2114 Physical scientists

In short

• ONS unit group 2114, 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): £54,600 (£28.00 per hour)
  • Table 2, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £41,500 (£21.28 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Physical scientists study relationships between matter, energy and other physical phenomena, the nature, composition and structure of the Earth and other planetary bodies and forecast weather conditions and electrical, magnetic, seismic and thermal activity.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess a degree, although entry may also be possible with an appropriate BTEC/SQA award. Further specialist training is provided on the job. Higher degrees and professional qualifications are available, and some employers may require a postgraduate qualification.

Tasks

• conducts experiments and tests and uses mathematical models and theories to investigate the structure and properties of matter, transformations and propagations of energy, the behaviour of particles and their interaction with various forms of energy
• uses surveys, seismology and other methods to determine the earth’s mantle, crust, rock structure and type, and to analyse and predict the occurrence of seismological activity
• observes, records and collates data on atmospheric conditions from weather stations, satellites, and observation vessels to plot and forecast weather conditions
• applies mathematical models and techniques to assist in the solution of scientific problems in industry and commerce and seeks out new applications of mathematical analysis

Related job titles

• Geologist
• Geophysicist
• Medical physicist
• Meteorologist
• Oceanographer
• Physicist
• Seismologist

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

2114 Physical scientists

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Geologists
• Geophysicists
• Hydrogeologists and hydrologists
• Meteorologists
• Physical scientists not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£54,600 (£28.00 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£49,100 (£25.18 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£43,600 (£22.36 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£38,200 (£19.59 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

2114 Physical scientists

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2113

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Geologists
• Geophysicists
• Hydrogeologists and hydrologists
• Meteorologists
• Physical scientists not elsewhere classified

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

£41,500 (£21.28 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£37,300 (£19.13 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£33,200 (£17.03 per hour)

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

£29,000 (£14.87 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 211

• 2111 Chemical scientists
• 2112 Biological scientists
• 2113 Biochemists and biomedical 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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