Chemical scientists roles in the UK earn a median of £42,000 per year, equivalent to £20.85 per hour as of 2025. Pay increased 6.2% compared to the previous year. Regionally, pay ranges from £36,000 in East Midlands to £47,000 in London. Pay has risen over the past 4 years. The ONS national median for this occupation is £39,983/yr (5% above our computed national average).
Median Annual Pay
£42,000
as of 2025
High confidenceMedian Hourly Pay
£20.85
per hour
Year-on-Year Change
+6.2%
vs 2024
Annual Pay Range
£35,000 – £53,000
25th – 75th percentile
UK Employment (2024)
~32,000
estimated employees
40 of 180 areas not disclosed by ONS
Employment Change
2021–2024
2021: ~50,000 → 2024: ~32,000
Market Signal
Growing marketPay and employment are both rising — competition for workers is increasing.
Employment figures from ONS Annual Population Survey (APS). Counts are estimates; suppressed cells (small samples) are excluded from totals.
Annual pay for Chemical scientists across UK regions. The bar shows the typical pay range (25th–75th percentile); the diamond marks the median.
Source: ONS ASHE. Based on broad UK regions (NUTS1).
Annual pay grew by +6.2% from 2024 to 2025.
National average (NUTS1 actuals) based on ONS ASHE April snapshot. Shaded band shows 25th–75th percentile range.
Annual percentage change in median pay for Chemical scientists.
Percentage change from the prior year's April figure.
For job seekers
Check your salary against official UK data for Chemical scientists roles — broken down by region and seniority level. Free, instant, no sign-up required.
For employers & recruiters
Chemical scientists analyse and research physical aspects of chemical structure and change within substances and develop chemical techniques used in the manufacture or modification of natural substances and processed products.
Entrants usually possess a degree. Entry may also be possible with an appropriate BTEC/SQA award, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ level III, or other academic qualifications. Further specialist training is provided on the job. Some employers may expect entrants to gain professional qualifications.
Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.