NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 03: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on April 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
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Looking beyond the present moment, the next decade will transform the nature of work in the United States. Jobs tied to sustainability are projected to grow faster than most other occupations, propelled by new technologies, policy initiatives, and global climate commitments. Renewable-energy trades now top the fastest-growing U.S. careers, driven by policy and climate urgency. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers will be among the fastest-growing careers in the country from now through 2034.
Top 5 Fastest Growing Green Jobs
These roles highlight how clean energy and hands-on technical skills are becoming central to the workforce of the future. Below are some of the fastest growing green jobs through 2034, and what moves them, from private and federal investment to infrastructure demand.
1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair turbines that generate renewable energy. Their work requires mechanical aptitude, comfort with heights, and technical training. Despite criticisms, wind farms are quickly expanding in different U.S. states and other countries. The BLS projects job growth of about 50 to 60 percent over the next decade, far outpacing most occupations. Median annual pay is about $62,580.
Although the total number of jobs remains relatively small compared to larger sectors like healthcare, the rate of growth is striking. States such as Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Indiana already have some of the highest per-capita concentrations of wind energy jobs, reflecting the geographic reach of the industry.
2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Solar installers assemble and maintain systems that convert sunlight into energy. The BLS projects growth of about 42 percent by 2034. Median annual pay is about $51,860. As solar panels become more affordable and communities expand renewable infrastructure, demand for skilled installers will continue to climb. Like wind energy, the number of jobs is modest compared to major industries, but the trajectory signals a fundamental shift in how electricity will be produced in the coming decades.
3. Climate and Environmental Data Scientists
While not topping the growth charts as visibly as wind and solar, data scientists working on climate and environmental issues are in increasing demand. They help governments, companies, and nonprofits analyze climate risks, emissions, and adaptation strategies. Pay is competitive, often exceeding $100,000, and growth aligns with broader trends in data analytics.
4. Carbon Capture and Storage Specialists
Carbon capture technology is an emerging field with significant potential. As governments and companies invest in reducing emissions, jobs in design, installation, and monitoring of carbon storage systems are expected to grow. Salaries vary widely, but skilled engineers and technicians in this space often earn six figures.
5. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Experts
Jobs in sustainable farming, regenerative practices, and food innovation are also expected to rise. These roles are crucial for reducing emissions tied to land use and ensuring food security in a changing climate. Salaries vary by role and location, but the demand for green-skilled workers is expanding in both rural and urban settings.
Los Angeles, CA – June 05: Reies Flores, a career and technical education agriscience teacher checks onions growing in a planter in Los Angeles Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Teachers Reies Flores and Arturo Romo run a campus-based farm and sustainable arts program rooted in climate knowledge. \(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesWhy Green Job Growth Matters
The fastest growing green jobs provide a signal of where the economy is heading. Investments from the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act, and other policies that were put into place before are catalyzing growth now. Corporate ESG reporting and investor pressure are accelerating demand for further investment and job creation in private industry. While healthcare jobs still dominate overall growth numbers, green jobs stand out for their potential to reshape energy and resource use. The decade ahead will see a workforce transformation in which clean energy and climate resilience are not niche pursuits but pillars of economic security. The fastest-growing green jobs are a reminder that climate action is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of work that offers fulfillment as well as economic advancement.