Heritage Officer

Protect historic buildings, sites and landscapes through advice, planning and grants.

This UK heritage officer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£26,000 - £32,000
Mid-career salary
£35,000 - £48,000
Senior salary
£55,000 - £75,000
Work environment
Office, community or institutional setting
Time to entry
1 - 3 years
Degree required
Sometimes required
Category
Public Sector and Emergency Services

What a Heritage Officer does

Protect historic buildings, sites and landscapes through advice, planning and grants.

How to become a Heritage Officer

  1. Look up Heritage Officer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Heritage Officer - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Heritage law
  • Conservation
  • Community engagement
  • Reporting
  • Field work