Mid-Level

Climate Change and Sustainability Manager

The climate action leader — managing programs to address climate change and advance sustainability goals.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
E
I
C
S
A
R
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Investigativeanalytical, curious
Based on Holland Code framework
Job markets for Climate Change and Sustainability Managers
Employment concentration · ~327 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Climate Change and Sustainability Manager

As Climate Change and Sustainability Manager, you lead programs addressing climate change and broader sustainability. You manage carbon reduction initiatives, develop climate strategy, coordinate sustainability programs, and report on climate and sustainability performance.

Your days blend program management with technical climate work. You might analyze carbon emissions data, coordinate climate initiatives, develop sustainability programs, prepare climate reporting, and engage stakeholders on climate strategy. You drive the organization's response to climate challenges.

The hardest part is making meaningful progress on climate while navigating organizational priorities and demonstrating value. Climate and Sustainability Managers who thrive combine technical climate knowledge with program management skills, build organizational commitment, and demonstrate measurable climate progress.

AchievementHigh
IndependenceHigh
Working ConditionsHigh
RecognitionHigh
RelationshipsAbove avg
SupportLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Climate vs sustainability balanceIndustry footprintRegulatory pressureProgram scopeTeam size
This role varies in climate versus broader sustainability emphasis. Industry footprint affects climate priorities — high-emission industries face different challenges. Regulatory pressure (carbon pricing, disclosure) varies. Program scope ranges from carbon-focused to comprehensive sustainability. Team sizes differ.
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Climate Change and Sustainability Managers (SOC 11-1011.03), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Climate Change and Sustainability Manager career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Climate strategy
Director roles shape climate strategy, not just manage programs
2
ESG integration
Climate connects to broader ESG agenda
3
Stakeholder management
Climate involves diverse stakeholders
What is the balance between climate and broader sustainability?
What is the organization's carbon footprint and climate commitment?
What programs are underway or planned?
What reporting and disclosure requirements exist?
What is the team structure?
✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$74K–$208K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
212K
U.S. Employment
+4.3%
10yr Growth
22K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$110K$107K$104K$101K$99K201920202021202220232024$99K$110K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

Critical ThinkingWritingComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSocial Perceptiveness
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
11-1011.03

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.