Need A New Career? These Are The 5 Fastest Growing "Green" Jobs

Let’s be honest. Nobody wants to work in a tiny cubicle in a sometimes windowless office. The problem is that high paying jobs are usually associated with careers that keep you in just that type of situation. But, if you’re like me and love the outdoors and love the thought of making a living in a well-paying job that won’t keep you stuffed in an office all day, keep reading! Below are 5 of the fastest growing green jobs right now.

1. Water Quality Technician

Water quality is a significant concern all over the world, so these jobs are becoming more and more important. Median pay is around $60,000 and the minimum education required for this job is an Associates Degree, but the higher paying jobs require at least a Bachelors Degree and possibly a Masters Degree in some instances. The main job of Water Quality Technicians is to test for chemicals and microbes to ensure the water meets EPA standards.

2. Environmental Scientist

These careers focus on environmental problems and find solutions to those problems. This is a good job for those who want to contribute to leaving the world a better place for future generations. Median pay is around $67,000 with the minimum education being a Bachelors Degree.

3. Green Builders

More and more people are beginning to understand the importance of having a low carbon footprint and that extends to the way they build their homes. So, this field is really growing quickly. Careers range from a construction worker to architecture to management. Salaries range from $30,000 for construction to $85,000 for construction managers. Architects, managers, engineers and planners always require a Bachelors Degree with most having a more advanced degree.

 

4. Biofuels Jobs

As concern grows about Global Warming and decreasing the use of fossil fuels, Biofuels jobs are growing as well. As well as citizen concern, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates a decrease in the reliance on oil-based fuels to renewable fuels like Ethanol. Careers in this field will range from the construction of biofuel plants to plant operation to delivery. Salaries range from $30,000 for construction laborers to $101,000 for construction managers. All of the higher paying careers require at least a Bachelors Degree.

5. Recycling

Recycling is a huge industry right now and the increase in careers has grown as the industry continues to grow. Careers range from drivers to mechanics to facility managers to sales reps. Many of the jobs only require a high school diploma or GED, but if you want to make the higher earnings, you have to get at least a Bachelors Degree. Salaries range from $30,000 for drivers to $68,000 for facility managers.