What do chemists earn?

Pay and Reward survey

Every two years, we ask our members to share their experiences of salaries, pensions and benefits in their field of the chemical sciences.

I have found the RSC Pay and Reward survey a powerful resource for career planning. It provided trustworthy guidance as I moved from my PhD studies into the commercial chemistry environment. It also helps me determine if my current remuneration is fair in a world that bombards you with temptation to change job, both social media and recruiters, without definite evidence. – Senior Chemist

Using the data we are able to put together an authoritative employment and job satisfaction report to help you to manage your career. We also use the report data to support our careers team, the Chemist's Community Fund and inform our wider policy and advocacy work in the chemical sciences community.

Highlights from 2017 report

Salaries are on the up

The median salary amount has gone up 1% to £46,000 compared to 2015’s results.

The gender pay gap is still present

Women are earning on average £13,000 less than men – a bigger gap than that seen in 2015’s survey report.

Many survey respondents see developing leadership skills as the route to career progression.

A change of focus for benefits

The emphasis for many survey respondents is on making sure they have work/life balance.

Holiday allowance, flexible working and the option to work from home top the list of benefits desired.

2015 Pay and Reward report

The 2015 report is freely available, and uses data collected from members of the Royal Society of Chemistry in July 2015.

Not a Royal Society of Chemistry member? If you are not yet part of our community, you can purchase a copy of our 2017 Pay and Reward Survey report for £250. Contact our career management team for details.

Or join us for as little as £20.