8 social impact jobs that pay well and make the world better — yes, they exist

“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better,” said Robert F. Kennedy, American politician and brother of President John F. Kennedy.

With social impact jobs, you can do just that and so much more. 

Imagine waking up each day knowing that your work isn’t just about profits or deadlines but about transforming communities, saving the planet, and empowering those in need.

Social impact jobs are all about mixing passion with purpose, where making a difference isn’t a bonus — it’s a job description. Whether you’re committed to solving environmental challenges, promoting social justice, or driving meaningful change, there’s a job for you.

The world needs people in social impact jobs now more than ever

The challenges our world is facing today require innovative, compassionate, and mission-driven solutions. Social issues like climate change, inequality, and poverty can’t be solved by governments or profit-driven corporations alone. 

The world needs individuals who dedicate their time to contributing directly to the cause and helping to find a solution, no matter how big or small the problem.

Take climate change, for example. In July 2024, the National Centres for Environmental Information found that 13.8% of the world’s surface experienced record-high temperatures, surpassing July 2023’s record by 5.4%.

Social impact jobs in areas like sustainable energy, environmental policy, and conservation are crucial for developing solutions to lessen and even reverse the damage caused by decades of environmental neglect. 

Whether it’s advocating for policy changes, developing green technology, or educating businesses and communities on sustainability, these jobs directly impact how we combat climate change and protect future generations.

So if you’re passionate about making a positive impact in society, here’s how you can do it.

Skills you’ll need for social impact jobs

Like how every job has a required set of skills needed to be performed well, social impact jobs have them too. After all, in careers like these, it’ll be more than just holding a board and being part of a demonstration,

Some essential hard skills of social impact jobs include:

• Research
• Project management 
• Impact assessment
• Industry-specific knowledge

However, soft skills —interpersonal skills — are just as important, especially when working with underrepresented communities or individuals in challenging circumstances. The following soft skills for success are:

• Empathy
• Strong communication
• Adaptability
• Cultural competence
• Self-awareness

By mastering these skills, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in social impact jobs and drive meaningful change.

Jobs that have little to no social impact

Honestly, there’s no such thing as a job that has no social impact. Or, well, most of the time.

But that got us thinking about what jobs do not contribute back to society or employment that many people may find annoying.

Scaplers

Scalpers buy large quantities of in-demand items, such as new branded shoes or concert tickets, at regular prices. They artificially create scarcity and hike the prices of things people love, making them unaffordable for many.

Despite attempts to stop them, like introducing a bill that criminalises ticket scalping or using software to screen out scalpers from the initial ticket sale, these people still find ways around it.

Worse yet, these scalpers are actual fans themselves.

Take Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, for example. A small percentage of the pop artist’s fans made huge profits reselling their tickets on sites like StubHub as professional scalpers mostly had to watch from the sidelines, according to data reviewed by Billboard in 2023.

Paparazzi

The bane of famous people everywhere, these photographers follow — or should we say stalk? — their target everywhere they go in order to take photographs of them for newspapers and magazines.

In 2008, when Britney Spears had a medical crisis and needed to be sent from her mansion in Beverly Hills to a medical centre via ambulance, she — along with a dozen motorcycle police and an LAPD helicopter — had to fight through a wave of paparazzi.

“It’s about time someone cracked down on the paparazzi,” said Shallom Berkman, the co-founder of Urth Cafe, a trendy celebrity magnet in West Hollywood, in an interview with NPR. “It’s almost like a siege. They just run in and they’re out before you know it. They don’t look or care what they’re doing. They could trample a small child or knock into someone with a coffee. They’re very destructive, very dangerous.”

Berkman recalls once, when Lindsay Lohan stopped by for some coffee, a car pulled up into the handicapped spot driving about 30 mph before putting on the breaks, “only feet away from people sitting enjoying themselves.”

Scam callers

If you’ve never answered a scam call before, you’re one of the few in the world. In 2020, Americans collectively fend off over 3 billion spam calls per month, reports Truecaller.

And that doesn’t even account for the rest of the world, even when the world is relentlessly cracking down on this particular business.

But like this call scammer shares with CNN, “You can shut down an office. It’s possible; it does happen a lot, but you can never shut down a business.”

So, have some respect for yourself and don’t even try to venture into these jobs. Instead, do some good in the world and opt for these social impact jobs — the world will thank you for it.

8 social impact jobs that pay well and bring positive change

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager (CSR)

Average salary: US$98,137 /year

Education requirements: Bachelor’s in Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.

A CSR Manager serves as the company’s ethical compass, promoting and advancing its commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. 

Key responsibilities include staying informed on the latest trends, identifying opportunities for the company to contribute to societal well-being, and developing policies that align with its corporate citizenship goals.

Additionally, CSR Managers play a vital role in communicating the company’s charitable initiatives, which can enhance its reputation and potentially attract external philanthropic support.

Counsellor

Average salary: US$52,365 /year

Education requirements: Bachelor’s in Psychology or Counselling, Master’s in Counselling, and counselling license certificate

A counsellor is one of the few key social impact jobs that directly impact mental health and personal well-being. Trained to provide guidance and support, counsellors help individuals address personal or psychological challenges.

They offer a listening ear and professional advice to navigate difficult life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disasters, academic pressure, or job loss.

Counsellors can specialise in various fields, including school counselling, substance abuse, mental health, and career guidance.

Environmental Scientist

Average salary: US$84,123 /year

Education requirements: Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Geoscience, Forestry, or a related field.

As an environmental scientist, you’ll apply your expertise in climate, Earth sciences, and ecosystems to help protect the planet, promote human health, and combat climate change.

Your responsibilities may include raising public awareness about the importance of environmental protection, conducting environmental assessments, analysing ecological data, and supporting stakeholders and policymakers in making informed decisions that promote sustainability.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Officer (DEI)

Average salary: US$75,929 /year

Education requirements: Bachelor’s in Human Resources, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Social Work, Business, or a related field

If you’re curious about who works to reduce workplace discrimination and promote equality, it’s a Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer. As a DEI officer, your role extends beyond corporate companies to schools, social welfare organisations, and universities.

This is one of the few social impact jobs where you’ll advocate for minority groups within large organisations, staying informed on current legislation and implementing policies and action plans to foster a safe and inclusive environment. 

Family Support Worker

Average salary: US$39,702 /year

Education requirements: Bachelor’s in Social Work, Counselling, Childhood Studies, Youth and Community Work, or a related field

A family support worker provides practical assistance and emotional support to families facing both short and long-term challenges. These challenges may include bullying, domestic violence, criminal behaviour, substance abuse, and mental or physical health issues, among others.

If you’re passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, young people, and families, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to do so.

Probation Officer

Average salary: US$62,965 /year

Education requirements: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Law, Psychology, or a related area

While this job may sound scary, a probation officer is one of the essential social impact jobs society and the criminal justice system need. You are responsible for supervising individuals placed under probation as an alternative to incarceration or as part of their court sentence.

As a probation officer, your job is to ensure that offenders, no matter their age, adhere to the conditions set by the court during their probation period.

Additionally, the goal is to help them reintegrate into society while minimising the possible risk of criminal behaviour.

Sustainability Strategy Consultant

Average salary: US$57,583 /year

Education requirements: Bachelor’s in Environmental Science or Engineering, Business Administration, Mathematics, Urban Planning, Systems Design, or a related area

Interested in protecting the environment while working behind the scenes? Becoming a sustainability strategy consultant could be the perfect fit for you. In this role, you’ll use your expertise to advise businesses on becoming more socially and environmentally responsible while maintaining financial stability.

You may specialise in water management, supply chain optimisation, energy efficiency, or reducing carbon footprints. Companies like EY, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, and McKinsey & Company are a few companies that offer sustainability strategy consultancy. 

Teacher

Average salary: US$57,503 /year

Education requirements: Bachelor’s in subject of interest, Master’s in Education, and teaching certificate

Teachers hold one of the most important social impact roles in society. They serve as educators, motivators, role models, and the inspiration for future generations. Despite often feeling underappreciated in the profession,  many teachers remain deeply dedicated to their work. 

As a teacher, your responsibilities include lesson planning, collaborating with parents and fellow educators, and tailoring instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of children at varying levels of understanding.