Short answer: yes, there is green to be earned in green technology. In fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing industries right now.
The global green technology market size was valued at $16.48 billion in 2023. By 2032, it is predicted that it will be worth $89.97 billion.
This huge surge in value is caused by our growing awareness of climate change combined with our growing reliance on technology. If we want to be able to use all the cool tech we are currently inventing right now, we will need to find a way to power this tech in a cleaner way. Green technology is the solution – it is technology specifically designed to reduce carbon emissions and other forms of environmental damage.
If you’re looking for a high-earning career or somewhere to invest your money, green technology could be the answer. This article explains more on how to make money out of green tech.
What are some high-earning careers in green tech?
There are a few different high earning careers that you can pursue within the field of green tech. These include:
Renewable energy engineer ($80k – $120k)
Renewable energy engineers help design and develop new technology for harvesting sustainable energy. This includes wind turbines, solar panels, hydroelectric dams and geothermal pumps. Their work may involve setting up and maintaining public renewable energy plants, or they may focus on creating generators for private use.
Green IT specialist ($70k – $120k)
Green IT specialists are hired by large companies to help reduce the energy-efficiency and sustainability of computer systems and servers. This could include finding energy-efficient ways of powering and cooling data centers or sourcing energy-efficient computers. Green IT specialists may also help to reduce electronic waste by finding ways to recycle old IT products or choosing biodegradable options.
Sustainable agriculture technologist ($60k – $100k)
A sustainable agricultural technologist helps to explore new ways of using technology to improve farming methods. This could include finding energy-efficient ways to plant and manage crops, or using technology to improve crop yields. Sustainable agriculture technologists may work directly with farmers or may help to design technology used by farmers.
Electric vehicle engineer ($70k – $130k)
Electric vehicle engineers specialize in the design and development of electric vehicles. This could include designing batteries or other electric vehicle parts. A related career may involve working on the design and development of electric charging stations.
How do you land a career in green technology?
In order to land a job in green technology, you will usually need to develop a good knowledge of your chosen niche. For example, if you want to get into solar engineering, you will need a good knowledge of solar panels before you get started.
Studying a course could be a great way to build this knowledge and also earn credentials that will prove to employers that you are knowledgeable. There are all kinds of courses that you can study related to green technology. This includes several online courses for those that want to study more flexibly.
Environmental internships can be another great way to get your foot in the door. These internships can allow you to develop your knowledge and skills on the job. They are a popular option when pursuing various engineering jobs.
When studying a course or taking an internship, having good high school grades could be essential. Good grades in subjects like Maths, Physics and Electronics are useful when pursuing engineering roles related to green technology. However, a lot of colleges and internships may not care what subjects you’ve studied, providing that you have decent grades.
Although there is a great demand for green technology and a growing number of jobs in the sector, this industry can still be quite competitive, so you may want to think of ways in which you can give yourself the edge. Studying a masters degree such as a Master of Sustainable Energy could be one way to show that you’re serious about green technology. Alternatively, you could try taking on personal tech projects or getting involved in environmental causes to show you passion.
It’s worth noting that there are many marketing and admin jobs related to green technology. Pay for these jobs may not be as high, but it could still be fairly decent. Meanwhile, entry requirements may not be as high either – while employers for some of these jobs may still favor a degree, they may be more accepting of a degree in any subject. Others may not require a degree at all
How else can you invest in green technology?
Getting a job for an employer is not the only way to make money out of green technology. It may be possible to start your own business related to green technology. This could include anything from solar panel installation to EV sales.
When starting a business, you may not need a degree, but may still need certain licenses. This could involve taking a course such as a solar panel installation course. A background in other related industries could help (for example, many solar panel installers are ex-electricians or roofers). Make sure to research into the starting costs so that you’re certain you can afford to launch such a business.
You can also make money from green technology by investing in local green tech projects or by buying stocks in green tech companies. Your investment will help these companies to grow and thrive, and your share will grow in value while potentially also paying your dividends. This post lists a few of the top renewable energy stocks to consider.
You may also be able to save money in the long run by considering green tech investments for your home and everyday life. While buying an EV and installing a charging station in your home is expensive upfront, you could save money in the long run in fuel by buying an electric vehicle, while also reducing your carbon footprint. Similarly, installing solar panels may cost quite a lot of money upfront, but it could reduce your energy bills in the long run, allowing you to generate your own electricity from the sun.