Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Sustainability Specialist focuses on developing and implementing practices and strategies to improve an organization's environmental friendliness and sustainability. They work towards reducing environmental impact by analyzing current practices and proposing more sustainable alternatives.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 4.1% (above average)
Annual job openings: 108,200
Direct AI exposure: 43% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 93% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $83K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $48K per year | $63K per year | $83K per year | $114K per year | $150K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $32K above the national average. | ||||
Sustainability Specialists are often employed by corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and consulting firms. Their work environment can vary from offices to field work, depending on the nature of the projects. They may collaborate with various departments, like operations, supply chain, and corporate social responsibility.
Sustainability Specialists play a crucial role in steering organizations towards environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. They analyze the environmental impact of organizational activities and develop strategies to reduce carbon footprints, waste, and resource consumption. This often involves close work with various departments to integrate sustainable practices into broader business strategies.
These specialists need a deep understanding of environmental issues and sustainability best practices. They must stay updated on relevant laws, technologies, and trends in sustainability. The job also requires excellent analytical skills to assess the environmental impact and the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.
Effective communication and persuasive skills are essential, as they often need to advocate for sustainable practices to stakeholders who may prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. The role can be both challenging and rewarding, as it involves driving real change in how organizations operate with respect to the environment.
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field, which typically entails 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced positions may require a master's degree.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
