Green-collar jobs surging in Taiwan
TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN — Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming highlighted a surge in the demand for green-collar workers in Taiwan, emphasizing that this growth is on par with the need for AI-skilled professionals.
According to a collaborative report with 104 Job Bank, nearly 3,600 companies have integrated green-collar roles into their workforce, focusing on environmental sustainability. These positions, crucial for achieving net-zero emissions, saw a hiring rate of 22,000 individuals per month in 2024, marking a 3.29-fold increase over the past eight years.
Industry distribution of green collar jobs
The electronics, software, and semiconductor sectors are leading the green employment wave, recruiting approximately 4,300 personnel monthly. Manufacturing, construction, and real estate sectors follow closely. About 80% of these opportunities are concentrated in Taiwan’s major metropolitan areas, including Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan.
Salaries and professional requirements
The report also sheds light on the economic aspects of green-collar jobs, noting a rise in the median starting salary to NT$40,000 (USD$1,231), which is NT$5,000 (USD$154) more than six years ago.
Additionally, the demand for specialized certifications has grown, with 22% of these positions now requiring credentials in areas like wastewater treatment and air pollution prevention.
Future outlook and initiatives
Despite only seven percent of companies currently having green-collar job needs, Minister Peng projects a threefold increase in demand within the next five years.
To support this growth, the Environment Ministry plans to establish a public-private partnership in 2025 to train green-collar workers nationwide, aiming to train at least 3,500 personnel annually. This initiative aligns with Taiwan’s ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and highlights the critical role green-collar workers play in this transition.
