15 Best High Paying Environmental Jobs

High Paying Environmental Jobs – There are many benefits to working in a Green job. Not only do green jobs lead to a cleaner planet, but also to better health and more money! The best way to get started is by looking for jobs that fit your interests and skills. Below are some professions that are likely the highest paying environmental jobs.

Environmental jobs are in demand. The environment is crucial to our quality of life and the health of natural resources. In order to protect these essentials, we need an army of dedicated people who are committed to making a difference for the environment and human health. Environmental jobs can be challenging but also rewarding. They allow you to work with nature and help create a healthier planet for us all! To get started, read on for some ideas on how you can find high-paying environmental careers that are perfect for your skillset.

What are high-paying environmental jobs?

High-paying environmental jobs typically consist of leadership roles and niche specialties. These jobs typically have high salaries because they focus on sustaining ecosystems, maintaining renewable energy sources, building green structures and ensuring the quality of food and water sources.

15 examples of high-paying environmental jobs

Jobs in the green economy provide citizens with the opportunity to work towards a cleaner environment, which will help future generations. Choose from one of these 15 high-paying environmental jobs and find your way to a greener life today!

Review this list of high-paying environmental jobs to find one that aligns with your interests, qualifications and salary needs:

1. Urban planner

Average salary: $68,894 per year

Primary duties: Urban planners oversee land and review proposals about how to best use the land to develop and enhance communities. They conduct land surveys to determine potential environmental factors, and it could affect building projects. They also help contractors revise their plans under local zoning laws and environmental components. To become an urban planner, individuals should have a master’s degree in urban planning followed by a few years of professional experience.

2. Environmental scientist

Average salary: $71,561 per year

Primary duties: An environmental scientist works for government agencies, educational institutions and research laboratories to determine potential environmental concerns for a specific area or ecosystem. They also conduct field experiments and collect samples from the soil and natural water sources to test quality. Environmental scientists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in either environmental science or biology. Some employers may prefer a master’s degree in environmental science for senior roles.

3. Geologist

Average salary: $72,046 per year

Primary duties: Geologists study rock formations to develop valuable insights into the earth’s history, pollution factors and natural groundwater resources. They also conduct tests to determine the likelihood of certain natural disasters like landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods or earthquakes. Further, geologists can work for a variety of different employers including educational institutions, energy or mining companies, construction companies and government agencies. To become a geologist, individuals need to earn a bachelor’s degree in geology or environmental science.

4. Agriculture specialist

Average salary: $75,229 per year

Primary duties: An agricultural specialist advises farmers and other agricultural professionals on how to best use their land. They do this by conducting soil tests and reviewing the current methods farmers use to grow produce and keep livestock. Agricultural specialists also help farmers determine how to get rid of pests or plant diseases without using harmful pesticides that could harm the environment and human populations. For those considering a career as an agricultural specialist, they need to earn a bachelor’s degree in either agricultural science, plant pathology or entomology.

5. Climbing arborist

Average salary: $75,085 per year

Primary duties: Climbing arborists use specialized climbing equipment to perform maintenance on trees. They remove dead branches, collect samples for review, spray pest-infected limbs and shape trees to ensure visual appearance and functionality. To work as a climbing arborist, individuals should have excellent climbing skills and an ability to use sharp equipment safely. Climbing arborists also need to obtain licensure and onsite job training, but they can benefit from earning a bachelor’s degree in arboriculture.

6. Environmental planner

Average salary: $76,693 per year

Primary duties: Environmental planners work for government agencies to ensure that construction projects don’t affect the environment in a negative way. They review plan blueprints or proposals and meet with contractors to agree on alternative building materials or practices. Environmental planners may also collaborate on green building projects to promote sustainability. To qualify for an environmental planning role, individuals earn bachelor’s degrees in either environmental science, biology or ecology.

7. Environmental manager

Average salary: $79,491 per year

Primary duties: An environmental manager oversees environmental health projects for an organization or government agency. They review environmental laws and regulations for a particular area and audit company practices to determine whether they adhere to those guidelines. They also manage a team of specialists to delegate tasks and collect data on air quality, water quality or pollution levels. Environmental managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and have a few years of professional experience in an environmental role.

8. Sustainability manager

Average salary: $79,491 per year

Primary duties: Sustainability managers work closely with construction companies to ensure they use the most sustainable materials and practices throughout the construction of buildings and other infrastructure. They may also help construction crews by contacting suppliers or wholesalers who sell sustainable products like solar panels, composite windows or reclaimed wood or metal. To become a sustainability manager, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in an area like sustainability or environmental science.

9. Environmental health officer

Average salary: $80,353 per year

Primary duties: An environmental health officer has a variety of job responsibilities spanning from industrial safety to environmental emergency response. For example, environmental health officers review air quality and environmental factors that could impact worker safety. They also research the cause of human, animal or plant-borne diseases to minimize its effects on the environment and living things. Environmental health officers earn bachelor’s degrees in an area like public health, biology or environmental science to qualify for their roles.

10. Environmental engineer

Average salary: $83,463 per year

Primary duties: Environmental engineers work for engineering firms, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to identify environmental problems and develop solutions. They work closely with other environmental engineers and public health personnel to develop waste management systems, improve water or air quality and enhance recycling processes. To work as an environmental engineer, individuals have to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Master’s degrees in environmental engineering may benefit those in senior roles.

11. Water project manager

Average salary: $83,911 per year

Primary duties: A water project manager oversees a team of environmental specialists, engineers and construction professions to develop waterways and divert water from natural sources to homes, cities, and farmland. They also make sure that their plans don’t interfere with the environment and adhere to local laws and regulations. Water project managers usually need a bachelor’s degree in an area like civil or industrial engineering, followed by a master’s degree in water resource engineering.

12. Energy manager

Average salary: $84,014 per year

Primary duties: Energy managers ensure that buildings and other forms of infrastructure conserve energy and minimize costs for things like water, heat and electricity. They typically oversee a team of engineers, energy professionals and tradespeople to carry out renovations and to improve energy efficiency. To become an energy manager, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in energy and power engineering or environmental engineering, followed by a few years of professional experience as an energy engineer.

13. Sustainability engineer

Average salary: $95,357 per year

Primary duties: A sustainability engineer develops products and sustainable systems for homes, businesses and other types of infrastructure like manufacturing plants water treatment facilities. They typically work with a team of other sustainability engineers to come up with ideas, test prototypes and oversee the construction process. Sustainability engineers should earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering to perform their job duties well.

14. Hydraulic engineer

Average salary: $95,864 per year

Primary duties: Hydraulic engineers design systems and products to help manage waterways. They design canals, spillways, water treatment systems, sewage ways, irrigation systems and culverts. Hydraulic engineers work closely with other hydraulic engineers and construction professionals to determine the best methods for designing and implementing these systems. To work as a hydraulic engineer, individuals should earn a bachelor’s degree in hydraulic engineering or water resource management.

15. Solar energy consultant

Average salary: $101,218 per year

Primary duties: A solar energy consultant works for solar energy companies to help them sell solar products. They meet with clients in-person or over-the-phone to discuss product offerings and help them determine what would work best depending on the size of their home or office building. Solar energy consultants typically have a bachelor’s degree in an area like sustainability or renewable energy management, followed by a few years of professional experience working for solar companies or other renewable energy organizations.

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