Carbon Accounting Analyst

Develop, manage, and report organizational greenhouse gas inventories in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and sector-specific accounting methodologies. Calculate Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across complex value chains, manage emissions data quality assurance processes, and prepare third-party verification submissions. Support science-based target setting, carbon reduction project evaluation, and internal carbon pricing program implementation.

Median salary: $88,000. Projected growth to 2033: 18% (much faster than average) - driven by mandatory Scope 3 disclosure requirements. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $88,000
Entry-level: $55,000 - $70,000
Senior: $130,000+
Growth by 2033: 18% (much faster than average) - driven by mandatory Scope 3 disclosure requirements
Demand: Growing Fast
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 50% Team / 50% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 2-4 years
Years to senior: 5-8 years
Career switching: Easy
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $55,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

GHG Protocol Corporate Standard (Scope 1/2/3)
Science-Based Targets (SBTi) Methodology
Carbon Verification & Assurance (ISO 14064)
Emission Factor Database Management (EPA / IPCC / ecoinvent)
Supply Chain Emissions Mapping
Internal Carbon Pricing Program Design

Soft skills

Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Written Communication
Data Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path