TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s green workforce has grown by 12% since 2021 and is expected to add more than 14,000 net jobs by 2035, according to the 2025 Green Jobs Report released during Climate Week.
The Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy published the report, Growing Green Jobs: The Opportunities for New Jersey’s Workforce, which highlights the state’s progress in expanding clean energy resources and the opportunities ahead for workers. Since 2021, the state has added 6,000 jobs in the sector and seen over 100 new clean energy projects built.
The report identifies 12 priority occupations needed to meet New Jersey’s clean energy goals, all paying higher than the national average. Electricians are projected to see the largest growth, followed by plumbers, HVAC mechanics and installers, and solar installers.
“As the growth of our green economy adds thousands of family-sustaining jobs in New Jersey, this report will help guide our continued commitment to meeting the demand for workforce development and coordination across our educational institutions, unions, and training providers,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
Training providers and programs exist for all top green occupations, the report notes, with 10 of the 12 requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent. Stronger connections between employers and workforce partners — including unions, educators, and community groups — could further strengthen the state’s green workforce pipeline.
“Cultivating a skilled workforce has long been a cornerstone of New Jersey’s vision for sustainability, and the Department of Labor is proud of our ongoing success in developing clear pathways to employment in this area through strategic investments in education, training, and apprenticeship programs,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Co-Chair on the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy. “Our goal is to continue ensuring every New Jerseyan has the opportunity to thrive in this emerging industry, transforming not just careers but entire communities as we transition to a more environmentally responsible future.”
The report highlights new workforce initiatives, including the Economic Development Authority’s Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program, which makes $9.7 million available for registered apprenticeship centers, with priority given to overburdened communities. Applications are open until Sept. 29.
“The NJEDA’s Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program will help expand workforce development programs across the state, particularly in Overburdened Communities, helping prepare residents for good-paying careers in the building and construction trades,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has continued to invest in innovative apprenticeship programs aimed to promote equitable economic opportunities and strengthen communities.”
In April, EDA also awarded $4.3 million in Green Workforce Training Grants to expand clean energy career pathways.
“In New Jersey, we have made empowering our children to lead the jobs of the future green economy our priority. Through our first-in-the-nation K-12 climate change education standards, we are preparing students for exciting, new opportunities in the State’s growing green workforce,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Equipping our students with the tools necessary to build a stronger and cleaner New Jersey is one of the most powerful and important things we can do for the future.”
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Youth Inclusion Initiative has provided nearly $2.5 million since 2021 to give around 275 young people exposure to environmental careers.
“Cultivating the next generation of New Jersey’s environmental stewards is a gift that not only protects our lands and natural resources for others but grows and sustains a robust green economy benefiting our state and nation,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We are proud of the Youth Inclusion Initiative’s success in providing young people from diverse communities with invaluable exposure to environmental careers.”
Montclair State University’s PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies also continues to prepare students through its Green Teams program, which this year included 50 interns from 16 states.
“New Jersey’s clean energy transition is powering more than just our grid – it’s powering thousands of career opportunities. As we accelerate our transformation through grid modernization, renewable energy deployment, and energy efficiency programs, we’re not just building a cleaner future, we’re building high-wage careers that will sustain New Jersey families for generations,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “The NJBPU is committed to ensuring our clean energy investments translate into real opportunities for New Jersey workers at every skill level.”
The report was developed through collaboration among state agencies and BW Research Partnership, which conducted interviews with dozens of stakeholders to identify workforce needs and opportunities. It comes as New Jersey agencies prepare the 2026–2028 Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Strategic Funding Plan, which is expected this fall.
