Physical scientists: average salary and pay in the UK
Full-time physical scientists in the UK earned a median £55,518 in the year to 5 April 2025, according to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE): 42% more than the £39,039 median for all full-time jobs.
What the figures show
That ranks 35th of 382 occupations on this measure.
A full-time median is published for men only; the sample of women is too small.
ASHE counts roughly 12,000 employee jobs, 92% full-time.
Since 2021 the median has risen 38.2% (from £40,167), faster than the 25.0% for all jobs.
The Annual Population Survey counts 31,600 people in this line of work across the UK.
Pay distribution, 2025 provisional
| Gross pay | Full-time, annual | Full-time, weekly | Full-time, hourly | All, annual | All, weekly | All, hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20th percentile | – | £757.60 | £19.38* | – | £653.90* | £18.55* |
| 25th percentile | £44,414* | £796.00 | £20.54* | £42,514* | £706.00 | £20.46 |
| 30th percentile | £46,268* | £801.50* | £21.71 | £45,628* | £774.70 | £21.68 |
| 40th percentile | £50,829* | £882.40* | £23.58* | £47,318* | £849.50* | £23.46* |
| Median (50th percentile) | £55,518* | £987.90* | £26.64* | £53,142* | £949.30* | £26.58* |
| 60th percentile | £63,113* | £1,169.50* | £30.33* | £61,755* | £1,100.70* | £29.46* |
| 70th percentile | – | – | £33.84* | – | £1,263.90* | £33.58* |
| Mean | – | £1,157.80 | £29.98 | – | £1,090.50 | £29.98 |
Pay since 2021
| ASHE year | Full-time, annual median | Full-time, weekly median | Full-time, hourly median | All, annual median | All, weekly median | Jobs (thousands, indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 revised | £40,167* | £798.20 | £22.03* | £39,524* | £790.10* | 12* |
| 2022 revised | £43,239* | £844.00 | £22.11 | £43,049* | £844.00 | 12* |
| 2023 revised | £48,115* | £923.20* | £25.16 | £47,373* | £919.00* | 12* |
| 2024 revised | £54,988* | £951.20* | £25.15* | £48,634* | £926.90* | 14* |
| 2025 provisional | £55,518* | £987.90* | £26.64* | £53,142* | £949.30* | 12* |
Physical scientists by region
UK: 31,600 (± 6,900), April 2025 to March 2026.
Annual Population Survey (Nomis)
What physical scientists do
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. (ONS SOC 2020, 2114)
Also covers: geologist, geophysicist, medical physicist, meteorologist, oceanographer, physicist, seismologist, engineering geologist, forecaster (meteorological), gas examiner, geological adviser, geological consultant, geological mapper, geophysical consultant, geophysical engineer, meteorological assistant, meteorological officer and mud logger (71 titles in the ONS coding index).
- Conducts experiments and tests and uses mathematical models and theories to investigate the structure and properties of matter, transformations and propagations of energy, the behaviour of particles and their interaction with various forms of energy
- Uses surveys, seismology and other methods to determine the earth’s mantle, crust, rock structure and type, and to analyse and predict the occurrence of seismological activity
- Observes, records and collates data on atmospheric conditions from weather stations, satellites, and observation vessels to plot and forecast weather conditions
- Applies mathematical models and techniques to assist in the solution of scientific problems in industry and commerce and seeks out new applications of mathematical analysis
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.
Related
Natural and social science professionals (median £45,333) · Biochemists and biomedical scientists · Social and humanities scientists · salary percentile · UK average weekly earnings growth · Median
ASHE Table 14: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 · coding index · notes · 15 October 2026