Science, research, engineering and technology professionals vs Skilled trades occupations Salary

How do Science, research, engineering and technology professionals and Skilled trades occupations salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown using the latest ONS data.

Science, research, engineering and technology professionals earns £16,541 more per year (47% higher)

Science, research, engineering and technology professionals

£51,460
per year (gross)
Take-home: £40,404
vs

Skilled trades occupations

£34,919
per year (gross)
Take-home: £28,661

Detailed Comparison

MetricScience, research, engineering and technology professionalsSkilled trades occupationsDifference
Median Annual£51,460£34,919+£16,541
Mean Annual£56,323£36,896+£19,427
Take-Home (Net)£40,404£28,661+£11,743
Monthly (Gross)£4,288£2,910+£1,378
Weekly (Gross)£990£672+£318
Hourly£24.74£16.79+£7.95

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileScience, research, engineering and technology professionalsSkilled trades occupations
10th (Entry)£30,170£19,202
25th£39,349£27,269
50th (Median)£51,460£34,919
75th£68,142£44,593
90th (Senior)£87,005£56,036

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Science, research, engineering and technology professionals or a Skilled trades occupations?
A Science, research, engineering and technology professionals earns more. The median salary for a Science, research, engineering and technology professionals is £51,460, whilst a Skilled trades occupations earns £34,919 — a difference of £16,541 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Science, research, engineering and technology professionals and a Skilled trades occupations?
The difference is £16,541 per year. Science, research, engineering and technology professionals is the higher-paid role.
What is the take-home pay difference?
After tax and National Insurance, a Science, research, engineering and technology professionals takes home approximately £40,404 per year, whilst a Skilled trades occupations takes home £28,661. The net difference is £11,743.
Should I become a Science, research, engineering and technology professionals or a Skilled trades occupations?
From a salary perspective, Science, research, engineering and technology professionals 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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