If you had your choice of two jobs, would you pick the one that was more environmentally friendly?
According to a recent survey conducted by career website The Ladders, you'd be in good company if you said yes. The survey found nearly three-fourths of workers -- 72 percent to be precise -- would go green and choose a job from an eco-conscious company. While 18 percent said a company's green credentials wouldn't impact their choice, only one in ten workers would flat out turn down an eco-conscious business in favor of a less environmentally friendly option.
In addition, The Ladders survey found the vast majority of workers said it was at least slightly important their company is green. Only 13 percent weren't concerned with their company's green credentials compared to 30 percent who said it was very important and another 28 percent who said it was extremely important.
With so many employees interested in green companies, it makes sense they may also want green jobs. As we prepare to commemorate Earth Day, it seems only fitting to take a look at five of the hottest environmentally friendly occupations.
5 green jobs on the rise
1. Urban and regional planners: At one time, city blocks were the rule when it came to urban planning. Then, in the middle of the last century, people decided they no longer wanted to live in the cramped confines of the city. They fled to the suburbs where cars were king and no one walked anywhere. After decades of urban sprawl and strip malls, today's planners are going back to the drawing board, creating walkable communities that reduce carbon emissions and encourage physical activity.
Today's urban and regional planners generally have a master's degree from a planning program. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual pay for these professionals was $63,040 in May 2010, and jobs are expected to grow 16 percent from 2010-2020.
2. Hydrologists: As communities search for ways to create renewable energy, many are looking to hydroelectric power. Hydrologists can be a critical part of successfully tapping into this alternative energy source. In addition, these professionals can work for a variety of employers to address issues pertaining to water quality and availability.
Typically, hydrologists have a master's degree in environmental science or a related field. Jobs for qualified individuals are expected to grow 18 percent from 2010-2020, and median annual pay was $75,690 in 2010, according to bls.gov.
3. Environmental science and protection technicians: Since the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, the U.S. has come a long way in passing laws and regulations to clean-up the environment. However, it takes careful monitoring to ensure those laws are being followed. Environmental science and protection technicians are some of the individuals responsible for testing water, air and soil quality to identify any areas of concern.
Often, environmental science and protection technicians have an associate degree in natural science or a related field. However, some may enter the workforce after completing a vocational training program. Bls.gov reported median annual pay for technicians was $41,380 in 2010. Job growth is expected to be 24 percent from 2010-2020.
4. Environmental engineers: In the past, companies built roads, dredged channels and bulldozed hills with little concern for the environmental impact. Today, environmental engineers are consulted on everything from road projects to waste disposal. They may work for the government, architectural firms or as private consultants.
To work as an environmental engineer, you must have a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. Median annual pay for these engineers was $83,340 in 2011, according to bls.gov. Bls.gov also anticipates 22 percent job growth in this field from 2010-2020.
5. Lobbyists: While government regulations are much more green than in years past, there is a push from some segments to roll back those gains. Environmental advocacy groups employ lobbyists who act as their eyes and ears in federal, state and local governments.
Environmental lobbyists may come from a variety of educational backgrounds. They may have a degree in environmental science, political science or public administration. Bls.gov includes lobbyists under the broader category of public relations and fundraising managers. In 2011, professionals within this category earned median annual pay of $105,690 according to bls.gov data. From 2010-2020, positions for public relations managers and specialists are expected to grow 21 percent.
According to a recent survey conducted by career website The Ladders, you'd be in good company if you said yes. The survey found nearly three-fourths of workers -- 72 percent to be precise -- would go green and choose a job from an eco-conscious company. While 18 percent said a company's green credentials wouldn't impact their choice, only one in ten workers would flat out turn down an eco-conscious business in favor of a less environmentally friendly option.
In addition, The Ladders survey found the vast majority of workers said it was at least slightly important their company is green. Only 13 percent weren't concerned with their company's green credentials compared to 30 percent who said it was very important and another 28 percent who said it was extremely important.
With so many employees interested in green companies, it makes sense they may also want green jobs. As we prepare to commemorate Earth Day, it seems only fitting to take a look at five of the hottest environmentally friendly occupations.
5 green jobs on the rise
1. Urban and regional planners: At one time, city blocks were the rule when it came to urban planning. Then, in the middle of the last century, people decided they no longer wanted to live in the cramped confines of the city. They fled to the suburbs where cars were king and no one walked anywhere. After decades of urban sprawl and strip malls, today's planners are going back to the drawing board, creating walkable communities that reduce carbon emissions and encourage physical activity.
Today's urban and regional planners generally have a master's degree from a planning program. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual pay for these professionals was $63,040 in May 2010, and jobs are expected to grow 16 percent from 2010-2020.
2. Hydrologists: As communities search for ways to create renewable energy, many are looking to hydroelectric power. Hydrologists can be a critical part of successfully tapping into this alternative energy source. In addition, these professionals can work for a variety of employers to address issues pertaining to water quality and availability.
Typically, hydrologists have a master's degree in environmental science or a related field. Jobs for qualified individuals are expected to grow 18 percent from 2010-2020, and median annual pay was $75,690 in 2010, according to bls.gov.
3. Environmental science and protection technicians: Since the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, the U.S. has come a long way in passing laws and regulations to clean-up the environment. However, it takes careful monitoring to ensure those laws are being followed. Environmental science and protection technicians are some of the individuals responsible for testing water, air and soil quality to identify any areas of concern.
Often, environmental science and protection technicians have an associate degree in natural science or a related field. However, some may enter the workforce after completing a vocational training program. Bls.gov reported median annual pay for technicians was $41,380 in 2010. Job growth is expected to be 24 percent from 2010-2020.
4. Environmental engineers: In the past, companies built roads, dredged channels and bulldozed hills with little concern for the environmental impact. Today, environmental engineers are consulted on everything from road projects to waste disposal. They may work for the government, architectural firms or as private consultants.
To work as an environmental engineer, you must have a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. Median annual pay for these engineers was $83,340 in 2011, according to bls.gov. Bls.gov also anticipates 22 percent job growth in this field from 2010-2020.
5. Lobbyists: While government regulations are much more green than in years past, there is a push from some segments to roll back those gains. Environmental advocacy groups employ lobbyists who act as their eyes and ears in federal, state and local governments.
Environmental lobbyists may come from a variety of educational backgrounds. They may have a degree in environmental science, political science or public administration. Bls.gov includes lobbyists under the broader category of public relations and fundraising managers. In 2011, professionals within this category earned median annual pay of $105,690 according to bls.gov data. From 2010-2020, positions for public relations managers and specialists are expected to grow 21 percent.
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