Skip to content
SOC 2113 Science, research, engineering and technology professionals

Biochemists and biomedical scientists Salary

Median salary £45,269 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £45,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For biochemists and biomedical scientists, £47,892 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +23% versus the national average. Experienced biochemists and biomedical scientists (top 25%) earn over £54,701.

About this role

Biochemists and biomedical 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 methodology Data analysis Critical thinking Scientific writing Technical expertise

Common industries

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

Data coverage

SOC code 2113
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2021–2025
Estimated jobs 46,000

Median Salary

£45,269

Mean Salary

£50,191

Jobs (000s)

46k

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: £28kP25: £35kMedian: £45kP75: £55kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£28,002

0-2 years

Mid Level

£35,161

3-7 years

Senior

£54,701

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +95% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Nominal growth: +20.3%Real growth: -2.7%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 9.3%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£45,269

Full-time Only

£47,892

Full-time premium: +£2,623

Biochemists and biomedical scientists salary: common questions

How much do biochemists and biomedical scientists earn in the UK?
Biochemists and biomedical scientists earn a median of £47,892 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £35,161 and £54,701.
Is £47,892 a good salary in the UK?
For biochemists and biomedical scientists, £47,892 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +23% versus the national average. Experienced biochemists and biomedical scientists (top 25%) earn over £54,701.
What is the starting salary for biochemists and biomedical scientists?
Entry-level biochemists and biomedical scientists typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £35,161, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £28,002.
Have biochemists and biomedical scientists salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2021, median biochemists and biomedical scientists pay has risen from £38,735 to £47,892 — +24% in cash terms, or +0.0% after CPIH inflation. That is roughly in line with inflation over the period.
Is there a gender pay gap for biochemists and biomedical scientists?
Male biochemists and biomedical scientists earn a median £48,575 and female biochemists and biomedical scientists £44,057 — a gap of +9.0% in 2025.

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