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Research & DevelopmentGrowingBright Outlook

Climate Change Policy Analyst

Senior-level

Also known as: Clean Energy Policy Analyst, Climate Advisor, Climate Analyst, Climate and Energy Program Associate

Research & DevelopmentBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Climate Change Policy Analyst, you research and examine policy developments related to climate change. You’ll use your critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills to recommend actions like new legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising strategies. You work primarily indoors, often sitting, collaborating with teams through email, phone calls, and face-to-face discussions. This role suits someone who enjoys deep analysis, clear communication, and contributing to environmental solutions.
Climate ChangeEnvironmental PolicyPolicy AnalysisSustainabilityResearchPublic PolicyGovernment RelationsSTEMScience

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the state environmental agency office in Sacramento, grab a coffee, and settle into your desk. Booting up your computer, you open Outlook to triage overnight emails and check your Microsoft Teams notifications. Your calendar shows a morning free for research, a welcome block of quiet time before a cross-departmental meeting this afternoon. You mentally prioritize reviewing new EPA regulations concerning industrial emissions.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPoint

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+6.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

7,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

93,400

in 2025 → 99,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This career has a bright outlook, projected to grow by 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, with about 7,300 job openings each year. The median annual wage is $82,220. This field is growing rapidly, offering chances to advance into senior advisory roles or manage environmental programs.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Environmental Research Assistant
  • Junior Public Policy Analyst
  • Environmental Compliance Specialist

Where it can lead

  • Senior Climate Policy Advisor
  • Environmental Program Manager
  • Government Affairs Specialist (Environment)

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly augment climate change policy analysts' roles by automating vast data synthesis, complex impact modeling, and predictive scenario forecasting, enabling faster and more precise policy development. This shift will free analysts from routine data tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level strategic interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and the ethical implications of AI-informed climate solutions. Their expertise will evolve towards leveraging AI outputs to craft more effective and nuanced policy recommendations.