What Salaries And Job Roles Can I Expect in ESG?

ESG Job Role and Salary

Today, the ecosystem of businesses that revolve around the environment, social and governance (ESG) ecosystem is also continually evolving, and for those who want to create an impactful career around ESG, now is a good time as opportunities increase. ESG job roles and salaries are plentiful, and there are many working in the ESG field.

Based on individual qualifications and experiences, one can filter out ESG job roles, salary ranges, top companies hiring for ESG job roles and the trends in the ESG job market

What is an ESG job, and What kind of Roles are Available?

ESG job roles aim to incorporate sustainability and ethical considerations within an organisation’s operations and decision-making processes. ESG job roles and salaries vary on evaluating and managing environmental, social and governance risks. It requires the employee to practise fostering stakeholder engagement and drive sustainable practices. 

Here are some ESG job roles that are currently in high demand

Sustainability Manager

A sustainability manager is someone responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies, setting goals, and tracking performance for business operations. Their core goal is to ensure sustainable operations which result in long-term and stable financial returns in a business. 

The average annual salary of a sustainable manager in India is ₹ 12.5 Lakhs. The starting salary is around 6 LPA, and it can range up to 35 LPA over time through skill-based promotions.

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers focus on assessing emerging ESG issues and plan accordingly. The plan should help minimise environmental impacts, ensure compliance with regulations, and implement sustainable practices. The average salary for an environmental engineer is 21 LPA, with the lower limit being 16.3 LPA and the upper limit being 46.6 LPA.

Social Impact Analyst

A social impact analyst understands the contemporary happenings to predict the future social impact of a company’s operations. Social impact is directly proportional to financial returns on investment. The average salary for a social impact analyst in India is around 6.3 LPA.

Corporate Responsibility Officer

ESG is a very powerful cluster of industry; thus, when left unsupervised, it can become very volatile. It is crucial to have a checkpoint of responsibility and ethical consideration. The corporate responsibility officer develops and manages corporate social responsibility programs and fosters interpersonal relationships.

The officer ensures ethical practices in social and environmental performance. The average salary of a Corporate Responsibility Officer in India is around 3 LPA (approximately a monthly salary of 25k)

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How Do I Get a Job in the ESG Field?

ESG is a relatively newer field, thus making a career in it will require a combination of education, experience and passion for sustainability. Some steps to get an ESG job role are:

2. Gain relevant education

There is no set curriculum for ESG courses based on the exact periphery to match ESG job roles. However, knowledge around the society, governance and environmental protocols is needed. Academic degrees in sustainability, environmental science, public administration, and business management can be included in the eligibility. Short certification courses in ESG principles can also be added to your CV.

2. Build experience

Experience in the culture and healthy communicative practice in the organisational interpersonal relationship is highly essential. For that, the candidate should first bag some internships, volunteering and entry-level positions before applying to strong roles. The candidate should always be attached to companies with a healthy ESG ecosystem. These initial involvements are essential to judge one’s interest and commitment towards the niche segment of ESG.

3. Network

Your network is your net worth. Visit events, conferences and digital communities. Connect with professionals from the environmental, governance and social sectors, and understand their viewpoints. Build your own perspective.

4. Stay informed

Follow the latest trends, regulatory notices, and emerging practices in ESG.

What Qualifications or Experience are Required for an ESG Job?

Qualifications and experience required for an ESG job role and salary vary depending on the specific role and industry. 

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as sustainability, environmental science, business administration, or social sciences.
• Knowledge of ESG principles, sustainability frameworks, and reporting standards.
• Experience in areas such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, community engagement, or stakeholder relations.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.

What are the Top Companies Hiring for ESG Jobs?

Many companies across industries are recognising the importance of ESG and are actively hiring professionals in this field. Some top companies offering ESG job roles include:

• Unilever
• Microsoft
• Tesla
• Nike
• BlackRock
• Salesforce
• Patagonia
• Novartis
• JPMorgan Chase

These companies prioritise sustainability and ESG principles in their operations and offer diverse opportunities for ESG professionals.

What is the Salary Range for ESG Jobs?

The ESG job role and salary vary depending on factors such as job level, industry, location and experience. Here are some approximate salary ranges for different levels of ESG roles:

• ESG Research Analyst  – ₹12,00,000 per year
• Junior ESG Analyst – ₹5,55,000 per year
• Developer – ₹5,97,549 per year
• ESG associate – ₹3,60,000 per year
• ESG Risk Assessments & Insights Analyst – ₹6,50,000 per year

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ESG roles in finance

The finance industry is having a demand spike for ESG professionals for roles such as ESG Analyst, Sustainable Investing Specialist, and Corporate Responsibility Officer. ESG job roles and salaries depend on the candidate’s calibre of integrating ESG factors into business operations.

Roles like assisting with investment decisions, ESG research and engaging with stakeholders on sustainability pain points are covered under financial roles in ESG.

ESG Roles in the Energy and Utility Industry

The energy industry is of direct utility to every human on earth. Here the ambit of ESG stakeholders goes beyond the ones financially attached to an industry; rather, it seeps ahead to the individual societal representatives. Any decision these job holders make will have a very wide impact. Thus, these responsibilities are ethically regulated. 

Roles like Renewable Energy Project Managers, Sustainability Consultants for energy efficiency projects and Environmental Compliance Officers are in high demand.

What are the Trends in the ESG Job Market?

In recent years, the ESG job market witnessed a 223% spike in demand. The demand is materialised in forms of several trends:

In recent years, the ESG job market witnessed a 223% spike in demand. The demand is materialised in the form of several trends:

• Ethical investing: ESG investment has gained attraction from a spectrum of institutions like multi-billion dollar companies, big private equity firms, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). More companies are recognising the long-term benefits of incorporating ESG practices, leading to a rise in ESG job opportunities.
• AI in the ESG field: The ESG Data Acquisition & Management Survey 2023 reinstates ESG’s market importance and demand. It also suggests the pivotal role of AI in revolutionising the ESG sector to make it more accessible, affordable and inclusive towards its stakeholders. Companies are seeking professionals with knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

• ESG in APAC: ESG practices are expanding beyond traditional sectors like energy and finance, with increased demand in technology, retail and manufacturing industries. In the Asia Pacific zone, there is an uprise of the trend regarding liability for greenwashing, where advertisements and eco-friendly claims by companies are sharply scrutinised. Legislative steps like the South Korean Advertising Act, the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice and guidelines from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission uphold the greenwashing enforcement priority.

Conclusion

The ESG field offers exciting job opportunities for individuals passionate about creating a sustainable and ethical future. Roles like Sustainability Managers, Environmental Engineers, Social Impact Analysts and Corporate Responsibility Officers allow professionals to contribute positively to organisations and society.

By gaining relevant education, building experience, and staying informed, you can position yourself for a successful career in the ESG field. With the increasing focus on sustainability in various industries, the demand for ESG professionals is expected to grow, providing abundant opportunities for those interested in making a difference.

FAQs on ESG Job Role and Salary

Is ESG a well-paying career?

Yes, ESG careers in India pay well, with average salaries around ₹12.5 Lakhs and the potential to rise significantly with experience.

What are the common ESG job roles in India?

Popular ESG roles include Sustainability Manager, Environmental Engineer, Social Impact Analyst, and Corporate Responsibility Officer.

How much can an ESG professional earn?

ESG salaries in India range from ₹3 Lakhs for entry roles to over ₹35 Lakhs for senior positions.

What is the typical salary for ESG at KPMG India?

KPMG India pays ESG-related roles between ₹2.3 Lakhs and ₹12.4 Lakhs annually, varying by position and experience.

Is ESG in demand in the Indian job market?

ESG jobs in India surged by over 223% between 2019 and 2023 and continue to grow rapidly with a sustainability focus rising.

What does the future hold for ESG jobs?

ESG roles will expand strongly, driven by government climate goals and increasing corporate sustainability commitments.

How long is the ESG course in India?

Indian ESG courses typically last 1 to 6 months for certifications, with diploma programs up to 12 months.

Satyamedh Nandedkar, a seasoned finance professional, holds ACCA, CA, US CMA & CS credentials. With 10+ years of experience, he’s a master ACCA tutor, IFRS trainer, adept in global financial standards, and a trusted advisor in navigating complex financial landscapes.