The green economy is no longer a niche market, it’s becoming the backbone of global growth. As governments, businesses, and communities work toward ambitious net-zero targets, sustainability roles are multiplying at pace.
For both job seekers and employers, one pressing question remains:
what are the salary benchmarks for green jobs today?
Understanding pay trends is crucial. For candidates, it provides a realistic sense of earning potential and helps them negotiate effectively. For employers, it ensures offers remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.
Why Salary Benchmarks Matter
Green jobs are experiencing rapid growth across industries such as renewable energy, environmental consultancy, sustainable finance, and green engineering. According to the
International Labour Organisation (ILO), the transition to a low-carbon economy could create up to
24 million new jobs worldwide by 2030, many of which are already emerging.
But with rising demand comes competition, for both companies and candidates. Employers are under pressure to align pay with market expectations, while professionals seek roles that balance impact, stability, and fair compensation.
Salary benchmarking helps balance these priorities. It provides employers with a clear standard for competitive pay and gives professionals confidence when evaluating opportunities that align with their skills and values.
Indicative Salary Ranges by Sector
While salaries vary by region, company size, and experience level, insights from reports such as
LinkedIn’s Green Skills Report and
PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer indicate the following typical ranges in the UK and Europe:
Renewable Energy Engineers: £45,000–£75,000
Sustainability Consultants: £40,000–£65,000
ESG Analysts/Managers: £50,000–£85,000
Environmental Data Scientists: £50,000–£90,000
Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO): £120,000+
These benchmarks reflect a steady upward trend, particularly in roles that combine
technical expertise with strategic leadership. Data-driven positions such as ESG analytics and sustainability data science continue to see strong salary growth, underlining their importance in business decision-making.
What Employers Should Focus On
While competitive pay remains critical, sustainability professionals are often motivated by
mission and impact as much as money. Employers that offer flexible work arrangements, professional development, and clear career pathways are best positioned to attract and retain top green talent.
Forward-thinking organisations are increasingly enhancing compensation packages with
“green benefits”, such as:
- Electric vehicle subsidies
- Sustainability training and certification programs
- Paid volunteer days or climate-focused initiatives
The most successful employers recognise that balancing
pay, purpose, and culture is key to long-term retention.
How Candidates Can Maximise Their Value
For professionals, knowing the benchmarks is just the beginning. To strengthen their position and increase earning potential, candidates should:
Build expertise in high-demand areas like
ESG reporting, carbon accounting, and sustainable supply chains.
Highlight
quantifiable impact - such as emissions reduced, energy savings achieved, or compliance milestones reached.
Stay current with
industry certifications (e.g., GRI, SASB, LEED).
The more a candidate can connect their expertise to tangible business outcomes, the stronger their case for competitive compensation.
Final Thoughts
Green jobs are no longer the future, they are the foundation of the global workforce transformation already underway. Clear salary benchmarks and transparent reward strategies help build trust, attract purpose-driven professionals, and accelerate progress toward a sustainable economy.
For employers, offering competitive pay alongside meaningful purpose is the key to securing top talent. For candidates, understanding your worth, and being able to demonstrate real-world impact, is the key to thriving in this rapidly evolving space.
Get in touch with
Jake Carrington to access the latest salary insights, benchmark your offers, and discover the right opportunities in the green economy.
