Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science salary 2026/27
Cefas, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, is a marine science body based mainly in Lowestoft and Weymouth. Its median pay is shown below for each grade it publishes.
Cefas salaries: pay by grade at the Cefas laboratories
| Grade | Median | Take-home a month | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| AO | £26,080 | £1,778 | 60 of 73 |
| EO | £29,740 | £1,986 | 84 of 92 |
| HEO | £35,080* | £2,291 | 92 of 93 |
| SEO | £43,070* | £2,721 | 93 of 93 |
| Grade 7 | £56,350* | £3,396 | 87 of 91 |
| Grade 6 | £67,690* | £3,903 | 84 of 84 |
Median full-time salary at 31 March 2026 from Cabinet Office Civil Service Statistics. * Our estimate from the official 2026 figure for the combined level and the 2025 figure for the grade. Rank compares Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science with every department and agency that publishes a figure for that grade. Take-home is full time, alpha member, tax code 1257L, no student loan.
Among the lowest-paying employers at senior grades
Cefas ranks 93rd of 93 at SEO, 87th of 91 at Grade 7 and last of 84 at Grade 6. Its Grade 6 median is £67,690, 14% below the typical department's figure.
Much of the work is scientific, and science staff at several bodies are paid on separate bands. The difference between Grade 7 and Grade 6 is only about £506 a month in take-home.
Against the typical department
| Grade | Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science median | Typical department | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AO | £26,080 | £28,100 | -£2,020 |
| EO | £29,740 | £32,460 | -£2,720 |
| HEO | £35,080 | £39,440 | -£4,360 |
| SEO | £43,070 | £48,220 | -£5,150 |
| Grade 7 | £56,350 | £63,110 | -£6,760 |
| Grade 6 | £67,690 | £78,270 | -£10,580 |
The typical department is the middle one when every department and agency that publishes a figure for that grade is put in order, at 31 March 2026.
What each step up is worth
| Move | Extra gross a year | Extra take-home a month |
|---|---|---|
| AO to EO | £3,660 | £208 |
| EO to HEO | £5,340 | £304 |
| HEO to SEO | £7,990 | £430 |
| SEO to Grade 7 | £13,280 | £675 |
| Grade 7 to Grade 6 | £11,340 | £506 |
Extra take-home is smaller than the extra gross pay because of tax, National Insurance and the higher alpha contribution rate that applies as pay rises.
Grades with too few staff to publish a figure are left out. Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science may also pay more in London and for specialist roles, and most departments have paid a 2026/27 award since 31 March 2026.
Common questions
How much does an AO earn at Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science?
The median AO salary at Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science was £26,080 at 31 March 2026, which is about £1,778 a month after tax, NI and alpha at 2026/27 rates.
How much does an EO earn at Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science?
The median EO salary at Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science was £29,740 at 31 March 2026, which is about £1,986 a month after tax, NI and alpha at 2026/27 rates.
How much does a HEO earn at Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science?
The median HEO salary at Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science was about £35,080 at 31 March 2026 (our estimate from official figures), which is about £2,291 a month after tax, NI and alpha at 2026/27 rates.
Does Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science pay more than other departments?
It depends on the grade. At AO, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science ranks 60 of 73 departments that publish a figure. At SEO it ranks 93 of 93.
What pension do Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science staff get?
Civil servants join the alpha pension scheme. You pay 4.6% to 8.05% of your pay depending on what you earn, and build 2.32% of your pensionable pay as pension each year.