Physical scientists

£47,971

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

42 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

3.95%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Physical scientists

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 2113

Physical scientists study relationships between matter, energy and other physical phenomena, the nature, composition and structure of the Earth and other planetary bodies and forecast weather conditions and electrical, magnetic, seismic and thermal activity.

Common tasks include:

conducts experiments and tests and uses mathematical models and theories to investigate the structure and properties of matter, transformations and propagations of energy, the behaviour of particles and their interaction with various forms of energy;
uses surveys, seismology and other methods to determine the earth’s mantle, crust, rock structure and type, and to analyse and predict the occurrence of seismological activity;
observes, records and collates data on atmospheric conditions from weather stations, satellites, and observation vessels to plot and forecast weather conditions;
applies mathematical models and techniques to assist in the solution of scientific problems in industry and commerce and seeks out new applications of mathematical analysis.

Qualifications

Entrants usually possess a degree, although entry may also be possible with an appropriate BTEC/SQA award. Further specialist training is provided on the job. Higher degrees and professional qualifications are available.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Physical scientists

Regional employment: Physical scientists

Future employment: Physical scientists

Top 12 industries: Physical scientists

Alternative & related job titles: Physical scientists

Stratigrapher Palaeontologist Consultant, geophysical Petrologist Gemmologist Physicist, medical Processor, data, geophysical Rheologist Assistant, meteorological Geotechnologist Geochemist Hydrogeologist Officer, research Spectroscopist Worker, research Manager, research Aerodynamicist Scientist, research Mapper, geological Officer, meteorological Researcher Superintendent (National Physical Laboratory) Palynologist Forecaster Adviser, geological Consultant, geological Interpreter, seismic Assistant, research Adviser, protection, radiation Navigator, seismic Astrophysicist Meteorologist Oceanographer Astronomer Geomorphologist Reducer, data, geophysical Geohydrologist Scientist Logger, mud Geophysicist Engineer Officer, scientific Crystallographer Geologist Hydrometrist Hydrologist Associate, research Thermodynamicist Geologist, engineering Mineralogist Biophysicist Geoscientist Practitioner, protection, radiation Engineer, geophysical Physicist Seismologist Ballistician Director of research Examiner, gas (Dept for Business Innovation and Skills)

Equality focus: Physical scientists

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.