Top Paying Green Careers

By Merrissa Saunders

Remember all the jobs that came along with the dot com boom in the early 90’s? Well, job growth in the green trade is expected to rival and possibly exceed that expansion, gaining more momentum with each year. Even better, the top paying green careers are in sectors that already exist, so you may already have the degree you need to excel in a variety of green careers.

As with any other trade sector, the salary of your green career depends on your level of education. Entry level jobs will produce appropriate pay, but many green careers require specific skills that are easily attained through the many certificate and degree programs available.

Green collar jobs are not only beneficial for the environment, but by definition they also must provide their workers with salaries large enough to support a family. Many people are hoping that green careers will be America’s way out of the recession, and will help narrow the class gap by providing higher paying jobs for less skilled workers.

Top Paying Green Careers in Environmental Science

An environmental science degree is one of the most common degrees needed to kick start your green career. Many who obtain their degree in environmental science are most interested in regulating plant and animal production to adhere to government set environmental laws and policies. Others prefer to collect and analyze data on the elements of the Earth such as rocks and water, which helps to keep our ecosystem clean.

• Geoscientists: Annual median is $81, 220
• Hydrologists: Annual median is $73,670
• Conservation Scientists: Annual median is $60,160
• Food Scientists: Annual median is $59,630
• Wildlife Biologists: Annual median is $56,500

Top Paying Green Careers in Engineering

One of the largest sectors in the green movement is engineering because new technology relating to the environment needs to be constantly developed and designed. Those with an engineering degree provide the link between environmental scientists’ discoveries and the consumer by creating products, machines, and equipment that will push America towards a greener society.

• Chemical Engineers: Annual median is $88,280
• Electrical Engineers: Annual median is $83,110
• Mechanical Engineers: Annual median is $77,020
• Civil Engineers: Annual median is $76,590
• Industrial Engineers: Annual median is $75,110
• Agricultural Engineer: Annual median is $69,560

Top Paying Green Careers in Business

Many green careers in business require a business degree and a degree in whatever sector you are managing. Thus, most business opportunities in the green sector are catered towards those with an advanced degree or sufficient work experience.

• Natural Sciences Manager: Annual median is $114, 560
• Financial Manager: Annual median is $101, 190
• Environmental Consultant: Annual median is $51,388
• Project Manager: Annual median is $61,724

Top Paying Green Careers in Education

A recent survey showed that despite the green career training programs that are being offered around the country, there are still many students who are not aware of the booming Green collar jobs. Getting your education degree is and becoming a science teacher for students of any age is a great career choice because there is currently a shortage of science teachers, so the demand is there. It is also the most direct way to spread information about the environment and growing green career opportunities to hundreds of people a year.

• Postsecondary Biology Teacher: Annual median is $73,980
• Environmental Science Teacher: Annual median is $65,280

Top Paying Green Careers in Architecture

While green engineers design machines and equipment, green architects are responsible for creating buildings, structures and landscapes that exist harmoniously with the natural environment. If you daydream of designing public ecological havens, an architecture degree is your ticket to your dream career.

• Environmental Architect: Annual median is $72,700
• Landscape Architect: Annual median is $60,560
• Urban Regional Planner: Annual median is $61,820