How much you can make working in Sustainability?

August 5, 2023

Sustainability jobs are in high demand. People want to make a difference with their work. Whether you're looking to start your career or switch roles, sustainability roles offer a number of opportunities for job seekers. The age-old question still exists, how much can you make while working in sustainability? Good news, you no longer need to sacrifice your lifestyle to work in sustainability.

So, how much can you actually make?

Chief Sustainability Officer: $160,000+

Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) are at the top of the sustainability hierarchy and have a large role in setting company goals and strategies. CSOs work directly with executive leadership, advising them on best practices for sustainable business.

Sustainability consultants: $70,000-$150,000+

Sustainability consultants work directly with businesses and non-profit organizations, helping them reduce their environmental footprint and boost efficiency. They are often the first point of contact for clients in need of advice on green initiatives, so they need to be able to engage with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.

Environmental Engineers: $95,000 - $165,000

Environmental engineers help clients in the private sector and government departments to reduce their environmental impact. They design and execute engineering programs, oversee construction of building systems, and develop sustainability strategies for a variety of industries.

Sustainability Analysts & Managers: $58,000 - $145,000

Sustainability analysts work within companies and government departments to develop sustainability strategies and practices. They measure the level of environmental impact, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend actions based on their research findings.

Want to know how to earn more?

Determine whether you want to work in-house or as a consultant.

In-house sustainability jobs typically offer higher pay, but require you to be onsite for extended hours. This can make it difficult to balance work and personal life. If you're looking for work-life balance and more flexibility in your schedule, consulting is a great option. Consultants typically charge by the hour or project, allowing them greater control over. Times are changing as some of the larger consultants (Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG) launch Sustainability practices. These roles will typically have higher pay, but less work-life balance than independent consultants.

Work for a big company.

The highest in-house salaries are concentrated with the largest companies (by number of employees). These employees also report having the biggest budgets. Big brands offer a great name (and experience), but things tend to move slower at bigger companies.

Choose your industry wisely.

Data shows that the software, technology and natural resources industries tend to pay the most for sustainability. If you're looking to make the most as a sustainability professional, start here.

There is no shortage of opportunities in the sustainability field. Whether you're starting your career or making a change mid-way through, there's something for everyone in this growing industry.Looking to make more money as a sustainability professional? The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice your lifestyle - there are many fulfilling opportunities.

Follow this proven approach to earn more

We like this set of tips for approaching your negotiation that FoundationList suggests. Give it a read, prepare your plan, and take a deep breath -- you got this!

How much you can make working in Sustainability?

Sustainability jobs are in high demand. People want to make a difference with their work. Whether you're looking to start your career or switch roles, sustainability roles offer a number of opportunities for job seekers. The age-old question still exists, how much can you make while working in sustainability? Good news, you no longer need to sacrifice your lifestyle to work in sustainability.

So, how much can you actually make?

Chief Sustainability Officer: $160,000+

Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) are at the top of the sustainability hierarchy and have a large role in setting company goals and strategies. CSOs work directly with executive leadership, advising them on best practices for sustainable business.

Sustainability consultants: $70,000-$150,000+

Sustainability consultants work directly with businesses and non-profit organizations, helping them reduce their environmental footprint and boost efficiency. They are often the first point of contact for clients in need of advice on green initiatives, so they need to be able to engage with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.

Environmental Engineers: $95,000 - $165,000

Environmental engineers help clients in the private sector and government departments to reduce their environmental impact. They design and execute engineering programs, oversee construction of building systems, and develop sustainability strategies for a variety of industries.

Sustainability Analysts & Managers: $58,000 - $145,000

Sustainability analysts work within companies and government departments to develop sustainability strategies and practices. They measure the level of environmental impact, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend actions based on their research findings.

Want to know how to earn more?

Determine whether you want to work in-house or as a consultant.

In-house sustainability jobs typically offer higher pay, but require you to be onsite for extended hours. This can make it difficult to balance work and personal life. If you're looking for work-life balance and more flexibility in your schedule, consulting is a great option. Consultants typically charge by the hour or project, allowing them greater control over. Times are changing as some of the larger consultants (Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG) launch Sustainability practices. These roles will typically have higher pay, but less work-life balance than independent consultants.

Work for a big company.

The highest in-house salaries are concentrated with the largest companies (by number of employees). These employees also report having the biggest budgets. Big brands offer a great name (and experience), but things tend to move slower at bigger companies.

Choose your industry wisely.

Data shows that the software, technology and natural resources industries tend to pay the most for sustainability. If you're looking to make the most as a sustainability professional, start here.

There is no shortage of opportunities in the sustainability field. Whether you're starting your career or making a change mid-way through, there's something for everyone in this growing industry.Looking to make more money as a sustainability professional? The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice your lifestyle - there are many fulfilling opportunities.

Follow this proven approach to earn more

We like this set of tips for approaching your negotiation that FoundationList suggests. Give it a read, prepare your plan, and take a deep breath -- you got this!