The Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) published the findings from its latest annual Practitioners’ Survey, which received responses from 2,120 environment and sustainability professionals.

Of this group, 41.7% who started their careers in non-environmental roles are, according to the results, even more satisfied to have made the change, with 77% saying they are either satisfied or very satisfied.

Further results from the survey, carried out since 2007, reveal that 58.9% of environment and sustainability professionals experienced a pay rise during 2013, a figure which has increased by 2% from the previous year.

For those who received a pay rise – in a profession where the average annual pay for a practitioner working in business and industry is £43,025 – the median increase in earnings stands at 3%.

According to the survey, the reported levels of satisfaction have remained stable year-on-year since 2012.

IEMA CEO Tim Balcon, said: “I think these statistics not only demonstrate just how rewarding a career in environment and sustainability really is, but really drive home how environment and sustainability skills are being valued.

“With the economy so dependent on environmental skills, it’s great to see that many are seeing their unique contributions reflected in their pay,” added Balcon.

Leigh Stringer

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