Did you know that you can trade your blue or white collar job for a green collar job?
Living a green life is no longer restricted to riding your bike to work or bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. In fact, people all across the country are making careers out of “going green,” thanks in large part to societal and political pressures. With that, it’s not just about going green anymore; it’s about making green.
A new report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that green jobs are growing faster than most sectors, according to an article in the LA Times. Though they only make up 2.6% of all jobs, they jumped 4.9% from 2010 to 2011. To put that into perspective, healthcare jumped 1.8% and manufacturing jumped 1.7% during the same time.
In years past, California was the place to be for candidates looking for green jobs. While the state still holds the most green jobs, with a total of over 360,000 jobs, states like Maryland, Oregon and New Hampshire are increasing green job opportunities at a rapid rate, reports the LA Times.
Washington DC, however, beat all of these out with a 5.1% increase in green jobs last year. This is in large part due to the policy-centered positions, which are helping to advocate for more public and private investment into green energy, pollution reduction, etc. According to the LA Times, green funds have jumped 42% from 2010 to 2011 to a total of $48 billion.
Average salaries for green employees varies, just as the job opportunities. The field ranges from scientific researchers to marketing representatives to administrative assistants. Salaries are, therefore, comparable to similar positions in other sectors.
Finding your way to green job opportunities doesn’t necessarily require a special degree. For instance, green policy makers studied political science or law and renewable energy researchers focused in fields like chemistry and engineering. Essentially, getting a green job takes a keen interest, a willingness to learn and credible academic and professional experiences.
If going green is a passion that you want to pursue as a full-time career, you’re in luck. There are plenty of job search websites that showcase green job opportunities:
Going green isn’t just a lifestyle anymore; it’s a reality for job seekers. With a green job, you can impact the world around you while doing good for yourself too.
Have you taken your job search “green”? Weigh in below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by Free Grunge Textures – www.freestock.ca
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