SOC 2119 Science, research, engineering and technology professionals

Natural and social science professionals n.e.c. Salary

Median salary £41,706 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £42,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For natural and social science professionals n.e.c., £43,384 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +11% versus the national average. Experienced natural and social science professionals n.e.c. (top 25%) earn over £53,132.

About this role

Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified work across diverse scientific disciplines including geography, geology, meteorology, environmental science, political science and other fields not specifically categorised under other SOC codes.

Key responsibilities

Conducting research and analysis within their scientific discipline
Collecting, interpreting and presenting scientific data
Advising organisations or government on specialist scientific matters
Publishing research findings and contributing to professional knowledge
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on projects

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires a degree in the relevant science discipline, with many positions requiring postgraduate qualifications (MSc or PhD). Professional registration with relevant bodies (e.g., Geological Society, Royal Geographical Society) is valued.

Career outlook

Demand varies significantly by discipline. Environmental science, climate research and geoscience roles are growing. Academic positions remain competitive.

Key skills

Research methodology Data analysis Scientific writing Fieldwork Statistical analysis

Common industries

Research institutions
Environmental consultancies
Government agencies
Universities
Energy sector

Data coverage

SOC code 2119

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 40,000

Median Salary

£41,706

Mean Salary

£44,296

Jobs (000s)

40k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £32,209Median: £41,706P75: £53,132

P10: £27kP25: £32kMedian: £42kP75: £53kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£27,137

0-2 years

Mid Level

£32,209

3-7 years

Senior

£53,132

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +96% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +18.5%Real growth: -14.2%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 9.8%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£41,706

Full-time Only

£43,384

Full-time premium: +£1,678

Natural and social science professionals n.e.c. salary: common questions

How much do natural and social science professionals n.e.c. earn in the UK?

Natural and social science professionals n.e.c. earn a median of £43,384 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £32,209 and £53,132.

Is £43,384 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for natural and social science professionals n.e.c.?

Entry-level natural and social science professionals n.e.c. typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £32,209, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £27,137.

Have natural and social science professionals n.e.c. salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median natural and social science professionals n.e.c. pay has risen from £37,054 to £43,384 — +17% in cash terms, or -15% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for natural and social science professionals n.e.c.?

Male natural and social science professionals n.e.c. earn a median £44,724 and female natural and social science professionals n.e.c. £40,329 — a gap of +10% in 2025.

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