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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.

SOC: 19-2041.01

Common Job Titles

  • Climate Analyst
  • Climate and Energy Program Associate
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Policy Analyst

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeSynthesize complex climate research, stakeholder input, and policy frameworks into actionable recommendations for legislative proposals, awareness campaigns, and fundraising strategies.
  • KnowledgeFormulate strategic objectives and policy interventions addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation through systems analysis and stakeholder collaboration in governmental and non-governmental organizations.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze climate change policy developments and legislative initiatives using interdisciplinary knowledge of law, environmental science, and economics to inform strategic recommendations.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate policy compliance and effectiveness against climate mitigation targets integrating quantitative data analysis with regulatory standards in governmental and organizational settings.
  • KnowledgeInterpret climate modeling outputs and scientific data using GIS systems, Python, R, and statistical software to translate technical findings for policy audiences.
  • MindsetAdvocate evidence-based climate policy solutions to diverse stakeholders balancing scientific rigor, political feasibility, and public engagement in high-stakes negotiations.
  • MindsetIntegrate interdisciplinary perspectives and stakeholder values into climate policy design when navigating competing interests among government agencies, advocacy groups, and private sector entities.
  • KnowledgeAssess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of proposed climate policies applying cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment frameworks under time constraints.
  • KnowledgeDevelop technical policy briefs, reports, and presentations on climate change initiatives communicating complex analytical findings to policymakers, media, and the public using Microsoft Office suite and visualization tools.
  • MindsetEngage with external organizations and the public to build support for climate action demonstrating persuasion and social perceptiveness in awareness campaigns and stakeholder consultations.
  • KnowledgeApply quantitative modeling and statistical methods to climate data analysis using MATLAB, SAS, and climate system models to project policy outcomes and trends.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Climate Change Policy Analysts (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

84,930

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $50,130. 25th percentile: U.S. $62,090. 50th percentile: U.S. $80,060. 75th percentile: U.S. $103,730. 90th percentile: U.S. $134,830. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$50,130
10% of workers earn the following or more$134,830
Workers on average earn$88,640

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Law and Government4.0/5
  • English Language3.8/5
  • Mathematics3.5/5
  • Communications and Media2.9/5
  • Engineering and Technology2.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • C++
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Perl
  • Python
  • R
  • SAS
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX

Technology Skills

  • Community Climate System Model CCSM
  • Ferret
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Grid analysis and display system GrADS
  • Interface definition language IDL
  • NCAR Command Language NCL
  • North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program NARCCAP data tables
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Computer data input scanners
  • Computer laser printers
  • Desktop computers
  • High-performance cluster HPC computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Mainframe computers
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers