Top 10 Jobs for People Who Want to Save the World

People with this job help patients young and old improve the skills they need for everyday living. Patients might be children on the autism spectrum, mature adults recovering from physical illness or injury, and everyone in between. This job requires a master’s degree and professional licensure.

• Median Annual Salary: $64,680
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 27 percent
• Occupational Therapist Career Profile

Over 250,000 American workers are employed by the solar energy industry, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association — more than twice as many as in 2012. No surprise, then, that the demand for solar photovoltaic installers is soaring. These workers install and maintain solar panels. A high school diploma or equivalent is often enough to get started, although many PV installers also take a course or do an apprenticeship. On-the-job training lasts as long as a year.

• Median Annual Salary: $39,281
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 24 percent

Nutritionists and dietitians advise clients on healthy eating with a variety of goals, from supporting medical treatment to weight loss to managing illnesses like diabetes. Dietitians typically have a bachelor’s degree, and their pay may rise with specific skill sets, such as assisting clients undergoing treatment for specific medical issues.

• Median Annual Salary: $51,206
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 16 percent growth
• Dietitian and Nutritionist Career Information

Nurses provide patient care in a variety of in-patient and out-patient settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and patients’ homes. They also help coordinate care and educate patients and their families about health and disease management. Many hospitals now require bachelor’s degrees. All registered nurses must be licensed. Another option, which doesn't require a four year degree, is a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

• Median Annual Salary: $60,895
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 16 percent growth
• How to Get a Job as a Nurse

Physicians and surgeons obviously make a real difference in patients’ lives and contribute to the health of the community at large. They also get paid well: depending on their specialty, they can earn well over $200,000 a year. On the other hand, they may need that money to tackle their student loans: doctors undergo nine years or more of postsecondary education and training. 

• Median Annual Salary: $131,375
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 14 percent
• Doctor Career Information

Environmental engineers help companies minimize the impact of development on the environment. They may help prevent air and water pollution, improve public health, and help form policy. People in this field typically have at least a bachelor’s degree. Project management experience is associated with higher pay, which can range close to six figures at the high end.

• Median Annual Salary: $63,111
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 12 percent growth
• Environmental Engineer Career Information

If you want to have a positive effect on humankind, there’s no better place to start than at the beginning. Elementary school teachers shape young minds right at the start, teaching them how to learn as well as laying the foundation in basic subjects like math, reading, social studies, and science.

• Median Annual Salary: $43,697
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 6 percent
• How to Become a Teacher
• How to Get a Job as a Teacher

Urban planners are often independent contractors working with various public and private groups, including private property owners, cities, and corporations. They create plans for land use that take into account economic and environmental factors, as well as population growth. Typically, urban planners have a master’s degree.

• Median Annual Salary: $54,039
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 6 percent
• Urban Planner Career Information

Firefighters save lives and property, putting out fires and managing other emergencies. They also educate the public about fire prevention strategies. Typical entry-level education for this occupation is a postsecondary nondegree award, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Median Annual Salary: $46,547
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 5 percent growth
• Firefighter Job Profile

Members of the police force work to keep communities safe by patrolling neighborhoods, responding to complaints, and arresting suspects, as well as participating in community outreach programs. Educational requirements vary; a high school diploma is required, but some areas prefer a bachelor’s degree.

• Median Annual Salary: $50,074
• Job Outlook (2014-24): 4 percent
• How to Become a Police Officer

Sources: CareerCast’s Jobs to Make a Difference in 2017, PayScale’s Best Jobs for You, The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook

 Looking for more options to help make a difference in the world? These green jobs pay well, and you can help the environment while earning a salary. There's a job for every skill set, industry, and education level on this list of green dream jobs.