Science & Research · SOC 2112
Biological scientists
Biological scientists (SOC 2112) is a UK-wide occupation on the UK Immigration Salary List, meaning an employer may sponsor an overseas worker on a Skilled Worker visa at a reduced salary floor of £30,700 per year instead of the standard going rate of £40,300.
Quick answer
- Going rate (annual)
- £40,300
- ISL salary floor (annual)
- £30,700
£20.67 / hour
£15.74 / hour
The reduced floor is about 24% below the going rate. Both assume a 37.5-hour week and must be pro-rated for other working patterns.
Salary breakdown
| Occupation | Biological scientists |
|---|---|
| SOC 2020 code | 2112 |
| Sector | Science & Research |
| Geographic scope | UK-wide |
| Going rate (annual) | £40,300 |
| Going rate (hourly) | £20.67 |
| ISL salary floor (annual) | £30,700 |
| ISL salary floor (hourly) | £15.74 |
What this means
Because Biological scientists is on the Immigration Salary List, a UK employer with a sponsor licence can pay a sponsored worker the reduced floor of £30,700 per year rather than the £40,300 going rate, provided all other Skilled Worker route conditions are met. This applies anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
What is the visa salary for Biological scientists in the UK?
Biological scientists (SOC 2112) has a standard going rate of £40,300 per year (£20.67 per hour). Because the occupation is on the Immigration Salary List, an employer may sponsor a Skilled Worker at the reduced floor of £30,700 per year (£15.74 per hour) — about 24% below the going rate. Both figures assume a 37.5-hour week.
Where does the Biological scientists shortage role apply?
This occupation is on the Immigration Salary List UK-wide, so an eligible employer anywhere in the United Kingdom may use the reduced salary floor.
Does being a shortage occupation guarantee a Biological scientists a UK visa?
No. The Immigration Salary List only sets a reduced salary floor for Biological scientists. The applicant and sponsoring employer must still meet every other Skilled Worker requirement — a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, the required skill level, and English language — before a visa is granted.