Research Scientist Salaries in United Kingdom

The average salary for a Research Scientist is £43,957 per year in United Kingdom. Salaries estimates are based on 2271 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Research Scientist employees in United Kingdom.

The highest salary for a Research Scientist in United Kingdom is £59,152 per year.

The lowest salary for a Research Scientist in United Kingdom is £33,573 per year.

Working as a research scientist allows one to perform intellectually stimulating and impactful work while remaining relative independence. With many universities in the country being internationally renowned for their research, scientists have a strong opportunity to make progress within their field. An experienced research scientist can expect to earn over the average salary, but entry level research scientists may have to supplement their low wages with other forms of work. Academic institutions, however, can eventually offer high job stability.

To make more money as a research scientist, consider seeking employment with a reputable university or research institution. The more prestigious the institution, the higher your salary is likely to be. Scientific projects typically rely on public funding and private donations, so these employment options often provide a set income with benefits.

Accumulate as much on-the-job experience as possible. From contract work, internships, volunteering, and part-time roles, there are many opportunities available to help pad out your CV.

Establish your professional reputation with certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR). There are several certifications to choose from, to help you stand out from other candidates in the job market.

Unlike many careers, research scientist jobs are largely funded by grants and donations to labs, research institutions, and universities. This puts a salary cap on what you can earn but you'll still have some bargaining power if you have a substantial project history, show proof of your work through published findings, public speaking engagements, collaborations with other scientists, or any new products or methods you've developed throughout your career. Make sure you highlight the most notable of these in detail. Explore research scientist salaries near you to discover what professionals of similar experience levels are making, then confidently ask for a little over your role's average salary range.

About 61.89% of Research Scientist professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £3,254 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Research Scientist in United Kingdom as a good salary.

Research Scientist professionals in United Kingdom have a wide total pay range, between £26,712 and £80,227 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £43,957 following the average career path of a Research Scientist.