SOC 2152 Science, research, engineering and technology professionals

Environment professionals Salary

Median salary £41,555 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £42,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For environment professionals, £43,362 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +11% versus the national average. Experienced environment professionals (top 25%) earn over £50,359.

About this role

Environment professionals assess, monitor and manage environmental risks, pollution, sustainability and regulatory compliance. They advise organisations on environmental legislation, conduct impact assessments and develop strategies to minimise environmental harm.

Key responsibilities

Conducting environmental impact assessments and audits
Advising on environmental legislation and regulatory compliance
Monitoring pollution, waste management and emissions
Developing sustainability strategies and environmental management systems
Preparing environmental reports and planning submissions

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires a degree in environmental science, environmental management or a related discipline. Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) through IEMA or CIWEM is the professional standard. IEMA membership is widely valued.

Career outlook

Strong demand driven by net-zero commitments, Environmental Social Governance (ESG) requirements and increasing environmental regulation.

Key skills

Environmental legislation Impact assessment Data analysis Report writing Sustainability management

Common industries

Environmental consultancies
Construction
Energy
Water companies
Local and central government

Data coverage

SOC code 2152

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 41,000

Median Salary

£41,555

Mean Salary

£45,221

Jobs (000s)

41k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £32,432Median: £41,555P75: £50,359

P10: £26kP25: £32kMedian: £42kP75: £50kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£26,051

0-2 years

Mid Level

£32,432

3-7 years

Senior

£50,359

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +93% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +35.4%Real growth: -1.9%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 16.5%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£41,555

Full-time Only

£43,362

Full-time premium: +£1,807

Environment professionals salary: common questions

How much do environment professionals earn in the UK?

Environment professionals earn a median of £43,362 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £32,432 and £50,359.

Is £43,362 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for environment professionals?

Entry-level environment professionals typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £32,432, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £26,051.

Have environment professionals salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median environment professionals pay has risen from £31,557 to £43,362 — +37% in cash terms, or +0.0% after CPIH inflation. That is roughly in line with inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for environment professionals?

Male environment professionals earn a median £45,365 and female environment professionals £37,899 — a gap of +16% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).