2112 Biological scientists

In short

• ONS unit group 2112, 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): £40,300 (£20.67 per hour)
  • Table 2, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £30,700 (£15.74 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Biological scientists examine and investigate the morphology, structure, and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess a degree and some roles may require a postgraduate qualification. Entry may also be possible with an appropriate BTEC/SQA award, an HNC/NHD, or other academic qualifications. Further specialist training is provided on the job. Some employers may expect entrants to gain professional qualifications.

Tasks

• studies the physical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms
• researches the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms
• observes the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment
• advises farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease
• monitors the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation not performed by Job holders in MINOR GROUP 215: Conservation and Environment Professionals

Related job titles

• Agricultural consultant
• Forensic scientist
• Horticulturist (professional)
• Microbiologist
• Pathologist

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

2112 Biological scientists

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Agricultural scientists
• Biologists
• Botanical and horticultural scientists
• Microbiologists and bacteriologists
• Pathologists
• Pharmacologists
• Zoological scientists
• Biological scientists not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£40,300 (£20.67 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£36,300 (£18.62 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

2112 Biological scientists

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2112

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Agricultural scientists
• Biologists
• Botanical and horticultural scientists
• Microbiologists and bacteriologists
• Pathologists
• Pharmacologists
• Zoological scientists
• Biological scientists not elsewhere classified

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

£30,700 (£15.74 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£27,600 (£14.15 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

• 2111 Chemical 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.

All 412 occupation codes

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