Pay and Reward Report 2021
The voices of 4,298 members reveal the state of the chemical sciences profession. Find out what's changed since the 2019 survey.
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Download infographic 1: Report highlights
Download infographic 2: Impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit
Download infographic 3: Skills and the workforce
Download infographic 4: Experiences of different groups
We’re hugely grateful to all respondents to this year’s survey and those who have previously responded. Your contributions continue to provide incredible value to the 欧美AV and our community.
Every two years, we ask our members to share their experiences of working in the chemical sciences. The feedback they provide enables us to build a picture of the chemical sciences employment landscape. Salaries, pensions, benefits, job security, skills, employees' needs – the Pay and Reward Report covers all of these, and more.
It's a valuable resource for the chemical sciences profession. Not only does it provide benchmarking data for individuals, employers and recruiters, but evidence that we use to drive positive change within the chemical sciences and beyond. This simply wouldn't be possible without our members.
To all the members who took part in our research groups, who helped shape the survey, and contributed their insights – thank you.
This year's Pay and Reward Report is sponsored by CK Group, specialists in scientific, clinical and technical recruitment.
What the survey reveals
The chemical sciences continue to offer a high level of job security and stability
Despite the impact of Brexit and a global pandemic, the chemical sciences has remained resilient. This is reassuring at a time when so many sectors have been hit hard by world events.
The median salary increases but pay parity issues remain
While there is a 3.5% increase in median salary on 2019, women continue to earn less than men, despite sharing a similar level of responsibility.
The chemical sciences needs to address equality issues
For the chemical sciences to thrive and overcome new challenges it must attract, develop and retain a diverse range of people. Women, disabled people, those with caring responsibilities, and LGBT+ people continue to experience discrimination and bias when it comes to pay, skills development and achieving high levels of responsibility. We're working hard to support our community and highlight examples in the report. The Pay and Reward data will feed into our evidence-driven approach to drive action on inclusive access and progression within the chemical sciences.
The most sought-after skills for career progression
As in 2019, leadership and networking are the skills that chemistry professionals want to develop over the next twelve months. It appears that the sector's growing need for specialist digital skills isn't yet reflected in individuals' priorities.
Pay and reward through the ages
Members can delve into our digital archives to find out how employment in the chemical sciences has changed over the last 100 years. What did a chemical scientist earn in 1919? What were the most lucrative industries to work in? When was the best time to be a chemist?
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To purchase the report, please contact our career management team.
Careers support when you need it
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