Autumn 2025 Ecology Salary & Market Overview

Over the past few months, I’ve been speaking with a wide range of ecology professionals and employers across the UK, gathering insights on how the market is shaping up as we head into autumn 2025.

It’s clear that the ecology sector has remained resilient despite the wider economic uncertainty. Recruitment activity has eased slightly from the highs of 2022–2023, but demand still comfortably outstrips supply — particularly at Senior and Principal levels.

What’s been interesting to hear is how priorities are evolving. Many candidates are now weighing flexibility, project diversity, and long-term stability just as heavily as salary. At the same time, consultancies with well-defined approaches to BNG delivery, digital ecology, and nature-positive design are finding themselves in a stronger position to attract and retain the best people.

I’ve drawn together all these findings into my Autumn 2025 Ecology Salary and Market Overview, which provides a snapshot of current trends, salary benchmarks, and what’s really driving movement in the market right now.

Ecology Salary Comparison – Autumn 2025

Level	Advertised Salaries	JSM Market Data	Comments & Insight
Assistant Ecologist	£25,000 – £30,000	£23,000 – £27,000	Advertised inflated by London/infrastructure. Regional median -£25k. Seasonal roles £110/day.
Consultant Ecologist	£32,000 – £38,000	£28,000 – £34,000	Job boards often show 'Consultant/Senior' hybrids. True midpoint - £31k.
Senior Ecologist	£40,000 – £48,000	£35,000 – £43,000	Salary compression continues; hybrid working and stability valued highly.
Principal Ecologist	£50,000 – £60,000	£45,000 – £55,000	Very competitive market £50k realistic average outside cities.
Associate / Technical Director	£60,000 – £75,000	£55,000 – £70,000	Larger multidisciplinary firms exceed £70k; SMEs cap around mid-60s.
Head of Ecology / Discipline Lead	£75,000 – £90,000	£70,000 – £85,000	Few roles available; top end linked to leadership or regional management.

 

Market Themes

• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery remains the strongest driver of demand.
• Growing curiosity around AI and digital ecology tools, though uptake remains limited.
• Many ecologists are choosing to stay put, citing economic caution and job security.
• Hybrid working is now standard; fully remote roles are rare.
• Employers demonstrating flexibility, strong leadership, and clear progression remain the most attractive.

Key Takeaways

• Senior and Principal grades remain in highest demand.
• Salaries have stabilized after the sharp rises of 2022–2023.
• Flexibility, culture, and project variety are now more decisive than salary alone.
• Autumn and winter are the best periods to explore moves before spring recruitment surges.

For tailored insights or to benchmark your current package, contact Jeremy Money at JSM Associates.

Email: jeremy@jsm-associates.co.uk | www.jsm-associates.co.uk

Written by:
Jeremy Money
Director, JSM Associates

I have worked within the Environmental and Sustainability sector for 20 years, making me one of the most established and well connected networkers in the market.

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