TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan averaged nearly 30,000 green-collar job openings per month in the first half of the year, the highest level in a decade, according to a report jointly released Saturday by the Ministry of Environment and 104 Job Bank.
The report found that employers posted an average of 29,733 green-collar positions each month during the first six months of the year, up 16.6% from the same period last year. The increase far outpaced the overall job market, which grew by 1.2%, per a press release.
Released during the summer job-hunting season for university graduates, the report said demand for green-collar workers continues to expand as businesses respond to Taiwan's net-zero emissions policies and increasingly stringent international sustainability requirements. Green-collar jobs now span industries including technology, manufacturing, and finance, making them an attractive career option for new graduates and experienced professionals alike.
MOENV National Environmental Research Academy Director Chang Shun-chin (張順欽) said this year marks a major milestone in Taiwan's transition toward net-zero emissions. He said the introduction of carbon fees, implementation of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and new internationally recognized sustainability disclosure requirements have increased regulatory obligations for businesses.
Chang said green-collar talent has evolved from a corporate sustainability initiative into a practical workforce need across industries. Many of the positions focus on research, development, and practical applications, contributing to higher salaries.
The report found the median monthly salary for green-collar workers reached NT$57,000 (US$1,800), while 36% of green-collar job postings listed salaries as negotiable, compared with 16% of all job postings, giving qualified applicants greater bargaining power.
The report also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in green industries. AI-related green-collar positions have more than doubled over the past five years as companies integrate AI into carbon inventories, equipment maintenance, smart manufacturing, and green product development. As a result, employers are increasingly seeking candidates with interdisciplinary skills that combine AI expertise with sustainability knowledge.
The report found that an average of 4,299 companies recruited green-collar workers each month during the first half of the year, representing nearly 8% of all employers hiring, per the press release.
Among more than 1.2 million job postings listed on 104 Job Bank, about 820,000 required at least one green-collar skill. However, only about 590,000 job seekers met those qualifications and actively applied, leaving an estimated shortfall of 230,000 qualified workers and underscoring the strong demand for green-collar talent.
