Driven by massive investments in renewable energy, green tech, and sustainability, India is witnessing a surge in green job opportunities, with Tier II and III cities emerging as key employment hubs and digital skills becoming crucial for future roles.
India’s green economy is on a fast track to transformation, with projections placing its value at $1 trillion by 2030 and a staggering $15 trillion by 2070, said NLB Services in a statement. As the country intensifies its focus on clean growth, green transformation has emerged as a top priority for industries across the board. With increased investments in green technology, renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives, India Inc. is also prioritizing the development of a skilled green workforce to meet rising sectoral demands.
Green Jobs on the Rise: 7.29 Million by FY28, 35 Million by 2047
NLB Services in a statement said India’s green sector is expected to add 7.29 million jobs by FY28, expanding to 35 million jobs by 2047, according to new estimates. These figures surpass earlier projections that predicted a 15–20% annual growth in demand for green jobs over the next decade. The demand surge is pushing organizations to pivot from traditional hiring approaches toward skill-based recruitment, emphasizing hands-on competencies in sustainability.
Companies are also building partnerships with academic institutions to equip youth with future-ready green skills and launching large-scale re-skilling and inclusive hiring initiatives.
Industries Driving Job Creation
Job growth is being led by sectors such as:
- Renewable Energy
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Sustainable Construction
- Waste Management
- Eco-friendly Textiles
While metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi continue to be hotspots for green talent, Tier II and Tier III cities like Jaipur, Indore, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Chandigarh are rapidly emerging as green employment hubs. These smaller cities are projected to account for 35–40% of the new green jobs by FY28, fueled by growth in sectors like logistics, sustainable agriculture, and warehousing.
Emerging Roles and Skills in Demand
The definition of a green job is rapidly evolving. There’s significant momentum for hybrid roles that merge sustainability knowledge with digital and data skills. Key roles witnessing a sharp rise in demand include:
- ESG Analysts (expected to grow 13–20x)
- Climate Data Scientists
- Green Tech Developers
- GIS and AI Specialists
Technological innovations are reshaping green job profiles. Tools like smart irrigation systems, precision farming, AI-driven climate models, remote monitoring systems, and blockchain for traceability in clean tech are fueling this transformation. The integration of digital tools and sustainability is now central to the green talent market.
With growing demand comes rising pay. Green job salaries have increased by an average of 20.3% over the past two years. Tier I cities command higher compensation—up to 50% more than Tier II regions—driven by cost of living and a higher concentration of companies offering sustainability-related roles.
Despite the promising outlook, gender disparity remains a concern. Women currently occupy only 11–12% of green jobs in India, due to limited access to technical training, cultural barriers, and workplace safety concerns.
Encouragingly, many forward-looking companies are making strides in inclusive hiring—supporting women-centric skilling programs, offering mentorship, and fostering safe, equitable work environments. These initiatives are projected to improve gender parity by 12–15% in the next five to six years.
Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services said “Over the last few years, green jobs have moved from niche opportunities to mainstream careers in sectors like EVs, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure,” said Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services. “The real game-changer has been the shift in required skillsets—today’s green professionals need both sustainability knowledge and digital fluency. Technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and GIS are powering a new wave of careers in the green economy.”
Key Takeaways for Job Seekers and Employers
- Green jobs are set to dominate India’s employment landscape in the coming decades.
- Digital + sustainability skills are essential for future-ready careers.
- Tier II/III cities offer growing opportunities across multiple green sectors.
- Inclusive hiring and gender diversity are central to a truly sustainable workforce.
India’s green economy is not just a climate solution—it’s a job creation engine that’s building the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive future.