UK Life Sciences Salary and Contract Rates Guide (2026/27)
Life sciences contractors in the UK typically earn £300–£650 per day, with Qualified Persons, clinical project managers and senior regulatory specialists at the top of the range. Laboratory analysts usually earn £16–£25 per hour on temporary contracts.
Updated October 2026 · 8 min read
Clinical research and operations
| Role | Level | Contract (per day unless stated) | Permanent (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Trial Assistant / Study Coordinator | Entry | £150–£220 | £26,000–£34,000 |
| Clinical Research Associate (CRA) | CRA II | £350–£480 | £40,000–£55,000 |
| Senior CRA | Senior | £450–£580 | £52,000–£65,000 |
| Clinical Project Manager | Manager | £500–£650 | £60,000–£80,000 |
Regulatory, quality and manufacturing
| Role | Level | Contract (per day unless stated) | Permanent (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Affairs Officer | Mid | £300–£450 | £38,000–£52,000 |
| Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist | Senior | £450–£600 | £55,000–£75,000 |
| QA Specialist (GMP) | Mid | £300–£450 | £38,000–£52,000 |
| Qualified Person (QP) | Senior | £550–£750 | £70,000–£95,000 |
| Validation Engineer | Mid | £350–£500 | £42,000–£58,000 |
| GMP Manufacturing Operator | Entry | £14–£19 per hour | £25,000–£32,000 |
Laboratory science
| Role | Level | Contract (per day unless stated) | Permanent (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Technician / Analyst | Entry | £15–£20 per hour | £25,000–£32,000 |
| QC Analyst / Analytical Chemist | Mid | £18–£25 per hour | £30,000–£40,000 |
| Senior Scientist | Senior | £300–£420 | £42,000–£55,000 |
These are indicative UK market ranges for standard hours. Final pay depends on the employer, location, experience and engagement model. Your Actionus consultant confirms the exact rate before you start.
IR35 and engagement
Day rates depend on the IR35 determination set by the end client. Outside IR35 roles can be paid through a limited company; inside IR35 roles run through PAYE or an umbrella company, where take-home is lower for the same day rate.
GxP experience (GMP, GLP or GCP) is usually essential for regulated roles and has a strong effect on rates.
Holiday pay and pensions
Hourly PAYE workers accrue 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year, usually calculated as 12.07% of hours worked. Rates may be quoted inclusive or exclusive of holiday pay; we always confirm which before you start.
Workers engaged on PAYE through an agency or umbrella company are auto-enrolled into a workplace pension once they earn over £10,000 a year and are aged 22 or over. You can opt out within one month of enrolment for a refund, and opt back in at any time.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the day rate for a contract CRA in the UK?
- Typically £350–£480 per day, and £450–£580 for senior CRAs, depending on therapy area and IR35 status.
- How much does a Qualified Person earn?
- Contract QPs typically earn £550–£750 per day; permanent QPs £70,000–£95,000 a year.
- Are life sciences contracts inside or outside IR35?
- It varies by client and role. The end client sets the determination and we confirm it before you interview.