Life, Physical & Social Science
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Also called: Climate Advisor, Climate Analyst, Climate and Energy Program Associate, Climate Economist
US median pay
$82,220
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+6.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
7,300
93,400 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
What they do day to day
- Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
- Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
- Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
- Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
- Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
- Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.
- Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.
- Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts.
- Promote initiatives to mitigate climate change with government or environmental groups.
- Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.6/5
- Systems Analysis3.5/5
- Time Management3.4/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Instructing3.1/5
Knowledge
- Law and Government4.0/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- Communications and Media2.9/5
- Engineering and Technology2.8/5
- Geography2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Master's degree61%
- Doctoral degree13%
- Bachelor's degree13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.