Chemical scientists roles in the UK earn a median of £40,000 per year, equivalent to £20.59 per hour as of 2025. Pay increased 1.1% compared to the previous year. Regionally, pay ranges from £32,000 in East Midlands to £47,000 in London. Pay has risen over the past 5 years. The ONS national median for this occupation is £39,983/yr (0% above our computed national average).
Median Annual Pay
£40,000
as of 2025
High confidenceMedian Hourly Pay
£20.59
per hour
Year-on-Year Change
+1.1%
vs 2024
Annual Pay Range
£32,000 – £
25th – 75th percentile
There is currently not sufficient data available for this occupation to say anything about the labour market.
Median annual pay for Chemical scientists across UK regions.
Source: ONS ASHE. Based on broad UK regions (NUTS1).
| Region | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| London | £47,000 |
| South East | £42,000 |
| East | £41,000 |
| Scotland | £40,500 |
| South West | £38,500 |
| North West | £38,000 |
| West Midlands | £38,000 |
| Wales | £38,000 |
| North East | £37,500 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £37,500 |
| East Midlands | £32,000 |
| UK | £40,000 |
Annual pay grew by +1.1% from 2024 to 2025.
National average (NUTS1 actuals) based on ONS ASHE April snapshot.
Annual percentage change in median pay for Chemical scientists.
Percentage change from the prior year's April figure.
The median salary for a Chemical scientists in the UK is £40,000 per year (about £20.59 per hour), based on official ONS data for 2025.
Most Chemical scientists earn between £32,000 and £ a year (the 25th to 75th percentile of UK pay).
Chemical scientists pay rose by 1.1% from 2024 to 2025.
The highest median pay for Chemical scientists is in London, at £47,000 per year.
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.