Physical scientists roles in the UK earn a median of £55,500 per year, equivalent to £25.49 per hour as of 2025. Pay increased 4.1% compared to the previous year. Regionally, pay ranges from £52,000 in Yorkshire and The Humber to £65,000 in London. Pay has risen over the past 5 years. The ONS national median for this occupation is £55,518/yr (0% below our computed national average).
Median Annual Pay
£55,500
as of 2025
High confidenceMedian Hourly Pay
£25.49
per hour
Year-on-Year Change
+4.1%
vs 2024
Annual Pay Range
£44,000 – £
25th – 75th percentile
There is currently not sufficient data available for this occupation to say anything about the labour market.
Median annual pay for Physical scientists across UK regions.
Source: ONS ASHE. Based on broad UK regions (NUTS1).
| Region | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| London | £65,000 |
| South East | £58,500 |
| East | £56,500 |
| South West | £53,500 |
| North West | £53,000 |
| East Midlands | £53,000 |
| West Midlands | £53,000 |
| Wales | £52,500 |
| Scotland | £52,500 |
| North East | £52,500 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £52,000 |
| UK | £55,500 |
Annual pay grew by +4.1% from 2024 to 2025.
National average (NUTS1 actuals) based on ONS ASHE April snapshot.
Annual percentage change in median pay for Physical scientists.
Percentage change from the prior year's April figure.
The median salary for a Physical scientists in the UK is £55,500 per year (about £25.49 per hour), based on official ONS data for 2025.
Most Physical scientists earn between £44,000 and £ a year (the 25th to 75th percentile of UK pay).
Physical scientists pay rose by 4.1% from 2024 to 2025.
The highest median pay for Physical scientists is in London, at £65,000 per year.
For job seekers
Check your salary against official UK data for Physical scientists roles — broken down by region and seniority level. Free, instant, no sign-up required.
For employers & recruiters
Physical scientists study relationships between matter, energy and other physical phenomena, the nature, composition and structure of the Earth and other planetary bodies and forecast weather conditions and electrical, magnetic, seismic and thermal activity.
Entrants usually possess a degree, although entry may also be possible with an appropriate BTEC/SQA award. Further specialist training is provided on the job. Higher degrees and professional qualifications are available, and some employers may require a postgraduate qualification.
Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.