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Sustainability Specialists

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $83,050/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$47,880$150,010

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 108,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
WritingReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringActive LearningCoordination
Top knowledge areas
Administration and ManagementLaw and GovernmentEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageBuilding and ConstructionCustomer and Personal ServiceCommunications and MediaEngineering and Technology
Core tasks

Develop sustainability project goals, objectives, initiatives, or strategies in collaboration with other sustainability professionals.

Monitor or track sustainability indicators, such as energy usage, natural resource usage, waste generation, and recycling.

Assess or propose sustainability initiatives, considering factors such as cost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and acceptance.

Provide technical or administrative support for sustainability programs or issues.

Review and revise sustainability proposals or policies.

Develop reports or presentations to communicate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.

Create or maintain plans or other documents related to sustainability projects.

Collect information about waste stream management or green building practices to inform decision makers.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Sustainability Specialists?

The median pay for Sustainability Specialists is $83,050 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Sustainability Specialists?

Employment for Sustainability Specialists is projected to change +3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Sustainability Specialists?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Sustainability Specialists?

About 108,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.