Despite an increase in unemployment and thousands of jobs lost--- there is a bright spot in Michigan's economy--- green jobs.
Nearly 3% of the region's workforce are employed by green companies--- a small number--- but one that is growing, according to Doug Stites at Capital Area Michigan Works!.
So--- just where are those green jobs?
Here's the breakdown of a recent study---
41% of these direct green jobs are in the clean transportation and fuels area.
Nearly a quarter of the jobs in are in the energy-efficiency category.
Agriculture, natural resources, pollution prevention and environmental clean-up account for about 12%.
Renewable energy production accounts for almost 10% of local direct green jobs.
"It is a sector that has been growing and I feel will continue to grow," says Stites. "And in a state that is losing jobs in almost every sector except health care and IT, Michigan can't afford to ignore any sector that's producing a positive result."
The highest paid jobs in the green sector are engineers and electricians--- who make anywhere from $30-40 an hour.