Environmental salaries on the rise

The average earnings of environmental professionals have shot up by almost 10% in the past two years, a new report has revealed.


The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment’s (IEMA) survey showed salaries in the environmental sector are outpacing the rest of the UK economy.

More than 2,750 IEMA members took part in the survey, carried out earlier this year, with respondents showing a 9.8% growth in the average wage.

However, just 2% of those surveyed thought their salary compared very favourably with other professions.

Almost a third believed their salaries compared fairly unfavourably.

IEMA chief executive Russell Foster said: “The results of this survey have confirmed that our profession, although still in its infancy, is now firmly on the map.

“At this time when the environment – through the climate change debate – is on everybody’s lips, the timing and findings of such a survey could not be more relevant.”

Martin Baxter, deputy chief executive, said: “This survey highlights the wide diversity of work areas that people in the profession get involved in.

“On another level, it shows that environmental practitioners are in demand from employers and that it’s a great sector to be engaged in, offering real opportunities to make a practical environmental difference and get paid for it.”

The survey also found that the average annual wage for an affiliate level member – the introductory level of membership within IEMA – is now £37,814, a rise of 14% from the average salary recorded in a 2005 survey.

The report also revealed that more than a third of environmental professionals in the UK are aged between 25 and 34.

Respondents also indicated that their dedication to the environment is reflected outside work, with 89% saying they make full use of recycling facilities.

However, just 2% said they generate their own energy.

Kate Martin

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