3111 Laboratory technicians

In short

• ONS unit group 3111, in minor group 311 (Science, engineering and production technicians) and major group 3 (Associate professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and checks and perform a variety of technical support functions requiring the application of established or prescribed procedures and techniques to assist scientists with their research, development, analysis and testing, and to verify the physical, chemical and other characteristics of materials and products.

Typical entry routes

Entry varies from employer to employer. Entrants usually possess a degree, although entry is also possible with A-levels, GCSEs/S grades, an appropriate BTEC/SQA award or HNC/HND. Professional qualifications, NVQs/SVQs at various levels, and apprenticeships are available in some areas of work. Good eyesight, and in some cases, normal colour vision are also required.

Tasks

• sets up and assists with the construction and the development of scientific apparatus for experimental, demonstration or other purposes
• prepares organic and inorganic material for examination and stains and fixes slides for microscope work
• operates and services specialised scientific equipment, undertakes prescribed measurements and analyses and ensures that sterile conditions necessary for some equipment are maintained
• records and collates data obtained from experimental work and documents all work carried out
• maintains and rotates stock and supplies
• disposes of chemical and biological waste safely
• keeps up to date with new technical developments

Related job titles

• Assistant scientist (laboratory)
• Associate practitioner (laboratory)
• Cytoscreener
• Hospital technician
• Laboratory technician
• Scientific technician

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 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3111 Laboratory technicians

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Biological laboratory technicians
• Chemical laboratory technicians
• Health physics monitors
• Laboratory food technicians
• Medical laboratory technicians
• Laboratory technicians not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£33,400 (£17.13 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 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3111 Laboratory technicians

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

3111

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Biological laboratory technicians
• Chemical laboratory technicians
• Health physics monitors
• Laboratory food technicians
• Medical laboratory technicians
• Laboratory technicians not elsewhere classified

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

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£25,000 (£12.82 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 311

• 3112 Electrical and electronics technicians
• 3113 Engineering technicians
• 3114 Building and civil engineering technicians
• 3115 Quality assurance technicians
• 3116 Planning, process and production technicians
• 3119 Science, engineering and production technicians 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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