What is a green job?

A green job is any job that helps look after our planet. It might be a job that cuts pollution, saves energy, protects wildlife, or stops climate change from getting worse.

Some green jobs are brand new.Others are jobs that have been around for years but are now being done in greener ways. A farmer growing food without harming the soil is doing a greenjob. So is an engineer building a wind turbine, a scientist studying coral reefs, or a designer making clothes from recycled bottles.

Why green jobs matter — and why now

The UK already has more than 690,000 green jobs, and that number is growing fast. The government wants to create thousands more by 2030 to help reach net zero (which means no longer adding to climate change).

Almost half of young people leaving school say they want a green job. Many feel proud to do work that helps the planet. The good news? There are loads of different green jobs to choose from. Some need a university degree. Many do not. There is a green job for almost every kind of person — whether you love being outdoors, working with your hands, using computers, or solving big problems.

This fact sheet looks at fifteen exciting green jobs. For each one, we explain what the job is, why it matters, how much you might earn, and how you could get into it.

A quick note on pay: the salary figures are typical UK ranges, in pounds per year, before tax and were researched in 2026. They are rough guides — actual pay depends on where you live, who you work for, and how much experience you have.

‍

Banner photo: ID 51932486 © Goodluz | Dreamstime.com