Chief Sustainability Officers
Chief Sustainability Officers develop and execute corporate strategies to address environmental and social responsibility issues. They communicate with executives, investors, customers, and staff to align business operations with sustainability goals. These professionals work across industries including energy, manufacturing, finance, and consumer goods, typically at medium to large organizations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chief sustainability officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A Chief Sustainability Officer might spend part of a week analyzing carbon emissions data and regulatory requirements, then meet with department heads about reducing waste in operations. They could draft sustainability reports for shareholders, collaborate with product teams on eco-friendly initiatives, or attend industry conferences focused on climate and corporate responsibility. Ongoing tasks include monitoring progress against established targets and adjusting strategy based on emerging environmental standards.
Who this work suits
Holland code EIC. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
If you enjoy solving complex business problems while investigating environmental and social impacts, this role suits you. You thrive when directing organizational change, managing stakeholder relationships, and translating sustainability research into actionable corporate strategy.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $217,050 | $341,630 | $520,980 | 910 |
| Washington | $216,230 | $339,810 | $442,180 | 3,170 |
| Illinois | $186,440 | $331,920 | $428,710 | 4,620 |
| North Carolina | $182,980 | $314,290 | $442,080 | 1,930 |
| Virginia | $193,700 | $310,740 | $434,580 | 4,870 |
| New Jersey | $207,160 | $310,440 | $448,910 | 2,430 |
| Connecticut | $203,990 | $295,120 | $456,890 | 1,660 |
| Hawaii | $169,240 | $281,640 | $394,780 | 470 |
| South Dakota | $211,870 | $280,900 | $428,840 | 510 |
| New York | $178,980 | $257,980 | $419,730 | 8,430 |
| Texas | $172,490 | $257,850 | $399,880 | 8,780 |
| Michigan | $160,010 | $255,560 | $405,120 | 4,950 |
All 46 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) — International Society of Sustainability Professionals
- EC Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) — EC-Council
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chief sustainability officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-1011.03 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.