Key Changes in the U.S. Sustainability Job Market in 2024: Trends and Insights

The sustainability profession has evolved from a niche area to a core element of corporate strategy over the past decade. With growing regulatory requirements, increasing stakeholder expectations, and global commitments to achieving net-zero goals, the profession is now integral to business operations worldwide. The “State of the Sustainability Profession 2024” 8th biennal survey report from Trellis (ex-Greenbiz) explores key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the profession in the US and provides insights into how sustainability professionals are navigating this complex landscape.  This article highlights the key changes shaping the US sustainability job market in 2024, with essential trends and figures to help understand the evolving landscape.

The demand for sustainability professionals continues to rise, driven by increased regulatory requirements and corporate commitments to ESG goals. Companies are expanding their sustainability teams to meet the growing complexity of compliance and reporting.
Key figures :

• 74% of organizations have increased their sustainability staffing over the past two years.
• 42% of organizations have added 2 or more FTEs to handle ESG disclosures
• 67% of companies added full-time staff to manage ESG data collection, auditability, and reporting, while only 14% hired external consultants.

With the growing complexity of ESG regulations, organizations are introducing new roles to manage compliance. The “ESG controller” has emerged as a critical position responsible for overseeing data systems and processes that support sustainability disclosures.
Key figures :

• Over 50% of Fortune 100 companies now employ ESG controllers.

Many organizations are shifting sustainability reporting to legal departments to better manage the legal implications of ESG disclosures. The percentage of sustainability teams reporting to the legal department has doubled over the past two years, indicating the growing legal complexities associated with sustainability reporting and meeting regulatory requirement.
Key figures:

• ​14% increase in sustainability roles within legal departments compared to 2020 figure.
• 11% increase in sustainability professionals embedded in finance departments compared to 2020 figure.
• The number of sustainability executives reporting directly to the CEO has risen to 30%, up from 22% two years ago.
• 49% of sustainability professionals report to an executive who reports to the CEO.
• 31% of companies brief their board of directors annually on sustainability risks and achievements, while 30% provide quarterly updates.

Sustainability professionals are seeing significant increases in compensation, particularly for senior roles. The growing demand for experienced sustainability leaders is driving these salary hikes.
Key figures:

• Sustainability managers earn an average total compensation of $159,430.
• Directors receive an average of $244,649, while vice presidents earn $471,933, marking a 50% increase from previous years.
• Vice presidents in California earn an average of $365,667, nearly $100,000 more than their counterparts in other regions.

While online job boards are popular for sustainability job seekers, many senior professionals are directly contacted by recruiters. Graduate degrees, including MBAs, are not necessarily required for entry into sustainability roles, though they are more common in senior positions. Specialized certifications in sustainability reporting and management continue to be highly valued across the board.
Key figures:

• 47% of individual contributors and 40% of managers found their roles through online job boards.
• 39% of directors and 47% of vice presidents were directly contacted by their hiring company.
• Only 32% of sustainability managers hold an MBA, with the number rising to 38% for directors and 44% for vice presidents.
• Certifications such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and LEED Green Associate certifications remain popular and beneficial for career growth in sustainability.

Freelance sustainability professionals are playing an increasingly important role in helping organizations meet specific project needs, especially in areas such as renewable energy, circular economy, and ESG reporting. This trend offers flexibility for organizations while giving freelancers opportunities to contribute to sustainability efforts on a global scale.
Key figures:

• From 2019 to 2023, the number of freelance sustainability jobs posted on platforms like Upwork grew by over 500%.

Sustainability professionals face the challenge of balancing the need for regulatory compliance with driving proactive sustainability initiatives. As companies focus on data collection and reporting, long-term sustainability goals such as innovation and environmental impact reduction risk being sidelined. Additionally, a trend known as “greenhushing” has emerged, where companies downplay or avoid publicizing their sustainability commitments to minimize reputational risks.
Key figures:

• 14% of companies have started reducing the use of terms like “green” and “ESG” in public communications due to fears of greenwashing accusations.

The U.S. sustainability job market in 2024 is dynamic, with sustainability professionals playing an increasingly critical role in shaping corporate strategies and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. Companies are expanding their sustainability teams, creating new roles such as ESG controllers, and increasing salaries to attract and retain top talent. Despite challenges, the opportunities for growth in this field are immense, as organizations look to meet ESG goals and embrace sustainability at the core of their business strategies.
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If your organization is seeking top talent in Sustainability, Renewable Energy, CleanTech, or ESG, EnableGreen is here to help. With a global reach and expertise in sourcing sustainability professionals, EnableGreen connects companies with the right talent to drive positive environmental and social impact. Visit EnableGreen to learn more about how we can support your organization in building a sustainable future.