Climate Change Policy Analysts
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Also called: Clean Energy Policy Analyst, Climate Advisor, Climate Analyst, Climate and Energy Program Associate, Climate Change Analyst, Climate Change Risk Assessor
Median pay
$82,220
Pay for the broader BLS group “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$52,520 – $140,010
People employed
89,250
Whole BLS group
Holland code
IEC
Investigative · Enterprising · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 4.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
Climate Change Policy Analysts pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health”.
What climate change policy analysts do
- 01Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
- 02Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
- 03Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
- 04Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
- 05Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
- 06Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media
- Engineering and Technology
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from climate change policy analysts
- Environmental Economists87% · group pay
- Chief Sustainability Officers84% · group pay
- Sustainability Specialists81% · group pay
- Urban and Regional Planners81% · —
- Economists81% · —
Change into climate change policy analysts
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Environmental Economists87% · $124,720
- Chief Sustainability Officers84% · $213,990
- Urban and Regional Planners84% · $89,320
- Sustainability Specialists76% · $83,050
- Transportation Planners73% · $101,110
Majors that lead here
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Molecular Toxicology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Marine Sciences
- Sustainability Studies
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Health
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.