In the past few decades, American lawmakers, citizens and businesses are exploring various ways to "go green," with hopes of preserving the earth's natural resources and our standard of living. Consumers are increasingly choosing organic produce. Gas-guzzling automobile models are being traded for more fuel-efficient modes of transportation. Homes and offices are undergoing eco-friendly renovations and low-energy construction to include reusable materials and increase energy efficiency.
With environmentalism efforts on the upswing, the working world is making changes as well. Companies are implementing recycling and community effort programs to clean up. Employers are offering reimbursements for purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles or finding other means of commuting. Recyclable materials are commonly used in the workplace. With all of these changes, finding eco-friendly employment has never been easier.
If your expertise isn't science-related, it doesn't mean you're out of luck. Education, communication, business and most other lines of work all have jobs evolving from society's drive to become more eco-friendly. Science teachers and professors school the public at an early age about environmental well-being. Public health officials keep an eye out for health and environmental safety. Eco-friendly interior designers and architects create buildings and spaces that save energy without losing style. Housekeepers and dry-cleaners are ditching harsh chemicals and processes in favor of more energy- and air-friendly means of cleaning. So, even if your interests and work history don't involve years of agricultural studies or water conservation, you can still find a job that lets you "go green."
Hydrologist: The median annual income is $51,080.*
Environmental Engineer: The median annual income is $50,000.
Pest Control Technician: The median annual income is $30,500.
Conservation Biologist: The median annual income is $52,480.
Science Teacher: The median annual income of kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary school teachers ranges from $41,400 to $45,920.
Toxicologist: The median annual income is $79,500.
Pollution Control Technician: The median annual income is $32,000.
Fund-raising Director: The median annual income is $45,000.
Ecologist: The median annual income is $68,950.
Camp Counselor: The median annual income is $19,320.
Business Manager: The median annual income is $50,000.
Economist: The median annual income is $72,780.
Forester: The median annual income is $48,230.
Environmental Attorney: The median annual income for attorneys specializing in construction, real estate and land use is $70,000.
Community Affairs Manager: The median annual income is $56,000.
Environmental Health and Safety Technician: The median annual income is $35,500.
Landscape Architect: The median annual income is $53,120. For landscape architects in nonsupervisory, supervisory and managerial positions for the federal government, the average annual income was $74,508.
Waste Disposal Manager: The median annual income is $35,000.
Environmental Chemist: The median annual income is $51,080.
Corporate Waste Compliance Coordinator: The median annual income is $39,000.
Urban and Regional Planner: The median annual income is $45,250.
Agricultural Inspector: The median annual income is $35,000.
Wastewater Water Operator: The median annual income is $35,000.
Wildlife Biologist: The median annual income is $42,000.
Pollution Control Engineer: The median annual income is $66,000.
* Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com.
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