The UK government recently announced their plan to quadruple the number of ‘Green’ jobs by 2030. With the aim of steering those considering a job in this field, Bower Collective has conducted a study analyzing the topmost advertised ‘environmental’ job roles across 11 sectors. The ‘sustainable living’ experts have also created a tool, which enables those contemplating a career in the field to see a complete ranking of prospective job roles based on their preferred combination of relevant factors.
Overall, the study found that listings for environmental jobs in the UK this year have increased by 91% when compared to just five years ago (2016) and those entering the environmental field can expect to be earning at least 12% above the national average wage, with the average annual salary for environment-related jobs coming in at £35,267.
By considering market growth rate, the current number of vacancies, average salary, and ease of entry, the role of Arborist (or arboriculturalist) was found to be the best green career in the forestry and horticulture sector. The role ranks 3rd overall across all sectors, and also has the 7th highest market growth rate (224%).
Top environmental job roles in the UK’s forestry & horticulture sector
Top green careers across all sectors and factors
The three highest-scoring careers overall were: Sustainability Consultant, Renewable Energy Engineer, and Environmental Policy Advisor, respectively. The career with the best average salary on the list was Environmental Designer (£57,511). Environmental Designers or Architects ensure that homes and commercial buildings are built to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
The next best-paid jobs were in Environmental Policy (£52,146) and Environmental Law (£51,834).
The careers that have seen the largest 5-year increase in job openings (between January to August 2016 and January to August 2021) were Fisheries Officers/Technicians. Fisheries Officers and Technicians are responsible for the conservation and protection of freshwater or marine life, and in September, the government announced they would be investing £24 million into the fishing industry.
Environmental Policy Advisors also saw a 550% market growth rate rise, and demand for Countryside and Park Rangers has also increased by 529%.
The eco-job with the most current job vacancies was Recycling Managers and Officers. Sustainability and Environmental Consultants had the second and third most advertised openings respectively.
The careers with the lowest education requirement but the best prospects were found to be Fisheries Managers and Officers and Farm Managers as both require minimal formal education and scored well across the other factors.
For full details on the UK’s top 10 environmental careers, visit Bower Collective’s interactive tool here.