Businesses that embrace competitive pay and forward-thinking benefits have the edge when it comes to attracting the best scientific professionals. Now is the perfect moment to refine your hiring approach and position yourself as an employer of choice.
Our scientific salary guide equips you with the insights and data you need to navigate today’s dynamic market, build a future-ready workforce, and drive long-term success.
This guide reveals salary trends across five key scientific fields in eight regions of the UK, helping you benchmark pay accurately or discover what you could – and should – be earning. Plus, it includes expert analysis of the hiring climate within each field and a look at the benefits employees will value most in 2026.
Our scientific salary guide is broken down into the following fields:
Pharmaceuticals
Medical devices
Chemical
Clinical
Biotechnology
For many scientists, compensation is only one part of the equation. They are often more driven by a passion for their work and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research. As a result, they are increasingly asking "what else?" when considering a role.
Regional Director - Scientific, Reed
Who is the 2026 scientific salary guide designed for?
Our scientific salary guide is tailored for:
Employers aiming to attract talent by benchmarking salaries against competitors.
New startups determining competitive pay for their employees.
Businesses looking to retain talent by aligning existing salaries with market standards.
Graduates and young professionals entering the industry, providing a clear understanding of salary expectations.
Scientific professionals ensuring their current earnings align with regional averages.
Professionals planning to relocate, offering insights into local job markets and salary trends.
Jobseekers preparing for negotiations with potential employers.
Looking for scientific benchmarking insights?
Strengthen your position in the scientific sector with accurate salary benchmarking and market insights. Whether you are looking to hire a head of quality control, a senior scientist in biotechnology, or a pharmacologist, this guide is your essential resource for accurate benchmarking.
Beyond salaries, you’ll gain insight into skills in demand, regional variations, and the factors influencing talent attraction and retention in today’s market. Use it to make informed decisions, stay ahead of industry shifts, and ensure your compensation strategy is competitive.
Curious about what you should be earning?
Discover how your salary compares to industry standards and ensure you're positioned for success in today’s competitive scientific market.
Whether you're looking to enter the industry, negotiating a pay rise, or exploring new opportunities, this guide is your go-to resource for staying informed and ahead of the curve.
What jobs are covered in the Reed scientific salary guide 2026?
This guide provides salary data for a number of roles across the sector, from entry-level to c-suite executives, including:
Principal scientist
Head of bioinformatics
QA technician
Clinical data entry
Clinical operations manager
Laboratory assistant/technician
Microbiologist
R&D/Product development scientist
How can Reed’s scientific salary guide assist with benefits and rewards benchmarking?
At the end of 2025, we conducted our annual survey of 5,000 UK workers to understand how they feel about their salaries, benefits, role and responsibilities, as well as job satisfaction and market trends.
Some key findings include:
20% of professionals feel unhappy with their current salary.
The overwhelming reason for salary dissatisfaction is that pay hasn't kept pace with the cost of living.
26% of respondents have £100 or less leftover each month after essential bills, with seven per cent stating their entire salary goes to essentials.
To switch jobs, individuals expect a substantial average pay increase of £12,139.55.
On average, men earn £48,367.15, while women earn £33,852.12, a difference of over £14,500.
And women have significantly less disposable income, with an average of £626.61 left over monthly compared to £983.38 for men.
Younger workers (25-34) are most willing to sacrifice benefits for higher pay…
… while older workers (55+) are significantly less willing to do so, suggesting they value their existing benefits more.
Access the full survey results and leverage this guide to make confident decisions on salaries and benefits in the UK scientific sector for 2026.
Download your copy now.
