Chemical Engineer Salary UK: What the Latest ONS Data Reveals

If you're working as a chemical engineer in the UK or considering the profession, understanding the typical pay is essential. The most authoritative source for earnings data is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). While ONS does not have a dedicated category for 'chemical engineer', it groups the role under 'Engineering professionals n.e.c.' (not elsewhere classified). This article breaks down the latest figures, explains how hourly rates convert to annual salaries, and highlights regional differences.

Median and Mean Chemical Engineer Salary

According to ONS ASHE 2025 provisional data, the median gross annual salary for chemical engineers (all employees, full-time and part-time) is £47,985. For full-time employees only, the median rises to £48,776. The mean (average) salary across all employees is £52,921. These figures are for employees who have been in their job for at least a year and include pay affected by absence.

It's important to note that these are gross figures before tax and National Insurance. The median gives a better sense of the 'typical' salary, as it is less affected by very high or low earners. The mean is pulled upward by higher-paid roles.

Hourly Rate for Chemical Engineers

The median hourly pay (excluding overtime) for chemical engineers across the UK is £23.92. This is significantly above the National Living Wage, which for employees aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour in April 2025 and rises to £12.71 in 2026/27. The hourly rate is useful for comparing part-time roles or calculating pro-rata pay.

Converting Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

A standard conversion assumes a 37.5-hour working week and 52 paid weeks per year (including holiday pay). For the median hourly rate of £23.92:

• Weekly pay: £23.92 × 37.5 = £897
• Annual pay: £897 × 52 = £46,644

This is slightly below the ONS median annual figure of £47,985, partly because the annual figure includes employees with longer hours or overtime. Many chemical engineers work more than 37.5 hours, and overtime can boost earnings. Use our Hourly to Salary tool to try different hours-per-week assumptions.

Conversely, if you know an annual salary, divide by 52 then by your weekly hours to get an equivalent hourly rate. For the median full-time salary of £48,776: £48,776 ÷ 52 = £938 per week; £938 ÷ 37.5 = £25.01 per hour. This is higher than the reported median hourly rate of £23.92, reflecting that annual figures include some overtime or bonus pay.

Regional Variations in Chemical Engineer Pay

ONS data also provides median annual salaries by region for the 'Engineering professionals n.e.c.' group. These figures cover all employees (full-time and part-time) and show clear geographical differences:

• London: £56,791
• South East: £54,173
• East of England: £50,123
• West Midlands: £48,401
• North West: £47,873
• Scotland: £46,487
• North East: £45,705
• East Midlands: £44,195
• Wales: £42,989
• South West: £42,883
• Yorkshire and The Humber: £41,411

London weighting is evident, with the capital offering a median over £14,000 higher than Yorkshire. If you are considering relocating or negotiating a role, these regional benchmarks are useful. For more detailed breakdowns, see our salary data page.

Full-Time vs Part-Time and Hours Assumptions

ONS defines full-time as working more than 30 paid hours per week (25 for teaching professions). Part-time is 30 hours or fewer. The median annual figure for full-time chemical engineers (£48,776) is based on this definition. Part-time workers will earn proportionally less, but the hourly rate often remains similar.

When converting between hourly and annual pay, always clarify the contracted hours. A 40-hour week is also common in engineering. Using 40 hours instead of 37.5 would give:

• £23.92 × 40 = £956.80 per week
• £956.80 × 52 = £49,753.60 per year

This is closer to the ONS full-time median. Always check your contract for your exact hours and any overtime arrangements.

Caveats and Data Limitations

The ONS ASHE data is based on a 1% sample of PAYE records and is provisional for 2025. The 'Engineering professionals n.e.c.' group includes roles beyond chemical engineering, such as materials engineers or other specialists, so the figures are indicative rather than exact. Additionally, the data does not capture experience levels, company size, or sector (e.g., oil & gas vs pharmaceuticals), all of which can significantly affect pay.

For the most accurate picture, combine ONS benchmarks with industry-specific surveys and job adverts. Remember that your actual take-home pay depends on tax code, pension contributions, student loan repayments, and any salary sacrifice schemes.

Summary

The typical chemical engineer salary in the UK, based on ONS ASHE 2025, is around £48,000 to £53,000 annually, with a median hourly rate of £23.92. London and the South East command higher pay, while northern regions and Wales are lower. When converting hourly to annual, a 37.5-hour week is a common baseline, but many engineers work 40 hours or more. Use the Hourly to Salary tool to run your own calculations, and always refer to official GOV.UK guidance for tax and minimum wage rates.

For further reading, explore our salary articles on other engineering roles and UK pay trends.