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ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC TRADES N.E.C.▲ 65% /10yrBUSINESS, RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS N.E.C.▲ 60% /10yrFINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS▲ 55% /10yrASSEMBLERS (VEHICLES AND METAL GOODS)▼ 1% /10yrHIGHER EDUCATION TEACHING PROFESSIONALS▲ 5% /10yrSOFTWARE ENGINEER£55,000▲ 38% /5yrCYBER SECURITY ANALYST£62,000▲ 35% /5yr
SOC 2112Science, research, engineering and technology professionals

Biological scientists Salary

QUOTE · BIOLOGICAL SCIENTISTSUK · 2025
£43,781
▲ 12% vs UK median (£39,039)
2015–2025 median▲ 24%

Median salary £43,781 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £44,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For biological scientists, £45,382 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +16% versus the national average.

WINDOW: PROFILE

About this role

Biological scientists conduct systematic research, analysis and investigation within their area of expertise. They design studies, collect and analyse data, interpret findings and communicate results to inform decision-making, advance knowledge or develop new products and services.

Key responsibilities

  • Designing and conducting research or analytical studies
  • Collecting, processing and analysing data
  • Interpreting results and drawing evidence-based conclusions
  • Writing reports, papers and presenting findings
  • Maintaining laboratory, equipment or data systems

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires a degree in a relevant scientific or analytical discipline. Research positions often require a masters or PhD. Professional registration or chartership may be required depending on the field.

Career outlook

Demand varies by specialisation. Life sciences, data science and environmental research are growth areas. Funding availability influences academic research positions.

Key skills

Research methodologyData analysisCritical thinkingScientific writingTechnical expertise

Common industries

  • Research institutions
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Government
  • Technology
  • Environmental services

Data coverage

SOC code2112
Data sourceONS ASHE
Years available2015–2025
Estimated jobs13,000
WINDOW: DATA
Mean Salary
£48,939
Top 10% Earn
N/A
Jobs (000s)
13k
Data Years
11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: --P25: £29kMedian: £44kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£29,168

0-2 years

Mid Level

£29,168

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Nominal growth: +24.2%Real growth: -10.0%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees
£43,781
Full-time Only
£45,382

Full-time premium: +£1,601

WINDOW: FAQ

Biological scientists salary: common questions

How much do biological scientists earn in the UK?
Biological scientists earn a median of £45,382 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).
Is £45,382 a good salary in the UK?
For biological scientists, £45,382 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +16% versus the national average.
What is the starting salary for biological scientists?
Entry-level biological scientists typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £29,168, though this varies by employer and region.
Have biological scientists salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2015, median biological scientists pay has risen from £37,949 to £45,382 — +20% in cash terms, or -13% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).

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