Chemical scientists vs Mechanical engineers Salary

How do Chemical scientists and Mechanical engineers salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown using the latest ONS data.

Mechanical engineers earns £10,165 more per year (26% higher)

Chemical scientists

£39,834
per year (gross)
Take-home: £32,200
vs

Mechanical engineers

£49,999
per year (gross)
Take-home: £39,519

Detailed Comparison

MetricChemical scientistsMechanical engineersDifference
Median Annual£39,834£49,999-£10,165
Mean Annual£45,616£53,850-£8,234
Take-Home (Net)£32,200£39,519-£7,319
Monthly (Gross)£3,320£4,167-£847
Weekly (Gross)£766£962-£196
Hourly£19.15£24.04-£4.89

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileChemical scientistsMechanical engineers
10th (Entry)£25,928£31,219
25th£32,226£40,001
50th (Median)£39,834£49,999
75th£50,662£62,548
90th (Senior)£0£0

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Chemical scientists or a Mechanical engineers?
A Mechanical engineers earns more. The median salary for a Chemical scientists is £39,834, whilst a Mechanical engineers earns £49,999 — a difference of £10,165 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Chemical scientists and a Mechanical engineers?
The difference is £10,165 per year. Mechanical engineers is the higher-paid role.
What is the take-home pay difference?
After tax and National Insurance, a Chemical scientists takes home approximately £32,200 per year, whilst a Mechanical engineers takes home £39,519. The net difference is £7,319.
Should I become a Chemical scientists or a Mechanical engineers?
From a salary perspective, Mechanical engineers offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

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