Green Jobs: Closing Gaps and Addressing Skill Challenges to Empower the Climate Economy
Green Jobs: Closing Gaps and Addressing Skill Challenges to Empower the Climate Economy
Persistent wage gaps and labour market inefficiencies are hindering progress in the global push for sustainability and a net-zero economy that has placed Green Jobs at the heart of workforce transformation, according to research published by the Adecco Group today.
The research shows that Green Jobs often fail to offer competitive wages or clear pathways for workers to transition, raising concerns about the accessibility and appeal of these roles. It identifies a median wage gap of -0.46% between Green and non-Green Jobs.
High-complexity roles, such as Sustainability Consultants or Cleantech Managers, offer wage premiums of up to 22%, demonstrating the potential of the Green economy to reward expertise. However, lower-complexity Green Jobs often pay less than comparable non-Green positions, creating barriers for lower-skilled workers seeking to join the sustainability movement.
Bettina Schaller, Head Group Public Affairs of the Adecco Group, said: “The Green transition cannot succeed on goodwill alone and this disparity in wages highlights the disconnect between the urgency of mitigating climate change and the remuneration offered to those moving into Green Jobs. “To build a sustainable future and bring the global Climate Agenda to life, we must ensure that Green Jobs are competitive and accessible, providing fair wages and clear career pathways for workers at all skill levels. Businesses, policymakers, and social partners must take decisive action.”
Regional disparities compound the challenge, the research found. Countries including Canada, Italy, and Australia lead with wage premiums for Green Jobs, while European Union nations exhibit larger wage gaps across all levels of job complexity. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to level the playing field and promote equitable transitions across geographies.
The report also emphasises the critical role of skilling in empowering workers to transition into Green Jobs. Many low-complexity Green Jobs, which typically offer lower wages, require significant upskilling to unlock higher-paying opportunities. Access to robust training programs and targeted upskilling initiatives are essential to enable workers—particularly those from industries with high greenhouse gas emissions—to make these transitions successfully.
Despite these challenges, the report highlights areas of opportunity where Green Jobs can be both financially and professionally rewarding. Investment Managers in Green sectors in Canada, Australia, and India can see wage increases of over 12%, while Marketing Managers in the UK, France, and Australia can earn up to 15% more in Green Jobs. These findings demonstrate that, with the right policies and market support, Green Jobs can drive both economic growth and environmental progress. Bettina Schaller added: “Companies and other stakeholders must include the integration of climate considerations into wage policies, while policymakers should increase fiscal incentives and strengthen labour market transparency to reduce uncertainty for workers and employers alike. Furthermore, targeted efforts to support workers in low-complexity roles, including accessible upskilling programs, will be critical for reducing labour market polarisation and ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a net-zero future.” About the Adecco Group The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power the Smart Industry transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). For further information please contact: The Adecco Group Press Office