2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline

In short

• ONS unit group 2162, in minor group 216 (Research and development (r&d) and other research 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): £43,600 (£22.36 per hour)
  • Table 2, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £37,400 (£19.18 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Other researchers, unspecified discipline perform research activities across a variety of disciplines for academic purposes or to provide the systematic investigation necessary for the development of new products and services, or to enhance the performance of existing ones.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess a relevant degree or equivalent qualification, although postgraduate qualifications may be required for some jobs. Training is usually provided on-the-job.

Tasks

• plans, directs and undertakes research into areas of academic interest or commercial importance to their organisation
• designs tests and experiments to address research objective and find solutions
• applies models and techniques to medical, industrial, agricultural, military and similar applications
• analyses results and writes up results of tests and experiments undertaken
• presents results of scientific research to sponsors, addresses conferences and publishes articles outlining the methodology and results of research undertaken
• designs and develops an appropriate research methodology in order to address the research objective
• compiles and analyses quantitative and qualitative data, prepares reports and presents results to summarise main findings and conclusions
• advises government, private organisations and special interest groups on policy issues

Related job titles

• Postdoctoral researcher
• Research assistant (university)
• Research fellow (university)
• University researcher

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

2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Other researchers, unspecified discipline

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£43,600 (£22.36 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£39,200 (£20.10 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£34,900 (£17.90 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

2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2119, 2426

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Other researchers, unspecified discipline

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

£37,400 (£19.18 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£33,700 (£17.28 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£30,000 (£15.38 per hour)

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

£26,200 (£13.44 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 216

• 2161 Research and development (r&d) managers

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

SponsorFlow provides compliance software and record-keeping tools. It is not a law firm or an immigration adviser and does not give legal or immigration advice, which are regulated activities (Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, section 84). This page describes what the published Home Office guidance and the Immigration Rules say, with the paragraph for each point, so you can read the source yourself. Guidance versions and figures are those in force on the date shown; the Home Office changes them, so check the current version before you rely on any of it.