2111 Chemical scientists

In short

• ONS unit group 2111, in minor group 211 (Natural and social science professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 1, Table 2.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £39,900 (£20.46 per hour)
  • Table 2, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £31,300 (£16.05 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Chemical scientists analyse and research physical aspects of chemical structure and change within substances and develop chemical techniques used in the manufacture or modification of natural substances and processed products.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess a degree. Entry may also be possible with an appropriate BTEC/SQA award, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ level III, or other academic qualifications. Further specialist training is provided on the job. Some employers may expect entrants to gain professional qualifications.

Tasks

• develops experimental procedures, instruments and recording and testing systems
• operates specialised scientific equipment and conducts experiments to identify chemical composition, energy and chemical changes in natural substances and processed materials
• analyses results and experimental data
• tests techniques and processes for reliability under a variety of conditions
• develops procedures for quality control of manufactured products

Related job titles

• Analytical chemist
• Chemist
• Development chemist
• Industrial chemist
• Laboratory analyst
• Research scientist (chemical)

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2111 Chemical scientists

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Analytical chemists
• Industrial chemists
• Nuclear and radiochemists
• Research and development chemists
• Chemical scientists not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£39,900 (£20.46 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£35,900 (£18.41 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on 25th percentile Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2111 Chemical scientists

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2111, 3111

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Analytical chemists
• Industrial chemists
• Nuclear and radiochemists
• Research and development chemists
• Chemical scientists not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£31,300 (£16.05 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£28,200 (£14.46 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 211

• 2112 Biological scientists
• 2113 Biochemists and biomedical scientists
• 2114 Physical scientists
• 2115 Social and humanities scientists
• 2119 Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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