rapidly from 2022 to 2032.
Wind turbine service technicians maintain and repair wind turbines.
2023 annual median pay: $61,770
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Number of jobs, 2022: 11,200
Projected growth, 2022–32: 45% (much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 1,800
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.
2023 annual median pay: $48,800
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of jobs, 2022: 29,400
Projected growth, 2022–32: 22% (much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 3,500
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
2023 annual median pay: $107,460
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 34,500
Projected growth, 2022–32: 7% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 2,800
Agricultural engineers solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.
2023 annual median pay: $88,750
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 1,600
Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 100
Chemists specializing in green chemistry will design chemical processes and products that are environmentally sustainable.
2023 annual median pay: $84,680
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 87,100
Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 6,600
Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.
2023 annual median pay: $100,090
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 47,300
Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 3,400
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
2023 annual median pay: $78,980
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 80,500
Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 6,900
Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.
2023 annual median pay: $50,660
Typical entry-level education: Associate degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 35,000
Projected growth, 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 3,800
Explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook online or by downloading the CareerInfo app, available for iOS and devices.
Sofia Laycock and An Nguyen are economists in the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on X at @BLS_gov.
