Wondering what a green job will pay? (image courtesy of aflcio2008 on Flickr)

Thinking about getting a job in the renewable energy field, but not sure what a green job will pay?  There is a wide variation, depending on your skills, training and… yes…. even your gender.  The first annual Carbon Salary Survey was recently published and provides information on salaries and opportunities alike for the green job sector.

Among some of the findings from surveying almost 1,200 people in a variety of sectors around the globe may be surprising:

• Men earn, on average, 23% more than women
• 75% of the people employed in green jobs are men
• Three-quarters of those in green jobs are satisfied
• 68% feel more secure in their positions than they did one year ago
• 80% of the respondents work on teams of ten people or less
• 23% of the respondents have at least a bachelor’s degree in a climate-change related subject

But you are probably most interested in the salaries – after all, you want to know what a green job will pay!

The average pay among the 1,200 people surveyed is $75,900 a year.  However, in North America, you can expect an average salary of $99,995 – higher than people are earning on average in green jobs in Australia ($92,812), the UK ($77,291), other European countries ($78,059) and Africa ($56,609).

Three percent of the people surveyed are really bringing home the green bacon, making over $200,000 a year!

You can view the entire 25-page Carbon Salary Survey report at its website.

Keep in mind that 1,200 people is a relatively small survey sample and that green job opportunities are growing in numbers around the world.  There are positions available in every renewable energy sector (wind, solar, geothermal, recycling, retro-fitting buildings, etc.) in just about every nation on the globe.  As the number of green jobs increase, there could be a flattening of salaries, unless the demand remains high and number of qualified persons relatively low.

In order to negotiate the best possible salary, polish your resume and obtain any additional training or degrees that may be pertinent to the field.  It helps to join and be active in relevant trade organizations.  Consider any offered benefits, from stock options to vacation or flex days, as part of the total compensation package.

Patience and persistence may pay off in your green job search.  Most employment gains are expected in 2010 and beyond.

Do you have direct information on the salary of green jobs?  Personal experience in your hometown?  Please let us know in the comment section below.

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Related posts:

1. Green Job Statistics