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Physical scientists Salary — UK & US Data (2025)

ONS ASHE 2025 (provisional) · BLS OES May 2025
£53,142
UK median (annual)
10,000
UK jobs in occupation
$122,570
US median (annual)
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UK Salary Overview

The median salary for a physical scientists in the UK is £53,142 per year (gross, before tax), based on ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings data for 2025 (provisional). There are approximately 10,000 jobs in this occupation across the UK. If you're heading into a pay review or a new offer, a good salary negotiation guide can help you land nearer the top of these ranges.

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US Salary Overview

In the United States, the equivalent occupation (Physical Scientists, All Other, SOC 19-2099) has a national median wage of $122,570 per year according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 22,000 people are employed in this occupation in the US. Figures are shown in local currency and are not converted.

US Top States by Median Salary

StateMedian salaryMean salary
District of Columbia $156,730 $152,480
Minnesota $147,890 $151,450
North Dakota $147,650 $128,190
Maryland $141,290 $141,310
South Carolina $141,130 $138,140
Massachusetts $138,380 $136,900
Georgia $137,680 $132,380
Alabama $135,350 $142,930
Pennsylvania $134,780 $142,660
Colorado $134,440 $147,190

See the full US state-by-state breakdown for physical scientists →

Salary data is sourced from ONS ASHE 2025 (provisional) and BLS OES May 2025. Figures represent gross pay before tax. This page is for reference only and does not constitute financial or careers advice.

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Related Jobs

Chemical scientists UK median £39,668 Biological scientists UK median £43,781 Social and humanities scientists UK median £38,591 Natural and social science professionals n.e.c. UK median £41,706 Research and development (R&D) managers UK median £54,857 Other researchers, unspecified discipline UK median £42,463

Work out what this salary means after tax with our take-home pay calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a physical scientists in the UK?

The UK median is £53,142 per year (gross, before tax), based on ONS ASHE 2025 (provisional) data.

How does the US salary compare?

The equivalent US occupation (Physical Scientists, All Other) has a national median of $122,570 per year (BLS OES May 2025). Figures are in local currency and not converted.

Data: ONS ASHE Table 14/15, 2025 provisional · BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-07-18