Measuring green jobs: Evidence from task, skill, and occupational data

This paper analyses green jobs in Portugal using a framework based on occupations, tasks, and skills. Using linked employer and employee data for 2010 to 2019, we compare prevalence, sectoral patterns, and wage effects of green employment across definitions. Green jobs account for 2 to 14 percent of employment and show distinct sectoral patterns throughout the economy. Results show positive wage compensation for green job changers. We find gender and education gaps: men and highly educated workers are more likely to hold green jobs. Decompositions also show that a substantial share of the green wage gap is unexplained by observables, especially for task- and occupation-based measures. Overall, measurement choices shape conclusions about green employment and labour market returns. The results support a multidimensional approach to policy, training, and workforce adaptation in the green transition.