From Guest Blogger Savannah Coulsen: Seven High-Paying Eco-Friendly Jobs
Green, or eco-friendly, jobs are becoming more popular. In fact more and more college graduates are opting to avoid the corporate workplace and instead are more interested in contributing to the betterment of the world. Here’s a surprising fact – the number of green jobs has increased by 250 percent over the past few years. Many green jobs are not only in high demand, but they also pay well. Below are some of the high-paying, eco-friendly jobs available:
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers are professionals who use their knowledge of natural sciences and engineering to help solve environmental problems. Their job duties include things such as testing air quality in urban areas and ensuring drinking water is safe. However the job requirements of an environmental engineer can extend to developing providing system and component design and even serving as a technical advisor in policy making and legal deliberations. This industry will continue to experience tremendous growth as the population of the Earth continues to grow. The average salary for an environmental engineer is around $85,000.
Physicists
There are many job opportunities for physicists, and many of them focus their work on solving and preventing environmental issues. Physicists can focus on a variety of issues, such as waste water conservation and oil spills. While you don’t have to be the next Einstein to work in physics you must be proficient in mathematics. However, above all else, you must possess insatiable curiosity and drive. The average salary for a physicist is $106,000.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental law is one of the fastest growing professions for lawyers. Environmental lawyers focus their practice on environmental issues that require legal action, such as sustainability and ecology. Many people earn an online environmental management bachelor degree before going to law school. Many environmental layers decide to go into private practice or even perform consulting work or representing clients in a court of law. The average salary for an environmental lawyer is $115,000 per year.
Conservation Scientists
Conservation scientists are professionals who help manage, protect and improve the country’s natural resources. They may focus on a specific area, such as soil and water conservation. Generally conservation scientists have a wide range of responsibilities, including drawing up plans to regenerate forested lands. The average salary for a conservation scientist is $60,000 per year.
Environmental Architect
Environmental architects are professionals who design and plan private and public places for commercial, recreational and living purposes. Environmental architects may design new buildings or make alterations and extensions to an existing one. To become an environmental architect you must complete a professional architectural degree from a program approved by the National Architectural Board (NAAB ) as well as three years training. You will be well-compensated for your study and training as the average salary for an environmental architect is $72,000 per year.
Energy Auditors
Also known as energy raters, the demand for energy auditors is increasing because people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bill. Energy auditors perform assessments and determine whether the home is losing energy. Ultimately, energy auditors can help save their clients hundreds of dollars on their energy expenses Energy auditors can work on the residential level or the commercial level. The average salary for an energy auditor is $60,000 per year.
Green Business Consultant
A green business consultant is a professional advises businesses on things they can do to conserve energy. Because going green is a trend that is likely here to stay, the number of jobs available for green business consultants will increase. The average salary for a green business consultant is $80,000 year.
Eco-friendly jobs allow people to protect the environment while earning a great income. Green business consultant, energy auditor, environmental engineer, physicists, environmental lawyer, conservation scientists and environmental architect are just a few of the many eco-friendly careers that are growing in popularity.
