The Best & Worst States for Green Jobs
As global temperatures continue to rise and climate change becomes more apparent, the demand for green jobs—roles that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment—is also on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), green jobs either produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment, or they involve making production processes more eco-friendly. But where in the United States are these jobs most available, and where are they harder to find?
Key Findings
- Inland States Lead the Way: States in the center of the country are generally better for green jobs than those along the coasts. States like North Dakota, New Mexico, and Wyoming top the list thanks to their low unemployment rates, affordable housing, and good growth prospects for green jobs.
- Coastal Struggles: The East and West Coasts, despite being economic powerhouses, don't fare as well. High housing costs and higher unemployment rates contribute to their lower rankings in green job opportunities.
- Green Jobs Are Growing: From 2016 to 2026, green jobs are expected to grow by over 9% nationally, translating to nearly 200,000 new jobs. Solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine service technicians are among the fastest-growing occupations in this sector.
- High Pay: The average salary for green jobs is $72,057, which is 22% higher than the average for non-green jobs.
The 5 Best States for Green Jobs
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North Dakota: With the second-lowest unemployment rate in the country and affordable housing, North Dakota offers a promising environment for green jobs. The state also boasts a high density of green jobs, with workers earning an average of $70,589 annually.
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New Mexico: Green jobs in New Mexico come with an average annual salary of $75,861. The state also has affordable housing and education costs, making it a great place for green job seekers.
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Wyoming: Known for its low college tuition fees and high density of green jobs, Wyoming is an attractive state for those pursuing a career in the green sector. The state’s green job market is expected to grow by 8.6% by 2026.
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Iowa: Iowa has the third-lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. and affordable housing. The state is also expected to see nearly 10% growth in green jobs by 2026, making it a top contender for green job opportunities.
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Idaho: With low unemployment, affordable education, and a high density of green jobs, Idaho rounds out the top five. Interestingly, the highest-paying green job in Idaho is nuclear engineering, with an average salary of $128,270.
The 5 Worst States for Green Jobs
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Arizona: High unemployment and average income make Arizona one of the worst states for green jobs. However, the state is expected to see some growth in green jobs by 2026.
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New Jersey: Despite high salaries for green jobs, New Jersey’s exorbitant housing costs and tuition fees push it to the bottom of the list.
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Connecticut: With high housing costs and moderate income levels, Connecticut struggles to provide a favorable environment for green jobs.
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Georgia: Georgia’s low density of green jobs and slow job growth in the sector make it a challenging state for green job seekers.
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Illinois: Illinois ranks lowest due to its low density of green jobs, high unemployment, and costly education. However, the average salary for green jobs in the state is $72,842, slightly above the national average.
High-Paying Green Jobs
Certain green jobs offer salaries well above the national average. For example:
- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $138,729 annually
- Natural Sciences Managers: $121,827 annually
- Nuclear Engineers: $111,539 annually
These roles involve managing or researching projects that directly contribute to environmental preservation and sustainability.
Description: A map highlighting the best and worst states for green jobs based on unemployment rates, housing costs, and job growth projections.
