Social and humanities scientists roles in the UK earn a median of £38,500 per year, equivalent to £18.46 per hour as of 2025. Pay increased 1.9% compared to the previous year. Regionally, pay ranges from £32,500 in South West to £45,000 in London. Pay has risen over the past 5 years. The ONS national median for this occupation is £39,899/yr (4% below our computed national average).
Median Annual Pay
£38,500
as of 2025
High confidenceMedian Hourly Pay
£18.46
per hour
Year-on-Year Change
+1.9%
vs 2024
Annual Pay Range
£30,000 – £
25th – 75th percentile
There is currently not sufficient data available for this occupation to say anything about the labour market.
Median annual pay for Social and humanities scientists across UK regions.
Source: ONS ASHE. Based on broad UK regions (NUTS1).
| Region | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| London | £45,000 |
| South East | £42,000 |
| Scotland | £40,000 |
| North West | £38,000 |
| East Midlands | £38,000 |
| West Midlands | £38,000 |
| Wales | £38,000 |
| North East | £37,500 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £37,500 |
| East | £33,000 |
| South West | £32,500 |
| UK | £38,500 |
Annual pay grew by +1.9% from 2024 to 2025.
National average (NUTS1 actuals) based on ONS ASHE April snapshot.
Annual percentage change in median pay for Social and humanities scientists.
Percentage change from the prior year's April figure.
The median salary for a Social and humanities scientists in the UK is £38,500 per year (about £18.46 per hour), based on official ONS data for 2025.
Most Social and humanities scientists earn between £30,000 and £ a year (the 25th to 75th percentile of UK pay).
Social and humanities scientists pay rose by 1.9% from 2024 to 2025.
The highest median pay for Social and humanities scientists is in London, at £45,000 per year.
For job seekers
Check your salary against official UK data for Social and humanities scientists roles — broken down by region and seniority level. Free, instant, no sign-up required.
For employers & recruiters
Social and humanities scientists study and analyse human behaviour and the origin, structure and characteristics of language undertake research in areas such as sociology, economics, politics, archaeology, history, philosophy, literature, the arts organise the collection of qualitative and quantitative information and perform subsequent analyses.
Entry is most common with a degree or equivalent qualification but is possible with other academic qualifications and/or relevant experience. Postgraduate qualifications may be required for some jobs.
Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.