While women have experienced increased compensation in the clean energy and sustainability sectors, overall salary growth has slowed and market uncertainty is encouraging some to leave the industry, according to a report from Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), in partnership with root/edge, a recruitment firm focused on energy and infrastructure.

The 2025 “Clean Energy & Sustainability Salary and Sentiments Report” aims to increase compensation transparency and improve career sentiment. It offers an evidence-based view of compensation, sentiment and workforce trends across the nation’s clean energy and sustainability sectors. WRISE and root/edge collected responses from over 500 professionals in solar, wind, energy storage, power delivery and sustainability and from a range of experience and seniority levels.

The report highlights some bright spots in the industry. It finds that 67% of respondents feel optimistic about long-term careers in renewable energy, while only 6% feel pessimistic. Over two-thirds (68%) reported intending to stay in the industry, while one in five were exploring other opportunities. This largely positive sentiment among the clean energy and sustainability workforce indicates continued confidence in the sector, despite shifting market and policy conditions, according to the report’s summary.

“In the 20 years since WRISE was founded, the state of women in the industry has changed dramatically, but we still have work to do,” said Doseke Akporiaye, executive director at WRISE. “Working with root/edge on this report is a strategic first step towards data leadership for women in the industry. We hope our members and sponsors will continue to support these efforts to tell the story of women’s experiences through data.”

In 2025, salaries across the U.S. clean energy and sustainability sectors show modest growth, while median salaries across most levels in these industries remained stable, according to a Dec. 15 article by the American Journal of Transportation (AJOT). A majority (84%) of professionals reported receiving a bonus, according to the WRISE and root/edge report; a report from Global Energy Talent Index also found that nearly half of professionals received moderate pay increases (under 5%) in 2025.

But ongoing market uncertainty—including policy changes, interest rate pressure, slower distribution of capital and extended project timeframes—is having real effects on women working in these sectors. The report finds that 89% of respondents are concerned about recent proposals to reduce clean energy tax credits. And while 68% of respondents said they intend to remain in the clean energy and sustainability sectors, 39% considered leaving the industry in the last year.

Gender gaps also remain in these industries.

“Women are significantly less likely to have a formal development plan despite reporting similar levels of career confidence,” according to the AJOT article. Professionals need clear assurance, such as double-digit salary increases, to consider a career move. Most respondents rated structured development plans as important to their long-term career goals.

“Transparency isn’t a nice-to-have anymore—it’s essential,” said Mindy Prefling, managing partner at root/edge. “Professionals want clarity about their value, their opportunities, and the future of the industry. Employers want the insight to make smarter, more sustainable hiring decisions.”

“The data shows a sector full of committed, capable people, but also one that needs clarity to navigate the next chapter,” Prefling continued. “We hope this report helps employers build stronger teams and helps professionals make informed decisions in a rapidly changing landscape.”