Want a job that won’t go extinct? These 10 green careers are booming

What was once dismissed as the passion project of environmental idealists is now emerging as the next economic frontier: green jobs. Climate change, long viewed as an environmental concern, is now driving a quiet but unmistakable restructuring of global labour markets.

As sustainability shifts from boardroom buzzword to business imperative, a new breed of professionals is gaining ground—engineers, data analysts, logistics planners—all recalibrated for a low-carbon world.Data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) underscores this transition. In 2023 alone, global renewable energy employment surged to 16.2 million, an 18% increase from 2022. This expansion is symptomatic of a deeper systemic pivot—from fossil-fueled economies to decarbonized infrastructures.

Embedded within this shift are career pathways in engineering, data science, logistics, and agriculture—each integral to constructing a low-carbon future.

Below, we examine ten such professions that are not merely surviving, but thriving.1. Renewable Energy EngineerRenewable energy engineers design and optimize solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems. With IRENA reporting an 18% global rise in renewable energy employment in 2023, engineers are essential to accelerating the transition from fossil fuels.

Salary Range: £50,000–£90,000 (approx. ₹52.5 lakh – ₹94.5 lakh per year)Top Markets: Europe, China, India2. Sustainability ManagerThese professionals lead environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies for corporations. According to LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report, demand for green talent rose 12.3% between 2022 and 2023.Salary Range: £60,000–£100,000 (approx. ₹63 lakh – ₹1.05 crore per year)Top Industries: Tech, Finance, Manufacturing3. Environmental Data ScientistEnvironmental data scientists analyze climate and ecological data to guide sustainable practices.

The same LinkedIn report notes a surge in demand for roles requiring green skills across sectors, including tech and government.Salary Range: £55,000–£85,000 (approx. ₹57.75 lakh – ₹89.25 lakh per year)Common Employers: Governments, NGOs, Environmental startups4. Solar Photovoltaic InstallerSolar panel installers are at the frontline of the renewable energy revolution. According to IRENA’s 2023 report, solar PV alone accounted for 4.9 million jobs in 2022.Salary Range: £30,000–£50,000 (approx. ₹31.5 lakh – ₹52.5 lakh per year)Requirements: Minimal formal education; technical training preferred5. Wind Turbine TechnicianThese technicians install, inspect, and maintain wind turbines. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 44% increase in demand by 2031, much faster than average.Salary Range: £35,000–£60,000 (approx. ₹36.75 lakh – ₹63 lakh per year)Opportunities: U.S., U.K., Denmark, Germany6. Urban FarmerUrban farmers grow crops in cities using sustainable methods like hydroponics and vertical farming. While formal data is limited, post-pandemic trends and food security concerns have increased urban farming adoption, particularly in Asia and Europe.Salary Range: £25,000–£45,000 (approx. ₹26.25 lakh – ₹47.25 lakh per year)Ideal Locations: Singapore, Netherlands, U.S. cities7. Environmental ConsultantEnvironmental consultants help businesses comply with environmental laws and reduce ecological impact. According to The Times, green consultancy is among the fastest-growing UK job segments.Salary Range: £40,000–£80,000 (approx. ₹42 lakh – ₹84 lakh per year)Growth Areas: Transport, Energy, Real Estate8. Conservation ScientistThese scientists manage natural resources such as forests, water systems, and protected lands. The U.S. BLS forecasts 5% growth through 2032, driven by ecosystem management and land conservation needs.Salary Range: £45,000–£55,000 (approx. ₹47.25 lakh – ₹57.75 lakh per year)Common Employers: Governments, Wildlife NGOs, Forestry Agencies9. Green Logistics ConsultantGreen logistics consultants work on reducing carbon emissions in supply chains through route optimization and sustainable packaging.

While formal global data is limited, the EU's Green Deal and corporate net-zero pledges are rapidly boosting demand.Salary Range: £45,000–£75,000 (approx. ₹47.25 lakh – ₹78.75 lakh per year)Hotspots: Spain, Germany, Netherlands10. HydrologistHydrologists study and manage water systems to mitigate droughts, floods, and climate-related water issues. California’s Employment Development Department projects 7% growth by 2028 for hydrology roles in the region (EDD California).Salary Range: £60,000–£95,000 (approx. ₹63 lakh – ₹99.75 lakh per year)

Key Roles: Flood planning, water quality, resource management