How Much Does a Sustainability Specialist Make? (2025)
Sustainability is a crucial field that focuses on integrating environmental, social, and economic factors into business strategies to ensure long-term viability. If you're exploring a career as a sustainability specialist, understanding the job role, required skills, and salary prospects is essential.
As of April 26, 2025, the median annual salary for a sustainability specialist in the United States is approximately $80,060, with the potential to earn more in certain highest paying cities.
This article outlines what a sustainability specialist does, the factors affecting salary, and the steps to start a career in this important and rewarding field.
What Does a Sustainability Specialist Do?
A sustainability specialist develops strategies and implements solutions that help companies minimize their environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability. Sustainability specialist skills focus on key responsibilities such as:
- Designs and implements sustainability initiatives and strategies to minimize waste, energy consumption, and emissions, both for digital and physical operations.
- Creates and executes sustainability programs that align with marketing, sales, and corporate strategies.
- Coordinates with stakeholders to conceptualize and deliver projects focused on reducing environmental footprints.
- Experienced in environmental science and data management tools, with strong knowledge of energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainability reporting.
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field, and works closely with managers and leaders to implement sustainability initiatives.
What is Sustainability Specialist Salary Overview?
As of April 26, 2025, the median salary for a sustainability specialist in the United States is approximately $83,720 per year, which translates to around $40 per hour.
2025 Sustainability Specialist Average Salary: $83,720 per year ($40 per hour)
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,929 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,300 |
| 50th Percentile | $86,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,740 |
| 90th Percentile | $115,351 |
The median total compensation for a sustainability specialist is approximately $122,531, according to data from Salary.com. Benefits such as paid time off ($10,682), Social Security ($6,639), and healthcare ($8,352) typically make up about 18-20% of the total compensation package.
A sustainability specialist salary typically ranges from $62,094 (or $30 per hour) at the entry level to $106,187 (or $51 per hour) at the higher end for experienced specialists in leadership roles.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $83,720 | 68.3% |
| Bonus | $3,070 | 2.5% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $6,639 | 5.4% |
| 401K/403B | $3,645 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $1,736 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 6.8% |
| Pension | $4,687 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $10,682 | 8.7% |
| Total Compensation | $122,531 | 100% |
What Can Affect the Salary of a Sustainability Specialist?
Several factors influence the salary of a sustainability specialist, including experience, location, education, and skills. Below are the key components that affect compensation for professionals in this field.
By Experience
According to Salary.com data, an entry-level sustainability specialist salary is about $55,000 annually, offering a solid starting point for those just entering the field.
For those at the expert level, salaries rise significantly. Experienced specialists with extensive knowledge in sustainability practices and leadership roles can expect to earn about $80,000 to $90,000 annually.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Graphic Sustainability Specialist | $70,886 |
| Intermediate Level Sustainability Specialist | $71,418 |
| Senior Level Sustainability Specialist | $73,916 |
| Specialist Level Sustainability Specialist | $76,659 |
| Expert Level Sustainability Specialist | $77,345 |
By Location
Salaries for sustainability specialists can vary significantly based on the cost of living, industry demand, and proximity to specialized firms or organizations.
Based on salary data, San Francisco, California, stands out as one of the top-paying cities for sustainability specialists, with salaries ranging from $90,420 to $119,240.
In contrast, Miami, Florida, offers more modest compensation, with sustainability specialist salaries starting at around $69,570 and reaching up to $91,730.
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $90,420 | $104,560 | $119,240 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $80,170 | $92,700 | $105,710 |
| Miami, Florida | $69,570 | $80,440 | $91,730 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $74,820 | $86,520 | $98,660 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $80,750 | $93,370 | $106,480 |
| New York, New York | $83,910 | $97,020 | $110,650 |
| Dallas, Texas | $71,500 | $82,680 | $94,280 |
By Skills
High-demand sustainability skills significantly impact the salary growth for this role. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, sustainability specialists with expertise in environmental safety can see a salary increase of up to 6.72%, with a demand rate of 4.47%.
Those who specialize in data collection experience salary growth of around 3.70%, with a demand rate of 14.24%. The more specialized and high-demand the skillset, the higher the earning potential for professionals in this field.
| Skill | Salary Increase | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Enviromental Safety | +6.72% | 4.47% |
| Environmental Protection | +6.16% | 4.37% |
| Regulatory Environment | +5.54% | 4.27% |
| Waste Management | +5.49% | 4.87% |
| HSE Compliance | +5.38% | 4.77% |
| Data Collection | +3.70% | 14.24% |
How to Become a Sustainability Specialist?
To become a sustainability specialist, the first step is typically earning a bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a closely related field.
Coursework focuses on key areas such as environmental resource management, data management, sustainability strategies, and green technologies. This foundational knowledge prepares individuals for the technical and analytical demands of the role.
A portfolio of work or a professional track record is essential for securing employment, as it highlights a specialist's practical experience, creativity, and technical expertise in implementing sustainability initiatives.
Students often develop their portfolios through internships, projects, or research, which also provide valuable industry experience. Practical training helps meet the 0 to 2 years of related experience that many entry-level sustainability specialist jobs require.
Sustainability specialists often work under the supervision of a manager or a sustainability team, especially in their early careers, with tasks closely monitored to ensure quality and alignment with organizational sustainability efforts and goals.
Staying updated on environmental trends, sustainability tools, and regulations is also critical for maintaining a competitive edge in this evolving profession.
What are the FAQs about Sustainability Specialist?
Here are some common questions about the salary of a sustainability specialist and the role:
Do sustainability specialists make good money?
Yes, the salary of a sustainability specialists can earn competitive compensation depending on their experience, skills, and location. As of April 26, 2025, the average annual salary for a sustainability specialist in the United States is approximately $83,720 or about $40 per hour, according to Salary.com.
Do sustainability specialists need a degree?
Most sustainability specialist jobs require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field. This education provides essential skills in environmental resource management, sustainability strategies, and green technologies, preparing individuals for the demands of the role.
Are sustainability specialists in demand?
The demand for sustainability professionals is expected to grow as more businesses and governments focus on sustainability initiatives. The job outlook for sustainability specialists is positive, with job growth projected to increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033.
Is it hard to become a sustainability specialist?
Becoming a sustainability specialist requires a combination of education, skill development, and hands-on experience. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental science or sustainability, gaining practical experience through internships, and staying updated on environmental trends are essential steps to success in this field.
Do you need to be an expert in environmental science to be a sustainability specialist?
While a strong understanding of environmental science is beneficial, it is not always a requirement. Skills in data management, problem-solving, and project management are equally important for a career in sustainability. Many sustainability specialists also pursue advanced certifications or a master's degree to enhance their expertise.
How much do sustainability specialists make?
As of 2025, the median salary for a sustainability specialist ranges from $82,680 to $104,841 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry.
What does it mean to be a sustainability specialist?
A sustainability specialist is a professional who helps organizations design, implement, and manage sustainability initiatives. They focus on reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and developing long-term strategies for achieving sustainability goals.
