SOC 2020 · 2111
Chemical scientists
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Eligible
This occupation appears on Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Salary floor
£41,700
The general threshold, £41,700, is the higher of the two.
Shortage lists
Immigration Salary List
Listed roles carry their own restrictions — check GOV.UK.
Shortage list conditions
Immigration Salary List: only jobs in the nuclear industry (Scotland only). Listed until 31 Dec 2026.
Shortage-list jobs are below the usual skill level, so employers face restrictions such as no dependants and no salary discount. Check GOV.UK for the current conditions.
Salary the job must pay
A Skilled Worker job must pay at least the higher of the general threshold and the going rate for its occupation code.
Going rate (standard)
£39,900
General threshold
£41,700
Visa thresholds from
Minimum for this role
£41,700
Home Office going rates from
New entrants and some other cases can use 70% of the going rate, £33,400, subject to the lower general threshold of £33,400.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
- Going rate£39,900
- General threshold£41,700
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 25th | £32,729 |
| 50th | £39,983 |
| Going rate | £39,900 |
| General threshold | £41,700 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | — | £32,729 | £39,983 | — | — |
| East Midlands 2025 | — | — | £31,870 | — | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
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 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
Entry routes and qualifications
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.