Full IEMA members (MIEMA) typically earn about £10,000 a year more than their affiliate counterparts, while associate members (AIEMA) earn, on average, £12,000 a year more than graduate members.
These are the headline findings from our latest pay survey, which was carried out between 23 December 2010 and 12 January 2011.
It also found that environmental professionals with full membership can expect to earn, on average, more than £50,000 a year.
These results reveal that the median salary – the mid-point in the range of respondents’ salaries – of an employed environmental professional of any membership level is £35,200. This compares favourably with the median for all UK employees, which in December 2010 was £25,900.
Our data also reveal that the median salary for a full member is £90,000.
Member earnings
| Mean | Median | |
| Graduate | £23,088 | £23,000 |
| Affiliate | £38,868 | £34,000 |
| Associate | £38,914 | £35,000 |
| Full | £50,399 | £90,000 |
| Fellow | £92,138 | £45,000 |
The top 10% earn at least £60,030. The figures not only indicate that the average earnings of environmental practitioners have remained strong in the face of the economic downturn, but that the professional recognition gained from IEMA membership and qualifications is reflected in salaries.
Professional development is central to the progression of your career as well as your earnings; perhaps these salaries have motivated you to upgrade your membership?
IEMA is about to conduct a round of full membership upgrades but the registration closing date is Monday 1 March.
Or, if you do not feel ready for full membership but are interested in achieving AIEMA there are two rounds of the Associate Open Book Assessment between now and the end of 2011, giving you the opportunity to climb the membership ladder, enhance your professional recognition and maybe even increase your earnings.
Further results and a full analysis of the IEMA practitioners survey 2011 will be published in a special supplement accompanying the March issue of the environmentalist.
